Chevy Spark Fails to Ignite 40+ MPG Rating

[nsap]

Chevy's new city car doesn't even match the larger Sonic/Cruze in fuel economy.
www.GMInsideNews.com
July 18, 2012
By: Nick Saporito

This week the EPA let the cat out of the bag with regards to the fuel economy figures for Chevrolet's upcoming city car. The A-segment Spark will be the smallest Chevy ever sold in North America, meaning many were speculating that the new mini-car would achieve impressive fuel economy figures to justify it's existence in the U.S. market. Unfortunately, the EPA has confirmed that few will be igniting any major amount of love over Spark's fuel economy. In fact, Spark's larger siblings do better on the highway.

According to the EPA's website, they have rated the Spark with manual transmission is rated at 32 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while the four-speed automatic will wear ratings of 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The new Spark is powered by an Ecotec 1.2-liter four-cylinder that makes 83 horsepower and 83 foot-pounds of torque, an acceptable amount of power for a car that weighs in at only 2,200-pounds.

Spark's main competition, the Smart ForTwo, wears similar ratings with its 1.0-liter three-cylinder. Typically the size of a vehicle ultimately has diminishing returns with fuel economy. The smaller the vehicle, the less aerodynamic; meaning the Spark is immediately disadvantaged because of the very thing most of the public associates with good fuel economy.

Since announcing the Spark for the North American market Chevrolet has been coy about the car's fuel economy. The lack of comment from Chevrolet ultimately led to some speculation as to the range in which the final fuel economy numbers would fall into - most assuming the car would at least achieve about 40 mpg highway.

While the Spark's EPA figures are good for this new, growing segment of cars in North America, it remains to be seen if 32/38 mpg will be enough to convince American car buyers to pick the new Spark over it's larger Sonic and Cruze siblings.

Spark launches later this summer as a 2013 model.

[rsbaker]

This is disappointing! I think GM needs to upgrade the transmission options to 6 speeds for both manual and automatic. I was actually expecting at least 42 HWY for the Spark. On this particular car I think it absolutely must get the best mileage in the Chevrolet line up to be a success... not including Volt of course

[gagt02]

More reason for me to not like this car.

[GMfan1111]

Disappointing news but ultimately I'm not surprised by this. As mentioned earlier in the article aerodynamics play a big role in fuel efficiency along with other factors. Unfortunately the Sparks overall shape does not help its cause in that particular department. However I did have the chance to sit in a Spark awhile back and for a budget minded city car the interior looked good and the car does look better in person than in pictures. Ultimately though sales will most likely be low since car's this small tend to be a niche market item so I'll be curious to see how well its recieved by consumers here in this country.

[All Star]

This is expected, even with 6 speeds it won't happen...it's shaped like a brick.

[Hitman1970]

The city numbers are very good. It is a city car that can handle some highway driving too. I think Sonic is small enough for the US market. You need a real eye catching design to go smaller.

[ausrutherford]

Short cars just can not get around the aero issues. They might be better in price, but they will never be in terms of fuel economy.

[VS Ute 5Litre]

The HWY Number is irrelevant anyway as this car will spend 90% of it's time ideling in city traffic

It's what it's designed to do

[lio45]

So... every time a Spark is sold to someone who'd have bought a Sonic or a Cruze instead, it actually hurts GM's CAFE ratings. :-P

[1BADLS3]

I think it needs bigger headlight housings.

[peterj2706]

It sure makes for lously ad copy.

[GMusa]

wow gerat job GM.. lets just blame the Korean's .. ditch this ugly thing.. and bring over the Adam!!

[Burnout Czar]

So... every time a Spark is sold to someone who'd have bought a Sonic or a Cruze instead, it actually hurts GM's CAFE ratings. :-P

Most likely profitability as well. Overall I think the mileage is decent for a city car which is what this vehicle is supposed. I suppose it's price, size, and features will bring city dwellers into the Chevy family.

[nruggiero]

IMO, city cars should be electric.

[SonicAerio]

Lets also consider the cost and margins of profitability. Should GM go through loop holes to get it 3 more mpg at the expense of cost/profit?

Right now they start out at just over 12k and fully loaded under 17k. Its an entry level car..... Entry level doesn't mean most efficient in all cases - just cost. The Sonic bumps to right under 20K and the Cruze is under 30k. the sweet spot of efficiency seems to be with sub compacts and compacts. Minis' give urbanites the ability to own a vehicle in an otherwise congested area and find reasonable parking, or allow teens an entry level "cool car". Either way you look at although important fuel efficiency isn't at the absolute top of the list.