The Chevrolet Spark->ke3267 is a small city car produced by General Motors->ke199 since 1998. The Spark originally carried the "Daewoo Matiz" nomenclature, but in 2005, GM stepped in and changed its name to either Chevrolet Spark or Chevrolet Matiz, depending on the market. In the 2013 model year, the Spark made its debut in the U.S.

Chevy released the third-generation Spark back in 2010 and so far, it has been the most successful generation for the compact hatchback. Before its release, Chevy previewed the third-gen Spark with the Beat concept car at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The new model showed off a new, more aggressive design language to help attract young buyers around the globe.

To get a better idea on just how successful the third-gen Spark has been, just keep in mind that it was the fastest-selling car in the United States for July 2012, as each model only lasted an average of 6 days on showroom floors before a buyer snagged it up.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Chevrolet Spark.

2014 Chevrolet Spark

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 84 @ 6400
  • Torque: 83 @ 4200
  • Transmission: Five-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Chevrolet's decision to use the Beat concept as the source inspiration for the third-generation Spark is a huge part of the reason it has been so successful. The Spark tends to play tricks on you from the outside, as it looks like a three-door hatchback, once you get a closer look, you'll find that the C-Pillar hides the rear-door handles. This creative design gives the Spark the look of a sporty three-door hatchback with the practicality of a five-door model.

Updates for the 2014 model year include the addition of some new, automatic controls for the halogen headlamps and daytime running lamps are standard. The 2LT trim gains outside heated, power-adjustable, body-color side-view mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.

Customers can opt for new features, like the sport front fascia, rear fascia and rocker panel moldings, and chrome bright-work on the beltline and liftgate handle trim.

For the exterior, customers can choose between the following colors: Lime and Grape Ice; Salsa and Denim; Black Granite; Silver Ice; and Summit White.

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):

93.5 / 2,375

Overall length (in / mm):

144.7 / 3,675

Overall width (in / mm):

62.9 / 1,598

Overall height (in / mm):

61/ 1,549

Track Front (in / mm):

55.7 / 1,415

Rear (in / mm):

55.5 / 1,410


Standard features:

-*Door handles, body-color

-*Glass, solar absorbing

-*Grille, unique solid upper and lower with active aero shutters

-*Headlamps, halogen with automatic exterior lamp control and -*Daytime Running Lamps

-*Liftgate trim, chrome

-*Mirrors, outside power-adjustable, body-color, manual-folding

-*Moldings, chrome belt-line

-*Rocker molding, body-color, lower

-*Spoiler, rear with integrated LED center high-mounted stop/brake lamp (CHMSL)

Interior

The interior offers an instrument panel with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster and lower center console that ensures maximum visibility and storage.

The 2014 model year brings new front door and instrument panel decorative inserts, plus ice blue ambient lighting. The Spark 2LT heads slightly upmarket with heated leatherette seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Customers can choose between four interior trim colors: White, Silver, Blue and Green.

Dimension

Seating capacity:

2 / 2

Headroom

Front (in /mm):

39.4 / 1410

Rear (in / mm):

37.3 / 947

Legroom

Front (in / mm):

42 / 1067

Rear (in / mm):

35.2 / 894

Shoulder room

Front (in / mm):

50.7 / 1288

Rear (in / mm):

49.7 / 1262

Hip room

Front (in / mm):

48 / 1219

Rear (in / mm):

47.5 / 1206

Cargo volume

Behind rear seat (cu ft / L):

11.4 / 323

Behind front seat, rear seat (cu ft / L):

31.2 / 884


Standard features

-Air conditioning, single-zone automatic climate control

-Chevrolet MyLink radio

-SiriusXM Satellite Radio

-Cruise control

-Cup holders, 2 front and 2 rear

-Seat, rear, 60/40-split, folding with adjustable outboard headrests

-Shift lever, floor-mounted without console

-Steering wheel, 3-spoke, Silver accents

Drivetrain

For the U.S. market, the 2014 Spark comes standard with an Ecotec 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 84 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. This petite engine mates to a standard five-speed manual transmission and has an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined with the manual transmission. The CVT drops the city mileage to 30 mpg city, but the highway and combined mileages remain the same.

Last year's five-speed manual transmission netted a respectable 10.5-second jog to 60 mph and we expect the same in 2014.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

Ecotec 1.2L I4 DOHC VVT

Type:

transverse-mounted, four-cylinder dual overhead cam gasoline engine with variable valve timing

Displacement (in. / cc):

76 / 1249

Bore & stroke (in. / mm):

2.77 x 3.15 / 70.50 x 80

Valvetrain:

overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder

Compression ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

84 / 63 @ 6400 (SAE certified)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

83 / 113 @ 4200 (SAE certified)

Recommended fuel:

regular unleaded

Max. engine speed (rpm):

6500 (man); 6850 (CVT)

EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy / combined):

30 / 39 / 34 (CVT)
31 / 39 / 34 (man.)


Suspension and Brakes

As standard, the 2014 Spark comes with electric power steering and a MacPherson strut front suspension, combined with anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and Hill Start Assist.

This compact hatch sits on 15-inch alloy wheels and stops via vented front disc and rear drum brakes.

Prices

LS Manual

$12,995

LS Automatic

$14,305

1LT Manual

$14,765

1LT Automatic

$15,820

2LT Manual

$16,115

2LT Automatic

$17,210


Options

Z-Spec® grille (Dealer-installed)

$365

Front fog lamp kit (Dealer-installed)

$340

All-weather floor mats (Dealer-installed)

$140

Z-Spec® floor mats (Dealer-installed)

$140

All-weather cargo mat (Dealer-installed)

$75

White Interior Trim Kit (Dealer-installed)

$140

Silver Interior Trim Kit (Dealer-installed)

$140

Blue Interior Trim Kit (Dealer-installed)

$140

Sport pedal kit (Dealer-installed)

$130

Floor Mats - Front and Rear Carpet

$130

Grille

$300

Pedal Cover

$80


Competition

2013 Fiat 500

Fiat returned to the U.S. market for the 2012 model year when it released the 500. In just a short time, the 500 the hearts of many customers. Unlike the Spark, the 500 only has three doors and provides less interior room.

The 500 is receives its power from a 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology that delivers 101 horsepower. That's a little more power than the Spark, but its fuel consumption of 31 mpg on the city ad 40 mpg on the highway trumps the Spark.

The 500 is a little bit more expensive than the Spark at $16,000.

Scion iQ

Scion iQ is also a relatively new model on the U.S. market. It was announced at the 2010 New York Auto Show and is offered as the American version for the Toyota iQ.

The model is powered by a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 90 horsepower that delivers 36 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway.

The iQ is also a little bit more expensive: it is priced from $16,250.

Conclusion

The new Chevrolet Spark may be a little bit less powerful than its competitors, but it offers a five-door configuration that ensures increased rear room and more cargo space. This, and his bold look made it a pretty successful model with more than 270,000 units sold in 2012.