Used 2020 Chevrolet Spark

Some people would rather buy a brand-new 2020 Chevrolet Spark than spend $15,000 or so on a pre-owned car that might be bigger and more powerful. That’s their prerogative and it’s perfectly understandable.

The good news is that while this is a modest amount of money in the world of car buying, the Spark is not as bargain-basement in its offerings as some of its subcompact rivals. It prioritizes connectivity over convenience by installing smartphone integration and Wi-Fi in the base model, but going with manually operated windows. For a young driver-around-town, this makes more sense, especially when the window is only opened for odd occasions like grabbing parking lot tickets.

Fuel economy is another advantage, making the Chevy Spark a logical choice for commuting.

Apologies for the obvious “you get what you pay for” saying, but it applies here. If someone spends a lot of their time driving, it makes sense to buy the highest quality possible, which will also have a bearing on resale values. Choose the Spark if it sparks joy, but do some research into the competition before making a final decision.

The combination of small car, 98-horsepower engine and a manual transmission does allow the Spark to move off from a standstill with some liveliness. It’s at higher speeds and/or uphill stretches where this 4-cylinder in the Chevy Spark begins to feel like the little engine that can’t. It’s also on freeways where the Spark’s high sides are affected by the aerodynamic wake of 18-wheelers and strong cross winds.

The optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), for those who can’t or won’t use a stick shift, puts a damper even on this small amount of pep by not being particularly responsive. It doesn’t even improve fuel consumption to any appreciable degree.

The Spark really ignites in town, however. Its small footprint and tight turning circle make it wonderfully maneuverable and easy to park.

The 4-seater 2020 Chevy Spark does well for headroom, but legroom for rear passengers is always going to be tight in a subcompact hatchback.

However, those rear seats split and fold in the usual 60/40 manner, so there’s some versatility for people and/or cargo. Speaking of cargo space, with both rear seats up, there’s 11.1 cubic feet — enough for a couple of suitcases. Fold both of them down and the Spark offers 27.2 cubic feet.

There are some cheap plastics, sure, and more sound insulation would have been nice, but this is one of the least expensive new cars available. All Sparks have a full-color 7-inch touch screen in the center stack, and the dashboard’s design is arguably attractive.

Apart from a few daring color choices like Red Hot, Orange Burst and Raspberry, the 2020 Spark might easily be one of those cars that no one ever really notices. Which might be a good thing. The shape is practical though, and the high roof is useful for passengers and cargo alike. It’s a 4-door car, but the handles for the rear side doors are disguised in an effort to appear more like a coupe.

The Chevy Spark Activ deviates from the usual script with a raised suspension, roof rails and a few cosmetic changes that provide something of a crossover-SUV look. The range-topping 2LT reverts to regular car styling, but adds some more chrome accents.

TECH-RICH
Although the base Spark has poverty-spec manually operated windows, it still comes with sweet tech like smartphone integration, a 7-inch touch screen to control a modern infotainment system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for two devices, and a pair of USB ports.

FRUGAL PERFORMANCE
Part of the attraction of high-economy cars is low-fuel consumption. The Chevy Spark delivers these goods by achieving up to 38 mpg on the highway, regardless of transmission.

It’s an odd mix of basic features alongside modern technology in the entry-level 2020 Spark LS. The steering wheel adjusts for height only, not reach; the driver’s seat is only manually adjustable in two directions, and the audio system comes with just four speakers.

But then there’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus a 7-inch touch screen, and a 3-month trial subscription to OnStar with 4G LTE connectively and Wi-Fi. Safety features include 10 airbags, rearview camera and a 6-month trial of OnStar Guidance with automatic crash response and roadside assistance.

Obtaining more equipment for a new Chevy Spark is accomplished by buying a higher trim level, although there’s the choice of staying with the manual transmission or opting for the CVT. If possible, at least try to stretch to the 1LT for the power windows and better audio system.

The Activ model has what it calls a “Touring” suspension, which raises the ride height to make the Spark more crossover-SUV-like, while the extra suspension travel should enhance comfort somewhat.

Top-line 2LT models have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome exterior trim and rear parking sensors. It’s also eligible for a power sunroof and the Driver Confidence package.

No turbochargers. The 2020 Spark has a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 98 horsepower. Which isn’t a whole lot. Then again, the Spark is such a small car that it doesn’t need much thrust to get moving.

Drive goes to the front wheels through either a standard-issue 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the automatic option. There’s some variation on fuel consumption, but every Spark is estimated to average 33 mpg.

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