We Drove a 2015 Chevrolet Spark Halfway Across The Country

I've long had a soft spot for the Chevrolet Spark. When I reviewed the 2013 Spark 2LT  over 11 years ago I said, "... it’s an impressive inexpensive car with lots of personality. In fact, I’m quite smitten with the Spark." A couple years later, my mother-in-law purchased a 2015 Spark LS, aka Sparky. Things have changed since then and she no longer needs it. So, we recently drove it back from Wisconsin to our home in Oregon, some 2,170 miles, and will sell it. So what's it like to drive an A-segment car halfway across the U.S.?

To Be Discontinued: Chevrolet Spark

 

In what can only be described as "completely unsurprising," the subcompact Chevrolet Spark will be discontinued. There had been reports out of Korea that GM Korea was going to halt production months ago, but Chevrolet's U.S. representatives would not confirm its discontinuation for the North American market at that time. Well, now it's official. 

2018 Subcompact Sales Results

Well, here we are in 2019. And now that it's 2019, we can reflect on the small car sales of 2018.

The New and Refreshed Small Cars from the LA Auto Show

Our friend, Sean Murphy, attended the LA Auto Show and photographed some updated models from the event. Here are some quick takes:

By Sean Murphy

The Chevrolet Spark ACTIV is Ready to Crossover

North America is in love with the crossover, or at least the idea of a crossover. Ideally, they're more rugged than a wagon, less truck-like than an SUV. And as we've seen, compact crossovers are selling like hotcakes. Small, slightly lifted hotcakes with additional plastic body cladding.

Now Chevy has decided to try something a bit different: A "trail-inspired" version of its front-wheel-drive subcompact Spark, which will be called the Spark ACTIV. The Spark already sells surprisingly well for a subcompact, so maybe a butched-up version will sell even better?

2017 Chevrolet Spark Looks Good in Mint

I just logged onto Chevrolet's website to see if there was any info about the 2017 Spark, and low and behold there is. I didn't notice any ground-breaking new tech or features; the car is in its second model year in this style. However, I was immediately drawn to this color.

Chevy calls this color "Mint," and frankly, it looks really good on this car. There aren't many cars that get away with such an odd color. Call it sea foam, call it call it pale green/blue, I call it great. I know the Fiat 500 comes in a similar color called Latte Menta (Lightest Green), and it works on that little retro runabout, too.

We still haven't driven a new Spark, but still want to. Regardless, I'm glad to see some smaller cars offering interesting color choices.

Do you like the color? Sound off in the comments.

Domino's to use Chevrolet Spark as Pizza Food Delivery Method

The Domino's DXP will be based on the Chevrolet Spark and have the ability to carry up to 80 discs of pizza food plus something called '"salad."

Domino's, the chain of take-out and delivery providers known for something called "pizza" or pizza food, is going small with their vehicles. Domino's is apparently coming out with cars made specifically for delivering pizza food to its clients, who will consume the pizza food and eventually jettison it from their bodies in the form of solid waste.

Based on the Chevrolet Spark, the DXP, or Delivery Expert, will be equipped with an illuminated oven to keep pizzas warm when out for delivery. Apparently, drivers can get two insulated pizza food bags in there for safe keeping while out for delivery. The car's interior will feature easily cleanable surfaces, in case of a pizza food malfunction. The cars will be capable of holding a total of 80 round pizza-food consumables for functions at places such as schools, businesses, temples, ski resorts, campsites, research facilities, zoos, and roller discos. According to the official press release, the cars can also transport something called "salad," and two-liter bottles of soda. Sounds delicious!

The vehicle will have details including custom puddle lights that project the company's logo, hubcaps with the company's logo, a front fascia with the company's logo, and a custom graphics scheme with the company's logo.

The design and production of the Domino's DXP took over three years. It started with a five-stage crowdsourcing competition hosted by Local Motors, the company that builds the bad-ass Rally Fighter, on the company's open innovation platform called Open IO. The contest, called the Domino's Ultimate Delivery Vehicle Challenge, fielded 385 entries from designers around the world.

Domino's is working with Roush Enterprises to convert and deliver 100 DXPs to 25 markets across the U.S., including major rollouts in Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, San Diego and Seattle over the next 90 days. Domino's has contracted with Chevrolet dealers in the cities where DXP vehicles are being launched to deal with the nuances of the DXP, from ovens to accessories. These dealers will also partner with franchisees to hold local launch events to introduce the DXP in select markets.

