2021 Chevrolet Spark

With an MSRP of $14,595, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark is an urban commuter car that is extremely fuel-efficient and meets the needs of a new generation of car buyers. While it retains the same aesthetics and power as the outgoing 2020 model, Chevy has made few improvements on its safety front. It faces stiff competition from the Kia Rio Hatchback and Mitsubishi Mirage. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark is offered in four well-appointed trim levels, namely LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT. There are no significant changes across the lineup with few additions to the safety compartment such as the available Forward-collision alert, Lane-Departure warning, and Automatic Emergency braking. All four trims come equipped with an ample set of standard features like air conditioning, four (LS) and six-speaker sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 15-inch steel, alloy, and aluminum wheels, and heated front seats to name a few. 

The 2021 Spark hatch provides seating for up to five passengers with ample headspace and legroom. Available in both manual and automatic transmission, you can choose a vehicle that best suits you. From the driver's seat, you have full access to the available 7-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You can also connect your compatible device to select models through Bluetooth, utilize OnStar, and stay connected with available Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Which trim should you buy? 

The Chevrolet Spark is a small and stylish car with a lot of options. Everyone can afford it even during these tough times, and they get very good fuel efficiency. Given that the buying options are long-term, we recommend opting for the Activ variant as it offers all the generic features and comforts to keep you safe and lively. 

A 1.4-liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 engine will power up every 2021 Chevrolet Spark, which is capable of churning 98 horses of power and 94 lb-ft of torque that will be converted into motion via a 5-Speed manual transmission available as standard. A CVT automatic transmission can also be availed for an additional 900 bucks. In the end, all that power generated will be used to light up the front wheels only as there is no option to avail an All-Wheel Drivetrain. 

With the 2021 Chevrolet Spark in your drive, you'll be able to glide confidently through just about any street or surface. This Hatch can make 0-60 in 10.7 seconds and can run through a quarter-mile in 18 seconds, reaching a top speed of 89 mph. While on the Continuously Variable Transmission(CVT), the hatchback delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. 

In the competitive landscape, the brawnier-looking Mitsubishi Mirage is the underpowered Hatch with 78 horsepower and 74 pounds of torque, pushing it to last place. The Kia Rio grabs the first spot with 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque, probably the highest in the segment, followed by the Chevrolet Spark. Also, the Kia Rio is the quickest accelerating car in the lot. 

How well does the 2021 Chevrolet Spark handle?

The ride quality of the Spark on the rough pavement is also good. Potholes and bumps are swallowed up with minimal road noise seeping into the cabin, which is also aided by its lightweight design. The suspension does a great job of keeping everything feeling settled and composed. It’s tight but never harsh, even over rougher sections of the road, providing a comfortable experience for the driver and passengers alike.

2021 Chevrolet Spark Braking Performance

The 2021 Chevy Spark's braking system is a redesign of its previous model. The braking system was designed to stop the vehicle quicker while maintaining control in high-stress situations. The traction and anti-lock properties make it suitable for all types of driving conditions, whether wet or dry. As standard, the vehicle also comes with a few more braking features like brake assist, ventilated front and rear rotors, ABS with EBD, etc.

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark is equipped with 9.3-inch front rotors and 7.9-inch rear rotors, which are essential if the car is to be roadworthy. The Spark needs 137 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph. The rivals in the segment offer better figures in both brake rotors and braking distance, with Kia Rio taking the least distance of 119 feet to reach a halt from 60 mph.

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark, like its predecessor, is fuel-efficient and economical enough for just about any driver. With an EPA rating of 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on highways, and 33 mpg combined, it offers a pretty decent range but not better than its rivals. It features a fuel tank of 9 gallons, which delivers a range of 297 miles combined, which is far lower than the Mirage and Rio. 

Compared to the Chevrolet Spark, its rivals drive more efficiently, especially in the city. The Mitsubishi Mirage leads the table with a wide margin, delivering 36 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highways and 39 mpg combined. Followed by the Kia Rio, which returns 36 mpg in the combined case, and it also sports the largest fuel tank with 11.9 gallons of capacity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark retains the same cabin design as its predecessor. The interior of this Chevy Spark is pretty appealing, featuring a jet black interior, and it certainly stands out amongst the sea of dull beige interiors found in most small cars. It comes with the standard set of features like heated front seats, air conditioning, driver information display, and leatherette upholstery.

