The Spark is a small car, and it achieves a lot with its little engine. Displacing 1.4 liters, the 4-cylinder powerplant in the Spark makes 98 horsepower, which is plenty to pull the Spark's mere 2,300 pounds curb weight around. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission. The resulting acceleration is peppy, but more importantly to most buyers, the Chevrolet Spark can do up to 38 mpg on the highway.
The Spark comes in four different trims, each available with an automatic or a manual transmission. Equipment on even the Base LS models is generous: a 7-inch LCD touchscreen dominates the dashboard, housing the stereo and the standard rearview camera. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability along with Bluetooth and two USB ports are all standard on the Chevrolet Spark.. The Spark is also equipped with Chevrolet MyLink allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road when interacting with the stereo or their telephone.
The Spark 1LT improves on the features in the base LS by adding a 6-speaker stereo and a 3-month subscription to SiriusXM Satellite radio. Other standard features include remote keyless entry, power door locks, power heated mirrors, LED daytime running lights, steering wheel mounted audio controls and cruise control. The more rugged looking Spark Activ trim comes with heated seats, leather steering wheel, leatherette seating surface.
The interior of the 2LT is spruced up with the addition of chrome interior door handles, push-button start, LED daytime running lights and Rear Park Assist. The exterior of the 2LT also gets a bit more bling with several chrome accents that are absent on other Spark models.
Drivers may feel the Spark's small size and diminutive price tag mean compromises may have been made with regards to safety. However, Chevrolet combats this assumption by offering 10 standard airbags, stability and traction control as well as 4-wheel antilock brakes. Available active safety features include automatic emergency braking, a forward collision alert system and a lane departure warning system.
Other upgraded features buyers can add to their 2021 Spark include a power sliding sunroof, all-weather floor mats, aluminum sill plates, sport pedals and exterior appearance options. Popular optional packages for Spark trims include the Spark Special Edition Package, Driver Confidence Package and the Winter/Summer Floor Mats Package.
For 2021, the Chevrolet Spark incurs no major changes except for some exterior appearance options. Chevrolet has added two new colors to the palette and has removed two former color options.
The Chevrolet Spark is the smallest and least expensive car in the Chevy lineup, the Spark competes with the Ford Fiesta and the Honda Fit. A dozen years ago, cars in this class would be very spartan and economically designed, but the 2021 Chevrolet Spark pushes what can be expected of a small car. It is safe, efficient and packed with technology unheard of even a few years ago.
