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Business & Money • Automotive

Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark was a subcompact hatchback sold by Chevrolet as an inexpensive entry-level car.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Chevrolet Spark was a subcompact hatchback sold by Chevrolet as an inexpensive entry-level car. In its final U.S. model year, it used a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with manual or CVT transmission options, and Chevrolet discontinued the model after the 2022 model year.

Overview

The Chevrolet Spark was a small, affordable hatchback positioned as an entry point into the Chevrolet lineup. It was sold primarily in front-wheel-drive form and became known for low purchase price and city-friendly dimensions.

Specifications

In its 2022 U.S. version, the Spark came with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, 98 horsepower, and a choice of manual or CVT transmission. Trim levels included LS, 1LT, Activ, and 2LT.

Market history

The Spark was offered in several markets over multiple generations, with different engines and specifications outside the U.S. It was discontinued in the United States after the 2022 model year.

Reception

Reviewers often described the Spark as one of the cheapest new cars available, with strong value appeal and good fuel economy for the class. Its performance was generally modest, reflecting its budget-oriented design.

Key facts

  • The Spark was Chevrolet's smallest and least expensive car in the U.S. market.
  • The 2022 U.S. model used a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine making 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque.
  • Buyers could choose a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
  • Fuel economy for the 2022 model was rated at up to 38 mpg highway, depending on trim and transmission.
  • Chevrolet announced that the Spark would be discontinued after the 2022 model year.
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Canadian context

The Chevrolet Spark was sold in Canada as a budget-friendly city car and is relevant to Canadian readers as an example of the increasingly limited subcompact-hatchback segment in the Canadian market.

Frequently asked questions

What type of vehicle is the Chevrolet Spark?
It is a subcompact, four-door hatchback sold by Chevrolet.
What engine did the U.S. 2022 Chevrolet Spark use?
A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque.
Was the Chevrolet Spark available with an automatic transmission?
Yes. Chevrolet offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the automatic option.
When was the Chevrolet Spark discontinued in the U.S.?
Chevrolet announced discontinuation after the 2022 model year, with production lasting through August.
What was the Spark's market position?
It was Chevrolet's least expensive new car in its final U.S. years and was aimed at budget-conscious buyers.

References

  1. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/spark
    Supports: 2022 model overview, discontinuation after 2022, engine, transmission, fuel economy, market positioning
  2. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/cars/chevrolet/spark
    Supports: Spark as Chevrolet's smallest and least expensive car, trim and engine overview
  3. Edmunds — https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/spark/2022/
    Supports: 2022 trim levels, engine output, transmission, warranty
  4. Kelley Blue Book — https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/spark/
    Supports: 2022 Spark specifications, pricing context, fuel economy
  5. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/spark/specs
    Supports: 2022 Spark engine and transmission specifications
  6. CarDekho — https://www.cardekho.com/carmodels/Chevrolet/Chevrolet_Spark
    Supports: Indian-market Spark engine, fuel type, transmission, dimensions