The front seats provide about 41.7 inches of legroom, and the backseat offers 33 inches, which is fair enough for tall folks to sit comfortably on long drives. Due to its very small footprint, the interior of the Spark can feel a bit tight when compared to larger sedans or SUVs, but it will serve you well if you are looking for a fuel-efficient compact car that still manages to seat four adults. The dashboard design is simple yet stylish with gentle curves that lead up to the driver's instrument console which includes a 3.5-inch color display. 

In the competition, the Kia Rio triumphs again with a capacious cabin that can seat 5 adults comfortably and even offers the largest luggage room in the segment at 17.4 cu-ft. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Mirage impresses with its cargo space of 17.1 cu-ft. while offering a decent seating room for 5 passengers. The Spark is the hatch with the least amount of cargo and seating room in the segment. Standard interior features of the 2021 Chevrolet Spark include:

• Leather Wrapped Steering wheel
• Heated Front Seats
• Leatherette Upholstery
• Air Conditioning
• Remote keyless entry and Push-button start
• MID information center

How intuitive is the 2021 Chevrolet Spark’s Infotainment System?

The 2021 Chevy Spark comes with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The center console houses a 7-inch Infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. We do have a six-speaker sound system, while the base LS trim qualifies for a four-speaker audio system only. Overall, the Chevrolet Spark’s infotainment is the best of all the hatchbacks in this segment.

All the standard infotainment features are listed below:

• 7-inch infotainment Touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
• Bluetooth Audio streaming
• USB and AUX Plugin compatibility
• SiriusXM Radio
• Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
• Navigation System
• OnStar emergency communications with onboard Wi-Fi hotspot

Simple, minimalistic, and functional, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark hatchback pushes the limits of ingenuity and technology with a footprint that shifts, bends, and stretches to accommodate your necessities. Innovative red-lit LED lights to change direction with the touch of a button are provided in the center console to ease nighttime driving. Despite being an affordable hatchback, the Spark sports a well-crafted and premium design. 

The front fascia houses the halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED DRLs, fog lights, and a blacked-out grille. The Chevrolet Spark is conveniently named for its minuscule stature, but it's anything but wee. This subcompact hatchback features a rear spoiler for improved high-speed stability, and heated door mirrors let you see more of the road ahead in inclement weather.

Among the competition, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark turns out to be the most compact offering, which enhances its maneuverability but falls short in the comfort and seating space. The Kia Rio is the heaviest, and in fact, the bulkiest hatch in the segment, leading in all fronts like weight, length, and width. Some standout exterior features of Chevrolet Spark include:

• 15-inch Steel/Alloy/Aluminum wheels depending on the trim you choose
• Heated & Power Side trims
• Halogen Projector-Beam Headlamps 
• Unique Chrome Grille
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Integrated rear spoiler
• Front intermittent Wipers
• Solar absorbing glass

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA yet, while the IIHS awarded it with some decent scores in few parameters. The 2021 Spark adds to an already impressive list of safety features. It has been designed with your safety in mind, incorporating Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert. And as a Chevrolet, the 2021 Spark has many great technologies to help make driving more fun and enjoyable. Other safety features include:

• Electronic traction control
• Hill Start Assist
• LED DRLs
• Rear Vision Camera
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• StabiliTrak stability control
• Available Automatic Emergency Braking
• Available Forward Collision alert
• Available Lane Departure Warning

2021 Chevrolet Spark vs 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback

Say you're in the market for a new car and have already narrowed it down to these two models: 2021 Chevrolet Spark and 2021 Kia Rio. But which is better? If you don't need to carry more than two people and their things, then you won't be disappointed with either one. But Kia Rio clearly edges out the Spark when it comes to the fuel economy and interior space, while the Spark is very good in handling and composed ride quality.

2021 Chevrolet Spark vs the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

Both the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevrolet Spark are well-renowned cars in the compact hatch segment. The differences between these two cars are extensive, but it's not all bad news for Chevy drivers. There are a few things that help save face with this new car, like its lower price point, more storage space, and its sleek design. The Mirage offers superior gas mileage and interior seating room than Spark, but the Chevrolet Spark comes with some quality interior materials with a sturdy build and even offers a better ride quality than the Mirage. 

Starting at $14,595, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark is an affordable option that gets you around town and to your destination. Light and nimble, the Spark is the right car for anyone who wants ample visibility, a small footprint, and an incredibly agile driving experience. This two-door, five-passenger hatchback is loaded with features that make every trip an adventure. Get your hands on this wildly talented entry-level hatchback that will leave you spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer speed or efficiency, Spark offers adequate of both for the segment.