The Chevy Spark has been a global hit ever since its launch early in 2010. The Spark gave a new freshness to the Compact Hatch Segment with its Youthful and Radical looks both in the interiors and exteriors with its features and practicality.
Continuing with the same, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark receives mild updates over its 2018 version and with its sub $14,000 starting price makes for a delectable proposition.
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark on Sale in the US today comes in a total of 8 Trims depending on the transmission and features you choose. The base variant is the LS and starts at $14,095 with the manual transmission while the top end 2LT Automatic is priced at $18,595. The Trim wise bifurcation has been listed below.
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Models
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LS
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1LT
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2LT
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Activ
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MSRP(Manual/Auto)
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$14,095/$15,195
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$15,995/$17,095
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$17,495/$18,595
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$17,095/$18,195
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USB Data Ports
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Adds these to LS
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Adds these to 1LT
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Adds these to 1LT
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Projector Beam Headlamps
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LED DRL’s
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Chrome Liftgate
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Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
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Manual Tilt Steering
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Sirius XM Radio
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Chrome Door Handles
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Luggage Rack
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Tire Pressure Monitoring
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Cruise Control
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Enhanced Driver Information System
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Fog Lamps
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Features
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Rear Spoiler
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Steering Mounted Controls
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Heated Driver and Passenger Seat
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Hill Start Assist
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Theft Deterrent Entry System
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Traction Control with ESC
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6 Speaker Audio System
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Rear Cargo Lamps
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Remote Keyless Entry
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Rear Cargo Shelf
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Powered Door Locks
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Rear Window Defogger
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The prices of all trims are pretty close but there are a few features that differentiate those trims.
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There are 4 Trims to choose from in the Manual Transmission variant and 4 in the automatic, which combines to give 8 trims in totality. Despite the 1LS trim getting a whole bunch of feature updates over its last year model, the trim we would personally favor as the one would be the 1LT trim.
Going over the 1LT trim would make sense for consumers looking for a feature packed Hatchback but for most, the 1LT would do the job well. It comes with 4 door Power Windows, Keyless Entry, Cruise Control, Steering mounted controls and a host of other features.
The 2019 Spark's small four-cylinder engine is best suited for around-town use. A CVT automatic-equipped Spark takes over 11 seconds to get to 60 mph from a stop, so highway on-ramps require some planning. Surprisingly, the Spark is agile around town and delivers a well-mannered ride overall– Edmunds.com
Engine and Transmission
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark has received small design changes in the engine from its previous year model. According to GM, the Engine output has been increased by 17 percent which now outputs at 98Hp from its 1.4L Naturally Aspirated Ecotec motor. There are no mechanical changes done other than this to the motor.
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Models
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Chevrolet Spark LS
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Kia Rio LX
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Mitsubishi Mirage ES
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Ford Fiesta SE
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Toyota Yaris L
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MSRP
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$14,095
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$15,095
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$14,690
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$16,665
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$16,555
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Engine
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1.4L I4
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1.6L I-4
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1.2L I-3
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1.6L I-4
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1.5L I-4
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Transmission
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5-speed manual
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6-speed manual
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5-Speed manual
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5-speed manual
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5-Speed manual
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Horsepower
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98hp
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130hp
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78hp
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120hp
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106hp
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Torque
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94lbs-ft
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119lb-ft
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74lb-ft
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112lb-ft
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103lbs-ft
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As we can see, the updated Chevy Spark now stacks right between the entry level hatchback Market in terms of Power. It has good amount of power at the price it is offered and manages to outrun some higher priced cars as well.
The Transmission is a familiar 5 Speed manual but one can opt for a Continuously Variable Transmission on all trims. We would prefer the Manual as it makes the Spark more engaging to ride around the small space in the City and makes overtaking and maneuvers a bit easier than the CVT’s infamous rubber band effect.
Acceleration
The Spark offers decent acceleration when taking off from a Red Light or a dead stop, and making overtaking maneuvers around the city. However, these can’t be attributed to the highway as getting up to highway speeds will take some time. Also, overtaking on the freeways will require you to be in the right gear at the right time.
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Models
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Chevrolet Spark LS
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Kia Rio LX
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Mitsubishi Mirage ES
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Ford Fiesta SE
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Toyota Yaris L
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0-60 MPH
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10.8
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8.5
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NA
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8.6 sec
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NA
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Quarter mile
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18.0 sec
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NA
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NA
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NA
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NA
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Engine
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1.4L I4
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1.6L I-4
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1.2L I-3
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1.6L I-4
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1.5L I-4
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Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
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NA
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NA
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NA
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NA
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NA
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Since we didn’t get the manual timings of all cars, we have listed the timings of the automatic versions of the cars. This shows us that despite having a potent motor, the lack luster acceleration demolishes the Chevy’s hope of being the fastest car in the segment.
Ride and Handling
The Compact proportions and the dimensions of the Spark makes it one of the best Cars to be handled in City. The light steering and the small turning radius makes it a breeze to drive in tight spaces or in crowded streets. Its small size also makes it easy to be parked in tight parking areas as well.
