First Drive Review
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A new era of double-digit horsepower is upon us. We’re not so sure we mind.
We have passed the point of no return. It seems we’ll never go back to wholesale rejection of tiny cars. And this Korean-built Chevy is the very definition of tiny. It’s just 144.7 inches long, or about two inches shorter than a Mini Cooper.
It is, however, fairly roomy inside, thanks to its upright profile. Our six-foot-seven driver fit comfortably up front, with enough space left over for a real human in the seat behind him. Fold the rear bench, and the Spark will haul 31 cubic feet of Habitrail tubes, elbows, and accessories.
That’s about all the Spark will haul. Loading it up with other things is not advised because other things are less air by volume than Habitrail componentry. With 84 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque, the little 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine gets the 2350-pound Spark through first gear reasonably quickly. It slows beyond that but never sounds strained, and it’s sufficient for urban commuting. People who need affordable transportation and nothing more won’t notice or care. Hopefully they will notice how well controlled the Spark’s ride is, although the car does suffer from the sway inherent in vehicles whose proportions approximate those of other cars tipped onto their sides.
For something with a starting price of $12,995, the Spark feels surprisingly upscale. The IP borrows a few cues from big brother Sonic’s motorcycle-inspired cluster, and splashes of available body-color trim on the dash and in the doors lend an air of richness. One of the bold exterior colors is called Techno Pink. It’s less Hello Kitty and more a tinted silver. We’re told the color’s huge in Korea, but here, we’re hoping it enjoys wholesale rejection.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 5-door hatchback
BASE PRICE: $12,995
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 76 cu in, 1249 cc
Power: 84 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 83 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 93.5 in
Length: 144.7 in
Width: 62.9 in Height: 61.0 in
Curb weight: 23502400 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 11.011.5 sec
¼-mile: 18.719.2 sec
Top speed: 90 mph
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 2832/3738 mpg
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