We applaud Domino's for using the Spark, which is one of our favorite low-cost subcompacts. We also applaud them for their innovative way to deliver pizza food and salad to the masses.

2016 Chevrolet Spark

By Andy Lilienthal

We're big fans of the Chevrolet Spark. The car is proof that if you build a practical (e.g. four-door), well-built, modern A-segment car it will sell in the U.S. In fact, my mother-in-law just bought a 2015 Spark LS. Chevrolet isn't content to rest on its laurels with its A-segment offering; the company just announced a new-for-2016 Spark last week. Here are some details.

Spy Photos: 2017 Chevrolet Spark

By Andy Lilienthal

Several automotive sites turned up these pre-production photos of what is allegedly the redesigned 2017 Chevrolet Spark.

These images, apparently taken in South Korea, show a less angular but more mature looking Spark. Certainly the front fascia looks more refined and grown up. To me, some of the lines remind me of Mitsubishi or Hyundai (look up a picture of a Hyundai i10, for example). While it's not quite as aggressive looking as the current Spark, it looks pretty good—at least in these spy photos.

According to World Car Fans, the car will share a platform with the next Opel Karl/Vaxhall Viva. The Karl/Viva is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine making about 75 horsepower. Coincidentlly, this is the same engine that powers the Opel Adam and Corsa. No word on whether there will be an EV version yet. But we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves; these are simply spy photos after all.

We're big fans of the current Chevrolet Spark, and hope the next generation won't lose the simplistic qualities that make the car endearing. That being said, improvements are always welcome, so long as it doesn't change the car's character. We'll keep on top of it and bring you the latest as we hear.

Small Car Shopping For Seniors

Senior citizens often have a totally different subset of criteria when it comes to car shopping. Things younger generations take for granted, such as operating the lift gate, turning on the stereo or climate control, and getting in and out of the vehicle, can be make-or-break factors for car-buying seniors. We learned this first-hand while looking at cars with my 78 year old mother-in-law, Hermine this week.

Chevrolet to Reveal 'Important New Addition' to Small-Vehicle Lineup

Chevrolet announced yesterday that it'll be showcasing an "important new addition" to its lineup at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, held April 18–27. This announcement was combined with the news it'll be debuting a new Cruze and Corvette variant.

Generally, we usually have at least some ideas about what the secret vehicle is going to be. Take, for instance, the Cruze. There have been pics of a revamped Cruze floating around for a couple of weeks. Some spy shots, some speculation, etc. Ditto that with the Corvette, as some people are hoping for a shooting brake version. But with this vague small car announcement, there has been very little in the way guesses. Honestly, that's kind of fun.

So what could GM have up its sleeves? Here are my guesses:

Opel Adam 

Although GM has a popular A-segment car with its SPARK, it doesn't have a vehicle to compete directly with the Fiat 500 or MINI Cooper. The Opel Adam could be just the answer. There has been speculation about it coming to the U.S. before and being sold as the Buick Adam. Maybe it'd be the Chevy.

Sonic SS

Chevrolet's Sonic is a fun little hatchback, especially with the 1.4-liter turbo engine. However, there isn't a "hot" version of it other than the RS, which is mainly an appearance/handling package. A Sonic SS or Z-Spec or whatever, would go toe-to-toe with Ford's pocket-rocket Fiesta ST and Fiat's scrappy 500 Abarth. Make it 180 hp, give it a limited-slip, and there you have it.

Revised or Performance Spark?

This one is admittedly a long shot, but perhaps Chevy will hint at either a revised Spark or even a performance-oriented iteration. It's unlikely, however, since the Spark only recently debuted in the U.S. as a 2013 model and because any performance small Chevy is likely to be in the Sonic lineup.

130R Production

This is the Chevrolet 130R concept from late 2012. It's a small, rear-drive sports car. With the return of affordable rear-drive vehicles, such as the Scion FR-S, Subaru BR-Z, and Kia Stinger (still a concept), maybe GM is going to pop up and say the 130R is headed for dealer lots. I think it'd be awesome.

