A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
3.7
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
3.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for an affordable city car that won’t break the bank? The Chevrolet Spark could be exactly what you need for urban driving and daily commuting. This compact American hatchback brings surprising value to the budget car market with its practical design and economical running costs. The Spark stands out from rivals like the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto with its spacious interior and user friendly technology. Despite its small footprint, this car offers impressive interior space for four adults and decent boot capacity for weekend shopping trips. The Spark excels in fuel economy and comes with competitive warranty coverage that provides peace of mind for first time buyers. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or simply want reliable transport around town, the Chevrolet Spark delivers practical motoring without the premium price tag. Its low insurance groups and affordable servicing costs make it particularly attractive for budget conscious drivers who still want modern features and dependable performance.
What's the Chevrolet Spark Like to Drive?
The Chevrolet Spark keeps things simple with a single 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing around 75 horsepower. This might sound modest, but it’s perfectly suited to the car’s lightweight construction and urban focus. Around town, the Spark feels nippy and responsive, making light work of traffic jams and tight parking spaces. The 0-60 mph time of around 13 seconds won’t set pulses racing, but overtaking on country roads is still manageable with some planning.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
-
Engine
1.0L 3-cylinder petrol
-
Power Output
75 bhp
-
0-60 mph
13.2 seconds
-
MPG Combined
58-62 mpg
- Boot Space
- 170 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Chevrolet Spark: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Spark and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the spacious feel. The cabin design is simple but functional, with everything falling easily to hand. The materials might not feel as premium as some rivals, but they’re hard-wearing and practical. The seats are comfortable for shorter journeys, with decent support for front passengers. The driving position is upright and commanding, giving you a good view of the road ahead.
The Spark remains a surprisingly competent city car. Its nimble handling and fuel efficiency are commendable, though the interior feels budget-focused and lacks refinement.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Chevrolet Spark?
This is where the Spark truly shines. Fuel economy is exceptional, with real-world figures easily achieving 55-60 mpg in mixed driving. This translates to genuine savings at the petrol pump, making it an ideal choice for high-mileage drivers or those on tight budgets. Insurance groups are low, typically falling into groups 2-4, which means affordable premiums for drivers of all ages and experience levels.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
|
Chevrolet Spark
|
Ford Fiesta
|
Hyundai i20
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £8,000 | £10,000 | £9,500 |
|
Performance
|
|||
| Engine | 1.0L 75hp | 1.0L 100hp | 1.2L 84hp |
| Power | 75 bhp | 100 bhp | 84 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 13.2 seconds | 11.2 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
|
Running Costs
|
|||
| MPG Combined | 60 mpg | 52 mpg | 56 mpg |
|
Practicality
|
|||
| Boot Space | 170 litres | 292 litres | 352 litres |
|
Standard Features
|
|||
| Key Features | Great value, Excellent economy, Low insurance | Refined driving, Better performance, Strong resale | Good warranty, Spacious interior, Reliable reputation |
Chevrolet Spark Practicality & Boot Space
For its tiny footprint, the Spark makes surprisingly good use of interior space. The 170-litre boot is small by conventional standards, but perfectly adequate for weekly shopping or a couple of overnight bags. The rear seats fold flat to extend cargo capacity for larger items like flat-pack furniture or sports equipment. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin include door pockets, cup holders, and a useful glovebox.
Bought my Spark two years ago and it’s been brilliant. The fuel economy is incredible and it’s so easy to park in town. Perfect little runabout that never lets me down.
The Chevrolet Spark proves that good things come in small packages. It delivers outstanding fuel economy, genuinely low running costs, and reliable daily transport in an affordable and practical format. While it may not offer the refinement of European rivals or the spaciousness of larger cars, it excels in the areas that matter most to budget-conscious drivers.
