     2013 Chevrolet Spark. Click image to enlarge |
Having said all that, if I was to choose a transmission for the daily commute, it would be the four-speed automatic. While the manual transmission is more fun, the automatic transmission is less work. The automatic permits smoother take-offs, and the transmission slides smoothly from gear to gear even with the driver’s foot pressed firmly to the floor. In addition to P, R, N and D, the automatic transmission includes I mode, which acts like an overdrive button by locking out fourth gear; and L mode, which locks out third and fourth gears. I mode is useful for city driving where speeds are below 60 km/h while L mode is best for steep uphill or downhill sections. Once you get up to speed in the Spark, cruising on the freeway is quite comfortable with the engine turning over 2,600 rpm in fourth gear at a steady 100 km/h. There is a steady hum from the small engine and some tire noise on rougher surfaces, but the cabin is quiet enough for a regular conversation.
As you might expect, fuel economy is very good. My onboard fuel economy display was showing 5.2 L/100 km at 100 km/h, and just 4.7 L/100 km at 80 km/h.
For a car with such a short wheelbase and narrow track, the Spark’s ride is surprisingly comfortable and the suspension absorbs bumps well. Also surprising is the Spark’s handling which is more stable than you’d expect from such a tall, narrow car. Though 1549 mm (61 in.) tall, the Spark doesn’t feel like it’s going to tip over when thrown into a corner, thanks in part to its robust 205/60R-15-inch tires. The suspension is independent in front and semi-independent (compound crank) at the rear, and traction control, stability control, and ABS are all standard. Adding to its urban appeal is a very tight 10-metre (33 feet) turning diameter.
The Spark’s tall roof makes the cabin feel surprisingly roomy. There’s plenty of headroom for four adults and the rear passengers have adequate knee room and foot room assuming the front seats are not pushed all the way back. However, the Spark’s narrow width precludes a centre rear passenger. The driver sits up tall in the saddle and the driver’s seat cushion is height adjustable. My only complaint is that the front seats could use more lumbar support. After a few hours of driving, my lower back was distinctly uncomfortable.
The instrument cluster is suspended on the steering column just behind the steering wheel where it’s easy to read from the driver’s seat. It consists of a large round speedometer and smaller digital displays for a tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator and trip computer. The trip computer includes average and current fuel economy and vehicle range.
Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system (standard 1LT and 2LT, optional on LS) features a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre dash. It allows the driver to pair their smartphone with the car to make and receive calls, view their contacts list and call history, listen to music, and access photos or movies on their smartphone, or from a USB. As well, GM will offer a new smartphone app called ‘Go-go link’ that allows drivers to access their phone’s downloaded navigation systems on the car’s touch-screen. GM says this is an inexpensive alternative to a typical factory navigation system or store-bought portable navigation unit. A quick check on iTunes revealed that a Garmin or TomTom app that includes North American navigation retails for about $50. GM says there will be some roaming charges associated with logging on to the navigation system, but once you’re on the road, the GPS location finder is free.