Latest IIHS Small Car Crash Tests: Not So Good

Maybe you've already heard, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed its latest round of crash tests, this time on mini cars. The results were not so good. The organization crashed the Chevrolet Spark, Mazda2, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa sedan, Toyota Prius c, Hyundai Accent, Fiat 500, and Honda Fit. The cars are ranted either Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. The only car to get an Acceptable rating? The Chevrolet Spark. Both the Fiat 500 and Honda Fit got Poor ratings. Shortly after these tests results were announced, Consumer Reports magazine, the bastion for all things rated, dropped the Honda Fit's "Recommended" rating.

"Small, lightweight vehicles have an inherent safety disadvantage," says Joe Nolan, IIHS senior vice president for vehicle research. And in other news, fire declared hot; water determined wet. Sky also blue. More at 11:00.

Don't get me wrong: I am all for increasing safety in cars. I think we need to keep pushing the limits because, frankly, I don't think the automakers would do it on their own. But the problem I see with this is it basically says you need to own a big, heavy automobile to be safe. Quick—everyone run to your huge cars, SUVs, and trucks! Your small cars are death traps! But then again, maybe those big "cars" aren't safe enough. Maybe a Peterbilt or Freightliner semi tractor would be better. I mean, they're the biggest thing on the road. And if it's bigger, it's got to be better. Then again, maybe we can all find used armored cars to be really safe. Can we make a tank road legal?

I'm willing to be that today's crop of small cars is orders of magnitude safer than small cars from 10 years ago. And those small cars were likely much safer than cars from 10 years before that. Again, I'm all for increasing safety in vehicles. But Joe Q. Public sees these results and thinks small cars = suicide machines.

Will the IIHS's results have an effect on subcompact sales? I don't think it'll have a negative effect. It might help continue the Chevrolet Spark's unexpected sale success, though. To be honest, I don't think we'll see a blip in sales. Why? I drive a small cars because I want to. But many (most?) people buy them because they're generally less expensive than larger cars, so therefore, those sales will continue as they always have. Some people truly don't have the cash for anything else.

We've made so much progress in terms of safety in the last 20 years, especially when it comes to small cars. It's obvious that smaller cars are at a disadvantage in crashes; it's a liability most of us understand, and many of us live with. Hey, motorcycles are inherently "dangerous" too, right? But that's a risk people are willing to take as well. I'd hate to see small cars decline in sales due to these tests. Hopefully the public will apply some common sense to these tests and realize that even the worst of the ratings these days are still much better than older cars. I'll tell you what: I'm not going to stop buying small cars because of these tests. Sure, I'll take a look at the ratings, but these ratings will not scare me away from driving small. Here's the full ratings chart.

2013 Subcompact Culture Car of the Year: Chevrolet Spark

Yes, 2014 is right around the corner, and I got to thinking: What small MY2013 car impressed me most, and what if Subcompact Culture had a car of the year award? If we did, what vehicle would win? It would have to be something important. Something that changes things. It would have to be something that has gone against the norm and embraces the spirit of Subcompact Culture: That means the vehicle isn't afraid of being small and going big. So, for this first-annual Subcompact Culture Car of the Year, I'm selecting the 2013 Chevrolet Spark.

We reviewed the Spark in January of 2013, and found that it is a vehicle that is small and proud. The '13 model had one powerplant—a 1.2-liter four cylinder making 84 hp and 84 lbs./ft. of torque. And while it isn't fast, it makes the most of its double-digit power. It never feels gutless (at least with the manual transmission), has surprisingly good highway manners for being such a little thing, and is fun to drive. Inside the Spark, you'll find a modern, attractive design. From the motorcycle-inspired gauges, to the touch-screen infotainment system, the Spark is a modern yet affordable vehicle for certain. It blends new technology and low-cost frugality better than any other subcompact offer for sale in the U.S. during 2013. Plus, it doesn't look like a bargain-basement vehicle inside or out.

The Spark has proved that Americans will buy an A-segment car as long as it's practical and priced right. The Spark is a four door where all other A-segments on the U.S. market are two doors. The Spark runs on regular fuel, whereas the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500 drink premium. There aren't any gimmicks to the Spark. There's no retro styling, no funky seating configurations, and no wonky driveline. It can seat four adults and has a door for each person. It's the return of the affordable micro five-door,and it has exceeded General Motors' sales expectations. The Spark even caught The New York Times eye (and yes I was quoted there), and they wrote a story about how the vehicle has been "a surprisingly strong seller."

