X

Chevrolet Spark preview drive (photos)

Chevrolet launches the small Spark in the U.S. next year, but we got a chance to drive the European spec version after the Geneva auto show.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
Spark01.JPG
1 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
The Spark will be Chevy's smallest car when it launches in the U.S. next year, slotting in just under the Aveo.
Spark02.JPG
2 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
In Europe, the Spark can be had with a 1-liter or 1.2-liter engine, the latter producing 81 horsepower and getting 60 mpg.
Spark03.JPG
3 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
This car is considered a five-seater, although three people in the backseat would be a squeeze. The backseat of the U.S. version will be downsized to two people because of additional reinforcement in the sides of the car.
Spark05.JPG
4 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
Door handles in the C-pillars are hidden in the side graphics.
Spark04.JPG
5 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
There isn't a lot of room in the cargo area of the car.
Spark06.JPG
6 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
The cabin does not feel cheap, even with the hard plastics covering the dashboard. Chevy achieves a quality feel through good fit and finish.
Spark07.JPG
7 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
The display to the side of the speedometer is cool, showing engine speed and trip information digitally.
Spark08.JPG
8 of 8 Wayne Cunningham/CNET
A Mini-USB port sits to the left side of the radio controls. With an adapter, it can play music off of iPods and USB thumb drives.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos