A Buyer’s Guide to the 2017 Chevy Spark

If your budget is small and you’re looking for a basic car that offers good value, consider the Chevy Spark. This two-door hatchback is Chevrolet’s subcompact offering. It’s one of the most affordable cars on the market and a good city runaround.

Trim Levels

The 2017 Chevy Spark is available in four trims: LS, 1LT, 2LT, and Activ. The basic LS model features 15-inch spoke steel wheels, automatic halogen headlamps, daytime running lights, rear spoiler, air conditioning, outside temperature display, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a tilt steering wheel.

If you want more bang for your buck, you can opt for the higher-end Activ and 2LT models. The 2LT includes keyless start and entry, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux-leather seats, and more chrome on the exterior. The Activ model is a new trim introduced in 2017. It is sportier-looking with 15-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, fog lamps, wheelhouse and lower body moldings, and rocker panel and fender trim.

Performance

If you’re looking for a spirited drive, this is not the car for you. It’s slower out of the starting gate than others in its class. With a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out a modest 98 horsepower, the Chevy Spark isn’t going to break the speed barrier. It suits a more sedate driver who is simply looking for a good urban vehicle to get from point A to point B.

Chevrolet has added a new unibody that is stiffer than the previous model and a finer degree of chassis tuning resulting in a better ride quality. With a tight turning radius and a small size, this is a highly maneuverable car that can squeeze into the smallest parking spots.

Technology

Here’s why the Chevy Spark offers decent value for money. While it is an entry-level car, it comes equipped with a number of features. The Spark comes standard with onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi, a 7-inch MyLink infotainment touch screen, four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moving up to the LT trim gets you a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, power windows, cruise control, power door locks, and audio and phone controls on the steering wheel.

Safety

The base LS model comes standard with safety features such as a rear-view camera, 10 air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, hill-hold assist, and stability and traction control. If you’re buying the 2LT model, you can add extra safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision alert, which aren’t usually found on cars in this class. In 2014, the Spark was the only subcompact car to receive an acceptable rating in the small overlap front crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Chevy Spark is a good option for people who want to downsize to a smaller car, a single person with no family to haul around, or first-time buyers. Great for city roads and easy to park, this cute mini car is ideal for those who live in crowded city centers.

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