Used 2019 Chevrolet Spark

These days, you might be surprised to find any minicars left on the market considering the big push away from sedans, coupes and hatchbacks to SUVs, crossover SUVs and pickups. But Chevrolet appears committed to keeping the pint-sized Spark in its model mix. And for those who want a lot from a little package that amounts to more than just rock-bottom pricing, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark is worth a look. The Spark delivers great mileage while retaining better-than-expected acceleration. It has a welcome mix of infotainment and safety technologies, as well: including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi, as well as forward-collision warning and a rearview camera. For those who want an affordable commuter car, there are some big reasons to check out the little Chevy Spark.

For 2019 the Chevy Spark’s 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine musters a mere 98 horsepower, which may not seem like much unless you’re in a drag race with a car like the 3-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage. Ask your dad how many horsepower his 1974 Mustang II had, and he’ll tell you 10 less than the Spark in a car that weighed significantly more. Advances in engine and electronic technology allow 98 ponies to do a lot more today, giving the Spark snappy acceleration off the line, but it still struggles to pass or merge at higher speeds. The Spark’s optional CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) boosts fuel efficiency but saps power and fun at an equal ratio; go with the 5-speed manual if you want to enjoy the ride. The diminutive size and tight turning radius that make the Spark so enjoyable in city traffic make it a bit less comfortable when sharing a highway with 18-wheelers or strong wind gusts.

Inside, the 2019 Chevy Spark’s layout consists of seating for four and a small space for groceries and gear behind the two rear seats. Those seats can be folded to expand cargo capacity from roughly 11 cubic feet to over 27. That’s more than enough to hold a few suitcases, but not quite as much as the 1st-generation Spark. Blame the lower roofline and shorter overall length. Rear-seat legroom has also shrunk, but other aspects, like hip and shoulder room, have grown. All Spark models include a 7-inch-color touchscreen in the center stack and logically arranged climate-control dials.

The 2nd-generation Chevy Spark added an ACTIV trim level last year, which gives the tall and narrow minicar the appearance of a crossover SUV. For 2019, the front styling for all models is updated to match changes to other Chevy models. There are also new LED running lights on the 1LT and 2LT trim levels, revised wheel designs for most version, and several new paint colors. The hatchback remains one of the smallest cars on U.S. roads, at just under 12 feet, bumper-to-bumper.

TECH-SAVVINESS
The young buyers Chevy is aiming for with this minicar don’t care if the Spark carries a rock-bottom price. They want the latest safety and infotainment technology and Chevy delivers with things like the 7-inch touchscreen – with an upgraded 3rd-generation infotainment system – Wi-Fi and Forward Collision Warning with Low-Speed Auto-Braking.

PENNY-PINCHING PERFORMANCE
When you’re buying an econocar, you expect great mileage, and the 2019 Chevrolet Spark comes through, but its 1.4-liter 4-cylinder powertrain also delivers better performance, especially in urban settings, than you might expect.

The least expensive Chevy Spark for 2019, an LS with a manual transmission, comes with air conditioning, a 7-inch capacitive touch screen, and a 3-month trial subscription to OnStar with 4G LTE connectively and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Its audio system is feeble but provides a USB input and Bluetooth streaming. You’ll also have to crank your own windows. Step up a bit and you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features include 10 airbags, a rearview camera and a 6-month trial of OnStar Guidance with automatic crash response and roadside assistance.

If you can swing the higher price, we recommend stepping up to at least the mid-grade Spark LT, which adds power windows, keyless entry, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio buttons, theft-deterrent system and SiriusXM satellite radio. Top-line 2LT models have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome exterior trim and rear-park assist. A power sunroof is offered on mid-level and top trims, while the top trim offers the Driver Confidence Package that brings forward-collision alert with low-speed auto-braking, and lane-departure warning. The ACTIV trim adds unique 15-inch wheels, rugged-looking front and rear bumpers and leatherette heated front seats.

Chevrolet’s 2019 Spark minicar is powered by a 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine making 98 horsepower. That isn’t much, but it’s more than you’d expect considering the hatchback weighs in at less than 2,300 pounds. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual. Most Chevy Spark buyers seem to prefer the optional CVT. Both deliver fuel economy of up to 38 mpg on the highway.

1.4-liter inline-4
98 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
94 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/38 mpg (automatic), 29/39 mpg (manual), 30/37 mpg (automatic, Spark ACTIV), 29/38 mpg (manual, Spark ACTIV)