On the Handling front, the Spark shines when it is driven in cities at speeds under City Speeds or School Zone speed of 25mph as the ride is comfortable and the Car glides over the bumps with confidence.
On the other hand, the Steering is bit more unsettling when doing Motorway Speeds on the Motorway when compared to driving in the cities. The Steering will need a bit more correction than most drivers would want to but in no way is the feedback from the same “Vague”.
Braking
The 2019 Chevy Spark on sale has good stopping power for city speeds and with the standard Electronic Traction Control, there is an added level of confidence for the drivers in the City.
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Models
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Chevrolet Spark LS
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Kia Rio LX
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Mitsubishi Mirage ES*
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Ford Fiesta SE
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Toyota Yaris L
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Brake Front(in.)
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9.3
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11
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9
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NA
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10
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Brake Rear(in.)
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7.9
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8
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7
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NA
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7.9
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Curb Weight(lbs.)
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2246
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2648
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2018
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2537
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2315
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60-0 MPH(ft.)
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NA
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NA
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127
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NA
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127
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*Based on 2018 Figures
The Brakes do require a bit of effort if one is to squeeze out the best out of them. The brakes do a decent job when decelerating from City speeds however decelerating from Highway Speeds will require higher brake inputs from the Driver.
The usual rule in the universe says ‘to get benefit out of something needs some kind of Trade off’. The “Ordinary” power output in the 1.4L engine in the 2019 Chevrolet Spark is the tradeoff that GM have made for the good MPG figures it manages to achieve.
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Model
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Chevrolet Spark LS
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Kia Rio LX
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Mitsubishi Mirage ES
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Ford Fiesta SE
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Toyota Yaris L
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MPG (city)
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29
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29
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33
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27
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30
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MPG (highway)
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38
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37
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41
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35
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36
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MPG (combined)
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34
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32
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36
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30
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33
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Tank Capacity(Gal.)
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9
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11.9
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9.2
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12.4
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11.1
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The Mitsubishi Mirage blows the competition out of the park with its MPG figures but the only 3 Cylinder Motor in the segment inside the Mirage isn’t good enough for anything else. GM engineers have done a great job in containing the weight of the “Baby Chevy” and deliver great fuel efficiency out of the 1.4L engine.
Yes, the Spark is small, but its interior layout is functional. The high roofline gives it decent access and visibility. But other subcompacts offer more rear legroom –Edmunds.com
Seating and Comfort
Considering the price at which the Spark is positioned at, it is obvious that one must not have high hopes and expectations from the interiors. The Seats offer decent support while the cost cutting can be seen in the overall interior quality. The plastics are quite hard and the dark interiors accentuates the cramped nature of the cabin.
Headroom won’t be an issue for people at the front and the back however the legroom is a big concern especially in the 2nd row which will be best comfortable for Children or small adults.
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Model
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Chevrolet Spark LS
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Kia Rio LX
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Mitsubishi Mirage ES
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Ford Fiesta SE
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Toyota Yaris L
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Passenger capacity
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
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39/50.8/43.9
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39.5/54.8/41.4
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39.1/51.7/41.7
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39.9/53.7/41.8
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39.3/52.5/40.6
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Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
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37.0/49.8/33.0
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37.5/52.6/39.3
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37.3/51.0/34.0
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37.8/53.4/33.3
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37.6/51.8/33.3
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The upholstery in the seats is made of cloth as standard however leather upholstery is available as an option. The front seats have an armrest which adds to the ease of the driver if not uplift the overall mood of the cabin. The illuminated Interior lighting however tends to create some roominess in an overall dull looking cabin.
Infotainment System
The Spark has always been targeted for Millennials and the Youth. The best way to connect with the Youth is to keep them connected. Chevrolet has done the same by providing great connectivity and infotainment system. The LS comes with a 4 Speaker Audio System while the 1LT and models above that come with a 6 speaker system.
There are a host of Connectivity features on the 2019 spark with some of the features being OnStar Navigation system, 7” Touchscreen System and myChevrolet app connectivity that keeps you updated about the Car on the phone.
Infotainment Features
- 7” Touchscreen System with Android Auto and Apple Carplay
- OnStar Turn by Turn Navigation system
- Voice Recognition System
- Steering mounted Audio Controls
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 1 USB Type C port and 1 Conventional USB Port with a 12V power socket
- 4G LTW Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Cargo Capacity
One of the most uninteresting and undoubtedly the least favorable point for the 2019 Chevrolet Spark has to be its Cargo Capacity. The Compact dimensions of the Spark tends to give it lower Cargo space against the competition with the Rear Cargo space being of little or no use.