It isn't perfect. We dinged the car for certain cheap-feelnig bits, such as the ignition cylinder, the rudimentary folding rear seats, a substandard sounding stereo system, and somewhat thin feeling underpinnings. But its pros far outweigh its cons, and Chevrolet has proved that an American company can market and sell a small subcompact with less than 100 horsepower, and sell a lot of 'em. We understand why. The combination of styling, affordability, frugality, practicality, and size are appealing for a lot of buyers.

So for these reasons, I am naming the 2013 Chevrolet Spark the Subcompact Culture Car of the Year. And while I have no trophy, no plaque, and no certificate, I think it's important that someone recognizes the achievements and strides being made in the small car world. So, congratulations Chevrolet Spark—you're the first Subcompact Culture Car of the Year.

Unobtanium: Seven Hot Hatchbacks that Should Exist

I love the fact that there are some sporty, scrappy subcompacts on the North American market these days. The Fiat 500 Abarth, the Ford Fiesta ST, Nissan Juke Nismo and the MINI Cooper S are all examples. However, here are a few that I wish existed. Most should be pretty feasible to offer by swapping an engine, stiffening up the suspension, offering a limited-slip diff, and adding some aero parts. Or we could just put it this way:

Dear automakers, please build these.

Love,

Andy

Mitsubishi Mirage EVO (pictured above)
Ok, I know the likelihood of this is nearly zero, but I had to throw it in. Take the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and throw in a tiny turbocharged engine, or perhaps the 2.0-liter engine from the Outlander Sport. You could go with the trademark EVO front end, offer it in AWD, and have a truly interesting Mitsubishi, just like in the days of yore (aka the 1980s and early 1990s). OK, so an EVO version of the newest Mirage is truly just a dream, maybe a Ralliart version with a few more ponies and some suspension goodies could actually happen.

Of course someone has already thought about a customized Mirage, and even rendered it. I found the image from a Thai site at AutoCarNano.com.

MAZDAZPEED2
We've seen the MAZDASPEED3, so a MAZADSPEED2 should fit right in. If this vehicle existed, it could be powered by a small turbocharged powerplant, or perhaps by the existing 2.0-liter SKYACTIVE engine found in other Mazda vehicles. It'd have a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip diff. Knowing how Mazda likes to formulate its lineup, I could see this making anywhere between 130 and 170 hp. This car would be a blast, thanks to its already very good chassis and driving dynamics. Mazda: Make it happen for 2015!

FYI, the car above was a SEMA vehicle from a few years ago that was showcased in the Mazda booth.

Chevrolet Spark RS
Take the tiny Chevrolet Spark and throw in the 1.4-turbo engine out of the Sonic. Boom: instant A-sement hot hatch. While the Sonic with the 1.4-liter turbo already makes 138 hp and 148 lbs/ft of torque and is fun to drive, a Spark with the same engine would be a damn riot. Add a stiff rear sway bar, lower it a few millimeters, liven up the steering ratio, and you've got a super-fun A-segment brawler. Chevy—are you listening?

The car above has been customized by German tuner, KBR Motorsports.

Mugen Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a world-class subcompact that can be a really fun vehicle to drive thanks to a great chassis, a outstanding five-speed manual transmission, and quick reflexes. So how about a little more power? I know what you're thinking: K24 swap, right? That would be awesome, but highly unlikely from the factory. However, maybe the 143 hp 1.8-liter out of the Civic would be OKed by Honda top brass to create a Mugen Fit for North America? Or perhaps a Fit Si? That 1.8 liter engine likely weighs less (correct me if I'm wrong Hondaphiles of the world). Of course, you'd lower it, put stickier tires on it, and have some great-looking bodywork. People have been asking for this one since the Fit appeared in the U.S. I'd love to see it.

The vehicle pictured above is actually 2014 Mugen Fit for the JDM market. No word as to what's under the hood, but it does feature the body work, LEDs, projector headlamps, and cool wheels that could really up the fun factor on the Fit.

Toyota Yaris XRS
Toyota does offer a sporty trim level for the Yaris, which is the SE package. While it offers bigger wheels, quicker steering, a more tuned suspension, and some different bumpers, it still has the 106 hp 1NZ-FE engine. The easiest fix to this would to put the 128 hp 1.8-liter engine from the Scion xD under the hood (this was the Yaris T-Sport in the last body style). Alternatively, perhaps the new Corolla's 132 hp 1.8-liter powerplant could be shoehorned in. Let's face it: The xD isn't getting any younger, but the Yaris was redesigned not too long ago. Let's add some more juice to the already lightweight Yaris, Toyota!

