2013 Chevrolet Spark LT (Blue Denim Metallic)

[GMTruckGuy74]

Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Spark LT

Colors: Blue Denim Metallic, Black Leatherette

MSRP: $N/A (rental vehicle)

So here I am on day #2 having a 2013 Chevrolet Spark LT rental vehicle while my wife's 2008 Pontiac G6 V6 Sedan is at the dealer for some warranty repairs (have been doing a punch list of items since early winter; the extended warranty expires in 8 days!). My choice of rental was either a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT sedan in black or this Denim Blue Metallic Spark LT - since the wife has been on a small car test-drive kick this year (a previous rental was a '13 Ford Fiesta), I selected the Spark.

My drive home with it Monday evening on local roadways was not too bad. Seeing as how the speed limit was 50 MPH tops in some of these areas, the little Spark managed this with no problem. I did notice the noisy engine and wind noise while I drove, and the road feel was transferred through the chassis and steering rack. The dual round cupholders protrude out and I found my right leg was often resting on this uncomfortable piece of plastic. Tight wheel well design leave my left foot in an uneasy place to rest. The seating position was manually placed to the lowest setting so I could see out of the front windshield. All-in-all, my 15-20 minute commute home was not bad. The wife and my 7 year-old son were happy to see me pulling into the driveway with this power blue "baby" car.

Tuesday was the real test, as we were now heading on our 33 mile one-way commute to work. Driving out of our development on local roads, my wife mentioned the noisy engine sounds and lack of sound proofing in the car. Driving onto the local highway at higher speeds proved the noise was here to stay. Engine is revvy and you really notice the shifts from the automatic transmission. Turning onto the Interstate highway ramp was a daring move for the 15" tiny-looking tires, as you heard them make an awful noise as they gripped the roadway. Merging into early morning heavy traffic means you need to stomp down on the pedal to get it up to highway speeds. Over 60 MPH and the engine produces a sound equivalent to a loud lawn mower; this necessitated increasing the radio volume to hear the morning talk show host. The car's small track makes it easy to get into the truck ruts in the pavement and provides an extra level of wobble to the already dreaded road feel. Doing 70 MPH makes you wonder if the engine is being pushed too far; the noise level increases and you wonder if you should take it down to 65 (or 60) and stay in the far right lane. I pass slower moving traffic when needed, and the revvy engine gives its all. Finally getting to work I maneuver in the underground parking garage with easy and find a parking spot that can easily hold two of these cars. The ride home was no different from the ride in, except that stop-and-go traffic on US Route 1 leaves little to be desired in driving this car.

I can now really understand what the term "city car" means. This is a perfect little car for non-major highway use and is perfect if you don't drive far and wish to save on gas for your around-town driving needs. The driver information center states that I'm getting between 43 and 46 MPG, but I'm driving it the way you shouldn't (I've got a lead foot). My wife, who was excited to have this car for two days, is no longer interested in something this small for her next vehicle purchase. She still thinks it's a cute, small car, loves its design and price, but cannot live with something like this every day for our commuting purposes. The Fiesta was not as bad in comparison, but that car did not leave too positive of an impression with me either (unfortunately the wife didn't drive with me the day I had the Fiesta). She is interested in taking a Sonic for a comparison test drive to see if it's any better, but I'm still dreaming about the driving experience I had in the new 2014 GMC Sierra to care for these small cars.

[pow]

The EV model is the version to get if one must get a Spark. With 400 lb-ft of torque and zero NVH from the motor, it addresses the majority of the problems you brought up. And with its SAE DC combo plug, it takes 20 minutes to charge to 80% from empty. Unlike LEAF, the battery is liquid cooled and designed to withstand daily fast-charging. Of course, if used as a commuter car, it's still most convenient to charge nightly at home--much better than waiting at a gas station after a long day of work.

[regfootball]

Spark as a plug in commuter is fabulous idea. 84 hp spark like this ICE not good.

Spark vs. Mitsu Mirage anyone?

Couriers will prob flock to the spark.

[daves87rs]

Hell no....I just drove one of these...a yellow LT!

New meaning to clown car.....

[pow]

Yup, Spark EV is the way to go: http://autos.yahoo.com/news/first-drive-chevrolet-spark-ev-shocks-us-220022460.html

First drive: The Chevrolet Spark EV shocks us

• 

  ConsumerReports.org - First drive: The Chevrolet Spark EV shocks us

The latest Chevrolet Spark is the most recent EV to attempt to shatter electric cars' reputation as anemic and inept. And it succeeds, being the best version of this small hatchback. Unlike the Mitsubishi i, this is no glorified golf cart.

The Spark EV is General Motors' entry in the crucial California market to meet that state's Zero Emissions Vehicle requirement. But it's also one of the most enjoyable electric cars we've driven and a compelling overall package.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Drew Dowdell
Can't post entire articles.

[vldigital]

Hi all! I've the LS Model of this car and driving it for last 1 yr. Right now I'm living in Chandigarh and this car is giving me a mileage of 16.5-17km/h.

[Z-06]

Welcome, boy you don't drive fast at ~17 km/h. (I think you meant km/l)