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Model
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Chevrolet Spark LS
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Kia Rio LX
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Mitsubishi Mirage ES
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Ford Fiesta SE
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Toyota Yaris L
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Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)
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11.1
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17.4
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17.2
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14.9
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15.6
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Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)
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27.2
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32.8
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47.0
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25.4
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NA
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A point of consolation for the 2019 Spark in terms of Cargo space comes when the rear seats are folded down. Folding down the second row seats liberates a lot of space for keeping small packages and cargo and makes the Chevy a good daily driver for doing those daily errands.
Peer closely at the latest Spark’s front end, and you might notice that the grille shape is slightly different, as are the shapes of the two outboard intakes in the bumper. Chevrolet would like you to take notice of the “rich use of chrome in the grille.”-Caranddriver.com
Dimensions and Design
The Chevrolet Spark has always been the “Cute Little City Hatch” for people in the world and the US. The 2019 Spark continues with the same design language and will mostly appeal to young buyers. The Design has a modern blend of Youthfulness and functionality with the new chrome accentuated grill and sharp character lines on the side doors.
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Model
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Chevrolet Spark LS
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Kia Rio LX
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Mitsubishi Mirage ES*
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Ford Fiesta SE
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Toyota Yaris L
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Length(in)
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143.1
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160.0
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149.4
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159.7
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155.5
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Width(in)
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62.8
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67.9
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65.6
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67.8
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66.7
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Height(in)
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58.4
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57.1
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59.4
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58.1
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59.4
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Ground clearance (in)
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6.6
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5.5
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6.3
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NA
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5.5
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Wheelbase (in)
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93.9
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101.6
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96.5
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98
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98.8
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Track width (in) F/R
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54.5/54.5
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59.8/60.0
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56.3/55.7
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57.7/57.7
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58.5/57.9
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*Based on 2018 Specs
The Compact proportions give the Spark the advantage of being the best driving car around crowded places or in places where the space is less. Parking is hassle free and the low turning radius adds to the convenience of making U-Turns or while parking.
Exterior Features
The Spark is one of the few hatchbacks in the segment that makes Heads turn around, wherever it goes. The Malibu inspired headlamps, the Chrome Garnish and inserts in the front grill and the Big Bowtie Chevrolet logo adds to the overall appeal of the Spark.
- LED Daytime Running Lamps
- External Rear Spoiler
- Body Colored Door handles
- Fog Lamps and Luggage Rack on the Activ Trim
- Roof Rails on Activ Trim
- Projector Beam Headlamps
- Unique Door Handles near the Rear Windows
Chevrolet offers great levels of Safety in the 2019 Spark and it boasts of several safety tech features which other competitors are yet to get. The Body of the Car is itself made of High Strength Steel and is encompassed inside a High Strength Steel Safety Cage. You get 10 airbags as standard while ABS is active for all 4 wheels.
- Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking system up to a speed of 37mph
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Vision Parking Camera
- Rear Park Assist that employs ultrasonic sensors
- Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control
Chevrolet Spark vs. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio received a facelift in 2018 and since then has been ranked as one of top compact cars in segment. It has a peppier Engine, better driving dynamics and agility on both city and highway. However, if you plan on using your car for City driving, the Spark offers a case on its own. It has compact proportions, good engine for city overtakes and a small turning radius that makes it a fun ride in the city.
Chevrolet Spark vs. Mitsubishi Mirage
Undoubtedly, the Mitsubishi Mirage is the Mileage Champ of the Segment and Mitsubishi brought out the Mirage to do the same. The Spark however manages to do everything better at a lower price and with an MPG figure second best to the Mitsubishi. Add to this, the fact that the Mitsubishi is the only car in the segment that comes with a 3 Cylinder Motor and the lowest in class Power and Torque Output worsens the case for the Mirage.
Chevrolet Spark vs. Ford Fiesta
Fords have always been focused towards the driver and have been made as driver’s car. The Fiesta has carried this trademark for many years now and continues to be one of the best driver’s car in the segment. The Spark however is $2,000 cheaper than the Ford and offers a higher Fuel Economy and Feature set than the Ford.
Chevrolet Spark vs. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is among the only few cars in the segment to offer a manual transmission along with the others compared here. The Toyota offers the best build quality among all the cars compared here but we still are not big fans of the Material quality.
Being Japanese adds to the Reliability factor of the Toyota and this acts in the favour of the Yaris. The Spark on the other hand is $2,500 less than the Toyota and is a better car to drive in the City. It also does with better standard equipment and MPG figures than the Yaris.
The Chevrolet Spark is one the Smallest and Cheapest cars currently on sale in America. It offers good drivability around the City and offers great MPG figures in both City and Highway. The 2019 Model also gets great set of Standard Features on the Infotainment front like a Big Touchscreen Infotainment System and 4G LTE Connectivity.
There are certain areas however where we still feel that the Spark does lag behind its competitors like the Cargo Area Space, Legroom and Shoulder Room on the type of materials used.
On the whole though, we feel that the Chevy packs some “Spark” when it comes to use in the City and its compact proportions and Stylish looks makes it a good proposition for Buyers.
So if you are in the market for a Stylish looking Hatchback that will suit your City needs well, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark may suit your expectations well and will be a good buy.