Above is the Toyota Vitz RS "G's" model. This does exist in Japan, but is powered by the same 1.5-liter the U.S. gets.

Fiat 500L Abarth

Here's another no-brainer for me. Take Fiat's 500L and tune the 1.4-liter turbo to Abarth specs to make one fast four-door Italian. 

I found this image via Google Images, but the watermark goes to AutosBlog.com.ar. Gotta give credit where it's due. Regardless, this little car needs to happen.

Nissan Versa Note NISMO
The latest subcompact from Nissan, the Versa Note, is very practical and offers a good value. And while most NISMO-equipped Nissans get small bumps in power along with other goodies, I'd love to see a Note powered by the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Juke. Plus, it wouldn't look as polarizing as the strangely shaped crossover. Oh yes. This would be awesome.

The car pictured above is actually from Japanese tuner IMPUL, and gives you an idea of the Versa Note's potential. Now with 180 hp, this thing would really scoot.

Chevrolet Spark vs. Mitsubishi Mirage

As far as a-segment vehicles are concerned, I'd venture to say the Chevrolet Spark has been pretty successful. While other a-segment vehicles have only two doors, the Spark has four. Where other a-segment vehicles either have no back seat, a limited back seat, or an uncomfortable back seat, the Spark will seat four legitimate adult human beings. And on top of it, the Spark starts at at $12,170. This is all a recipe for success, as Chevy has sold nearly 21,500 units in seven months. That's more than four times the Smart ForTwo and more than eight times that of a Scion iQ. But one manufacturer is going to go toe to toe with the the small Chevy, and that's Mitsubishi.

Review: 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a thing for the small “hot hatch” cars. It started with cars like the Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, Dodge Omni GLH, Suzuki Swift GT, and the Chevrolet Sprint Turbo. In their base forms they aren't necessarily the most exciting cars. But with the right combination driving dynamics and character, they become cars that are choked full-o-fun. And while they may not be the fastest vehicles on the road, they possess certain traits that make them entertaining. Each one of these cars is a wee bit quirky, and they aren't for everyone. Chevrolet’s new Spark EV is also one of these cars, and it’s all electric. And while it may seem outlandish to consider an electric Chevrolet Spark to be a hot hatch, my time behind the wheel made me realize that this tiny five-door has many of the characters the aforementioned fun hatches.

Driven: 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

I got to put about 60 miles on a 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV yesterday at the vehicle's media launch. I must say I'm impressed (and I'd tell you otherwise). Lots of power (400 ft./lbs. of torque), low NVH levels, and a reasonable price that's under $20,000 after tax credits. There's also a lease deal of $999 down and $199 a month for three months. A full report coming soon. Stay tuned.

In the flesh: 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

If you read Subcompact Culture on a regular basis, you know we've talked a decent amount about the Chevrolet Spark and have done a full review on it. One thing we haven't mentioned much is there is an upcoming all-electric version of it coming out.

The Spark EV will initially be sold in California, Oregon, Canada, South Korea, and a few other global markets. And yes, unlike the Honda Fit EV, your only option isn't a lease. You'll be able to buy this little thing.

Review: 2013 Chevrolet Spark 2LT

A-segment cars, or micro cars, have been a bit of an experiment in the U.S. Well suited to tooling around cramped European and Asian city streets, there hasn’t been much market for these runabouts in the U.S. until recently. Previously thought of as too small for the U.S., manufacturers have decided to test the waters with a few models. However, all of these models have been very niche oriented. For instance, there’s the Smart ForTwo, but it only seats two, making it only good for a commuter. You can cram one more person into a Scion iQ (two in dire straits), but it’s still a small two-door that’s also best left for commuting. The Fiat 500 is more practical, and has a usable back seat for two. But, like the ForTwo, it drinks 92 octane fuel and, while it drives the best of the aforementioned automobiles, you’ll pay a premium for it. There hasn’t been an attempt at a mass-market A-segment vehicle until Chevrolet decided to introduce the Spark to the U.S. market.

Chevy Spark Rally Car

We just had the 2013 Chevrolet Spark for review and found it to be a surprisingly good, fun little runabout. Some people even race them, such as this 16 year old professional rally car driver from the UK. Personally, this is the kind of rally car I'd love to build. Something small, inexpensive, and slow not overpowered. Cool stuff.