The 2021 Chevy Spark is a no-frills 5-door sub-compact that is an ideal choice for a simple go-around, get-around vehicle. It’s affordable and efficient, and you even get a preloaded 7” infotainment system that’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Smaller 15” wheels also mean more fun around corners and the miniature 1.4L four-cylinder engine is happy to rev. The 5-speed manual transmission heightens driver enthusiasm, but if fuel efficiency is a priority, a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) can be configured on selected trims.
The 2021 Chevy Spark continues with its market fit and sticks with the “if it’s not broken, don’t change it” mantra. That said, new for the 2021 Spark, the exterior receives minor updates with upgradable paint options that include Cayenne Orange metallic and Mystic Blue metallic to accentuate its presence.
TRIMS
The 2021 Chevy Spark can be had for as little as $10,198 for the base LS trim that comes generously preloaded with a 10-airbag safety system, a 7” infotainment screen and a rearview camera. The 1LT trim adds 15” alloy wheels to lighten its weight and will come with power locks and power windows. The steering wheel will also have mounted buttons for phone, audio and cruise control. Upping to the 2LT trim will significantly bump up the price to $19,298, but you get luxurious features including leatherette seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless open, keyless start and both front seats are heated.
POWER AND DRIVE
Small cars only need small engines, and the 1.4L ECOTEC four cylinder engine fits the role nicely, with just 98 horsepower and 94 lb.ft of torque. Choice of transmission comes in either a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission and the result is a respectable fuel economy of 7.7 L/100km in the city and 6.2 L/100km on the highway.
The smaller 15” diameter wheels translate to quicker acceleration and more agility, but as speed picks up, the enthusiasm and power from the miniature engine begins to diminish. That said, highway and lane merging require a bit of pre-planning and for that reason, we prefer the 5-speed manual transmission for direct power control.
All in all, the 2021 Chevy Spark succeeds in delivering a zippy drive to get around town with a bit of personality and pleasure.
INTERIOR & TECHNOLOGY
For the 2021 Spark’s low-entry price point, it does well to upkeep and maintain quality and contemporary standards with a mixture of cream and gray vinyl complemented with lacquered piano black accents. The triple dial climate control knobs provide no-fuss heater and AC controls and a 7” infotainment touch screen sits on top for smartphone, navigation and media controls. The 6-speaker audio system is complete with Bluetooth, AM, FM and Sirius XM radio.
Front seating provides adequate space and comfort, but that is not quite the case for rear passengers with limited cargo and trunk space. The 60-40 rear folding seats helps add more space when in need, but overall the passenger and cargo space is adequate, especially for the sub-compact car segment.
The 2021 Chevy Spark comes generously appointed with a 7” infotainment screen powered by Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system that is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto and turn-by-turn navigation. A built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot is available across all trims but is subject to data plan requirements. Also available with an upgrade is a Forward and Rear collision alert by sounding alert warnings through its speaker system when a vehicle is within unsafe proximity while driving.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2021 Chevy Spark is a small, cute and fun 5-door subcompact hatchback at bargain basement prices especially if you opt for the base LS trim for $10,198. This entry level price requires driving a manual transmission, but the bottom line is this: If you don’t know how to drive manual, learn how; otherwise, you’ll be missing out of one of the greatest pleasures of small fun-car driving!
