Chevrolet Spark hatchback (2010 – ) expert review

Inspired by the Beat concept car displayed at the 2007 New York Motor Show, the Chevrolet Spark hatchback has a more modern look than the outgoing Chevrolet Matiz. Designed to appeal to younger customers, the Spark has sharper edges and trendier front and rear lights than its bland predecessor. All Sparks have five doors, but with rear door handles neatly integrated into the C-pillar, it has the styling of a three door. The design is not without flaws as entry-level cars look awkward on small steel wheels, and the huge front and rear light clusters can look too big from some angles. Small hatchbacks like the Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta are better resolved.

It’s all the rage to fit city cars with dials in a pod above the steering wheel – just look at the MINI. In the Spark there’s a motorbike-style speedometer and digital rev counter plus a trip computer, which move up and down with the steering column. It’s easy to read, but the casing looks cheap and you have to reach through the steering wheel to adjust it. There’s a good feeling of spaciousness inside the Spark – partly thanks to the abundance of headroom. Visibility is good, making it easy to position the car in town.

Like all city cars, luggage space is sacrificed to make way for maximum space in the cabin – there’s just 170 litres available in the boot. Fold the rear seats down and its better, with 568 litres on offer. The steering wheel adjusts for height but not reach, making the distance between your pedals, feet, steering wheel and hands a comprise which some may find uncomfortable.

The Chevrolet Spark has a reasonably firm ride, but it won’t send every bump through to the cabin. It has some body roll through corners, but finds good grip and feels relatively nimble – partly thanks to the fact it weighs less than a tonne. The gear change has quite a long throw, but it’s light and precise, while the brakes are well judged and stop the Spark convincingly, despite looking tiny behind the alloy wheels.

There’s a 1- or 1.2-litre petrol engine available with 67 or 80bhp respectively. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 12.1 seconds in the more powerful Spark and a lethargic 15.5 seconds in the 1-litre. Performance is fine around town, but overtaking on faster roads and motorways requires planning. The available power is high up in the rev range too, where the engine becomes quite loud.

City cars are as cheap to run as it gets, and the Spark is no exception. It qualifies for insurance groups one to six, depending on engine and trim, and both engines have the same 55.4mpg fuel consumption on the combined cycle. A Hyundai i10 also has similarly competitive economy figures.

Being an all-new car, only time will tell if the Chevrolet Spark is completely trouble-free. Its light weight and simple design should keep the cost of maintenance and repairs low.

The Chevrolet Spark has scored four-stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, only missing out on a five-star rating by one point. It’s available with electronic stability control, and has the usual complement of airbags fitted. Its rear bench seat is fitted with three individual three-point seatbelts, improving its safety credentials.

The entry-level Spark is one of the cheapest small cars on sale today and comes with six airbags. The Spark+ 1.0 comes with air conditioning, electric front windows, central locking and a USB compatible stereo. LS models add remote central locking, 14-inch wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, chrome grille surround, front fog lamps and rear spoiler. The LS+ upgrade pack adds rear electric windows, alloy wheels, trip computer, heated door mirrors, roof bars and multi-function steering wheel. The LT is available only with the 1.2-litre engine and includes 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control, colour-matched interior trim, bodykit and upgraded stereo.

Those in the market for a small car should find much to like with the Chevrolet Spark, especially the trendy looks and low price tag.