Specifications of Chevrolet Spark IV 1.4 ECOTEC (98 HP)
General characteristics of Chevrolet Spark IV 1.4 ECOTEC (98 HP)
As you can guess, the Spark doesn't take up a lot of space. The whole thing measures just 143.1 inches in length, while the width is 62.8 inches with the mirrors folded. The wheelbase is a scant 93.9 inches, while height is 58.4 inches. On the Activ, however, the height measures 58.8 inches. Curb weight varies depending on the trim, with the base manual version tipping the scales at just 2,246 pounds and the auto weighing in at 2,278 lbs. All other manual models weigh 2,266 lbs while autos weigh 2,312 lbs. With dimensions like these, parking is a breeze.
All trim variants come with the same 1.4-liter Ecotec four-banger that develops a grand total of 98 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque. Competitors offer more power from similar or smaller engines, but this one has no forced induction and that seems kinda right for a simple, pure, city slicker like this. Although you don't get the option of a bigger or more powerful engine, you can at least choose your gearbox. All trims are available with either a five-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission. As we said in our 2021 review of the Chevy Spark, the manual is the better option, proving a little more motivated when it comes to accelerating away from the lights and also when exploiting the rare overtaking opportunity that the little 1.4 affords. The CVT, however, feels slow to react and is difficult to predict. If you're always confined to congested city streets, then the slightly more frugal CVT, with its more comfortable operation would be ideal, but for everyone else, we recommend the manual.
The manual Chevy Spark is remarkably impressive with its gas mileage. All but the Activ trim return the same 29/38/33 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. The CVT is even better, returning 30/38/33 mpg on the same cycles. The Activ scores identically, except on the highway cycle where it drops one mpg, while the manual drops one on the combined cycle. However, the gas tank is minute, storing just nine gallons of gas. This means that the Spark will return a total of around 297 miles between fillups with mixed driving practices, a figure which has been verified in numerous Spark reviews.
Although most hatchback cars and small sedans offer seating for five, the Spark is a lot more realistic in its ambitions and rather seats four. This means that rear passengers are as comfortable as can be, although taller individuals will find the cabin slightly claustrophobic no matter where they sit with only 33 inches of legroom. There is enough headroom and legroom to get by, but on longer journeys, it gets tight. In front, there are manual adjustments for the seats and a tilt-only steering wheel, but pretty much anyone can find a relaxed driving position, and visibility in all directions is excellent.
If you own a Spark, your friends are unlikely to ask you to help them move house. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is up to you, but the cargo area's 11.1 cubic feet of volume is minimal by any standard. Still, it's enough for your weekly shop or a couple of carry-on suitcases. If you do get roped into helping with the move, the rear seats fold in a 60/40 split to open up a space of 27.2 cubic feet.
In the cabin, the rear center seat is taken up by a plastic storage tray and a pair of cupholders. In the front, another pair of cupholders are fitted and there's a spot below the dash for your phone and keys plus a few other pocket sundries. There's also a decently-sized glovebox and door pockets on all four access points.
