Sounds solid. The Spark might have lost some of the "cuteness" that previous reviews appreciated, but this generation is much more grown up. It seems like an actual car you'd be okay driving, rather than a "penalty box" you had to drive out of necessity.

If you opt for all the bells and whistles, like the 2LT trim tester we had, the Spark will ring up for $18,355 (including destination and a package that adds forward collision alert and lane departure warning). That’s right around Fiat 500 money, but with everything from a better sound system (six speakers instead of four) to heated leatherette seats, and forward collision alert. Options aren’t everything, though. Take the Mitsubishi Mirage. Price-wise it’s right in there with the Spark, though performance numbers place the Spark ahead, but not by a massive margin. The Mitsubishi also can be generously optioned like the Spark, so, why are we confident in saying the Spark is a better car? During our First Test of a 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage, we said, “Taking a curvy on-ramp with as much speed as I could muster from the Mirage’s three-cylinder, I was met with ample body roll and tire squeal, along with the distinct feeling that what I was doing wasn’t safe.”

Stacks up well, then, and for similar money (with better accompaniments).

Kudos to Chevy (and GM Korea, of course).

 

Really looking forward to this car. I haven't read the whole review yet but I'm about to do so.

One thing I don't understand. When it was unveiled, there were pictures of this car with slightly bigger 5-spoke wheels that made the car look pretty good. But, last I checked on the Chevy site when you build one out..not only are they not an option..they aren't even listed as an accessory?

 

Pretty positive review overall. Seems like a nice car for the size and the money. I don't plan to buy anything that small in this world of full size trucks and SUV's however. If I lived in the inner city and needed a city car, probably a good choice.

 

Good job GM! I'm surprised to hear it has capacitive touch.

 

A young lady at the convenience store I frequent has one of these, same color too. Contrary to MT I like the color because it fits the cars' personality to me. She's owned it for a year or so and loves it. The new front end looks good on this as well as the inside.

 

Cute interior, really fits the vibe for this car.

 

I really like the new Spark. It's certainly helping build Chevy's small-car cred.

 

Everytime I see a spark I wonder why that person didn't buy a 2-4 year old better used car.

 

You could say that about any car.

 

It depends on what you consider a 'better' car.

A lot of people who buy a Spark...it IS the best car for them.
-Live in cities or near villages...very few ever get over 35 mph (at those speeds, safety isn't as much of a concern)
-Tight parking or lack of parking (either at home or in the city/village?) Spark IS the better car.
-Want something fuel efficient AND want to sit higher than even a mid-sizer (easy to get into and out of for older folk and those with back issues), the Spark IS the better car.

 

- Having another car for the longs distances
- Want to sit higher for a better visibility at most intersections of an old city.

If we do not change our house, my wife next car might be a Spark. She, alone in the car, commutes 20 minutes, we have to park on the street and for the occasionnal longs hauls we take the Grand Caravan.

 

I recently sat in one of these at my local auto show. I walked away highly impressed. I know I had lower expectation for the car compared to some others, but it was still nice. The interior seemed very spacious. The dash board was "fun" and added a bit of funkiness to the interior. It also did not feel cheap. The build quality appeared solid. Most surprisingly was when my brother sat in the front seat (5'10") and I (6'2") sat behind him in the back seat and was not cramped, nor was my head touching the ceiling.

 

This is not just a great car for city dwellers, it's a great car for Millenials who need cheap, reliable transportation for all situations. The first generation was a quiet hit and the second should continue that trend. The Orlando area is packed with young people in the service industry that make $10-15 an hour. The Spark and Nissan Versa Note seem to be the cars they buy. Why? A new car gives you 3+ years of trouble free driving thanks to the warranty. Lease and Finance deals are less than $50 a week here. It's also got a bit of style, great connectivity (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE, etc) and is not a penalty box. Another poster said buy a better used car instead, but that just misses the point. Millenials are not like boomers or Gen X or Gen Y - they want value and don't need to buy perceived status (cough cough). They buy a car to last and to not impact the ability to do other things in the budget. Great job by GM to fill this niche.

 

I really like the more conventional design of the new car compared to space alien headlights on the outgoing spark.

 

Yeah, those headlights on the old (current) spark just weren't big enough.

I think this new Spark should do well. When the first one came out, Especially with the styling..I think a lot of people took it as some kind of joke/clown car. Now that it has shown to be successful enough to stick around, and the styling has 'matured' a bit....you might find a few more people willing to try it out.

 

Small cars are important to GM
1- These are cars sold worldwide. Development costs are already amortized then GM North America can sell them.

2- You never know when the price of gasoline will increase. Of course they are currently low. But if it escalates between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Strait of Hormuz could be closed to oil traffic by underwater mines. GM must maintain options in its product porfolio

3- This is an inexpensive car. It is on the shopping list of young buyers. These young buyers must have a positive experience with Chevrolet. Let us not forget that they will return to their dealers to maintain their cars. During these visits they can see the Chevrolet products in the showroom. When they will have more money, they might buy GM again.

4- The Spark improves the average fuel economy .

 

I wouldn't be surprised if GM drops the Sonic, as the new Spark is much improved.

 

No way would a Sonic buyer step into a Spark. Chevy needs both but the Sonic needs to be updated, last year

 

The Sonic doesn't sell very well. Between the Trax, Cruze hatchback, and Spark, I think Chevrolet has plenty of alternatives for the few folks who like the Sonic.

 

The Sonic doesn't sell very well because GM is letting it rot on the vine. They're good at that