The 2019 Chevrolet Spark defines basic transportation, offsetting a very low price with terrific mileage and a great deal of high-tech features for under $20,000. A huge attraction for the Chevy Spark is its affordable pricing, but the base model configuration does not have some features I think you will want.
If you’re searching for a car that is small and effective, with the creature amenities typically found on more expensive cars, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark could be just the car for you. Its small size and great outward visibility make it a breeze to park. Exceptional smartphone connectivity technology is just another draw since each comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system that has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone setup.
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Chevy may be holding on to the Spark but it is not doing much to upgrade it, the 2019 model year attracting only the most modest collection of exterior and interior tweaks, the most important being the recently available low-speed auto-braking attribute in the Driver Confidence Package.
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2019 Chevrolet Spark Configurations
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark is offered in four configurations that differ primarily in standard feature content. The Spark LS is the base model version, and the 1LT adds additional features. The 2LT has more convenience and driver assistance functions, while the Activ model raises ground clearance and adds on roof rails for a more active lifestyle.
All Sparks include a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. The motor drives the front wheels and tires through either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
That is not much, but it is more than you would expect considering the hatchback weighs in at less than 2,300 lbs. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual. Most 2019 Chevy Spark buyers appear to prefer the optional CVT. Both deliver fuel economy of up to 38 mpg on the highway.
LS
The Spark LS includes 15-inch steel wheels and tires, ac, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capacity, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a four-speaker sound system, and Chevrolet’s OnStar communications system that contains a 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.
1LT
The 1LT includes premium alloy wheels and tires, power windows, mirrors, and door locks, a cruise control, a remote keyless entry system, front foglights, and an upgraded six-speaker sound system.
Activ
Next is the Activ. It adds simulated-leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails, special 15-inch wheels and tires and bodywork, and a raised suspension that supplies 0.4 inches of additional ground clearance.
2LT
When compared with the 1LT, it includes rear parking sensors, simulated-leather seating surfaces, push-button beginning, an updated driver information display, heated front seats, and chrome door handles and configuration.
Options
A sunroof is optional for the 1LT and 2LT trims. For the 2LT just, you can find a Driver Confidence package that provides a forward collision warning system with low-speed emergency automatic braking and a lane departure warning system.
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More About the 2019 Chevy Spark
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark delivers great mileage (29/38mpg) whilst retaining better-than-expected acceleration. It has a welcome mixture of infotainment and available safety technology, too: like a 7-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi, in addition to a forward-collision warning and a rearview camera system. For people who want an inexpensive commuter car, there are a few big reasons to have a look at the small Chevy Spark.
Interior
Inside, the 2019 Chevy Spark’s design contains seating for four and a little space for groceries and equipment behind the two rear seats. Those seats can be folded to expand freight capacity from approximately 11 cubic feet to over 27. That is more than enough to hold a few suitcases, but not quite as much as the 1st-generation Spark. Blame the lower roofline and shorter overall length. Rear-seat legroom has also shrunk, but other elements, like shoulder and hip room, have grown. All Spark models incorporate a 7-inch color touchscreen at the center stack and logically organized climate-control dials.
Exterior
The 2nd-generation Chevy Spark added an ACTIV spec level this past year, which provides the narrow and tall minicar the look of a crossover SUV. For 2019, front styling for all versions is updated to accommodate changes to additional Chevy models. Additionally, there are current LED running lights on the 1LT and 2LT spec levels, revised wheel designs for many versions, and many current paint colors. The hatchback is still one of the smallest cars on U.S. streets, at just under 12 feet, bumper-to-bumper.
Standard Features
The cheapest Chevy Spark for 2019, an LS using a manual transmission, includes air conditioning, a 7-inch capacitive touch screen, and a 3-month trial subscription to OnStar with 4G LTE connectively and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Its audio system is weak but supplies a USB input and Bluetooth streaming. You’ll also need to crank your windows. Measure up a little and you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Security features include 10 airbags, a rearview camera, and a 6-month trial of OnStar Guidance with automatic crash response and roadside assistance.
Optional Equipment
If you can swing the higher cost, I recommend stepping up to the mid-grade Spark LT, which adds ability windows, keyless entry, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio buttons, theft-deterrent system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Top-line 2LT versions have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome exterior configuration, and rear-park assist. A sunroof is provided on mid-level and high trims, while the top configuration provides the Driver Confidence Package that brings forward-collision awake with low-speed auto-braking, and lane-departure warning. The ACTIV configuration adds unique 15-inch wheels and tires, rugged-looking front and rear bumpers and leatherette heated front seats.
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MSRP
In a time when brand-new car prices are pushing up toward record levels, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark provides a wise choice for someone who does not wish to settle for something pre-owned. For a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $13,220 (or $13,995 when you add in shipping prices ), you get brand-new but rather fundamental transportation, one of the few models available now with crank windows. However, you can pretty much load up everything on the Spark 2LT configuration and still come in under $20,000.
Final Thoughts
The 2019 Chevrolet Spark’s tepid performance and uninspiring inside prevent it from standing out against rivals from the subcompact car class. It is a nice car for running errands around town, but your money is better spent on rivals that have more-powerful motors or much more room for family and freight.