Mpg-O-Matic test drive of a 2013 Chevy Spark w/ 5 speed manual ...

[Hershey]

Go here , http://www.mpgomatic.com/ .

[Septembersrain]

Oh dear. I test drove that car and was terrified of it.
I think that is the first car I felt could really get me killed.
I didn't even bother with the Fiat 500 or Scion iQ though.

Oh, It's made in South Korea. =/
I've had some really bad experiences with that.

The gas mileage is.. Eh. It's alright.
I think they focused on the interior a ton.
It's what they've got under the hood that concerned me.

[jpmck03]

Holy crap, could they make the headlight housings any bigger?!

50920

It's almost like they're trying to accentuate the fact that it's small... :iono:

[Septembersrain]

Holy crap, could they make the headlight housings any bigger?!

50920

It's almost like they're trying to accentuate the fact that it's small... :iono:

Looks kinda like huge dragon nostrils, Or is that just me?

[junorico24]

Yep,

I mean the latest sub compact offerings are impressive. Me and the Mrs went for a browse at my local dealer. I was awed by the improvements various manufacturers have made.

Post 2010 this segment has moved up level and manufacturers are delivering on all points. Most key feature that people will love and come to expect is the increase in space also the generous equipment in these vehicles.

For example, the boot/trunk space in a mitsubishi mirage and Nissan micra is bigger in comparison to my 2007 and these cars are 3 cylinder midgets. The Vw up trunk is tiny.I dunno what the rave is all about there.

So I envy at what is on offer today compared to 2007. In that short time frame the small car world has been buzzing and become more awesome. WOW!!

[Hershey]

Speakin' of MIRAGE . that's due soon . Claims of 40+ m.p.g.. We had Colts , Champs , and a Eagle Summit sedan . Enjoyed those for many years . As for the Spark , doesn't ignite our senses .

[nookandcrannycar]

Speakin' of MIRAGE . that's due soon . Claims of 40+ m.p.g.. We had Colts , Champs , and a Eagle Summit sedan . Enjoyed those for many years . As for the Spark , doesn't ignite our senses .

I agree with you re the Spark. The Colt I had wasn't bad, but it wasn't the same as an Acura I had or my Yaris re quality.

[nookandcrannycar]

Go here , http://www.mpgomatic.com/ .

I'm not a fan of this particular car, but I'm so glad you keep up with this site and post these videos :thumbsup:.

[bronsin]

Ford is coming out with a 1000cc three cylinder.

But they are ruining it by turbocharging it. No WAY I would touch that sucker! :thumbdown:

Cant wait till it goes in an F150 though! :thumbup:

[Hershey]

Would like to see a small hybrid pickup for $22,000 or a bit less . Something like the size of a Isuzu Pup or Chevy Luv that could get 35+ m.p.g.. Would jump on that .

[Thirty-Nine]

I love the Spark and would at least consider one if I were in the market.

- Andy

[junorico24]

Have a look at the KIA RIO. It's the best I have seen of the lot including the new Yaris.

:headbang:

[nookandcrannycar]

On the feed to the Yahoo homepage today:

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/first-drive-chevrolet-spark-ev-shocks-us-220022460.html

^^^^^ Chevy Spark EV - Got to be the cheapest so far for an all electric vehicle. Only hitch is you have to get it in California or Oregon and live in California to get the full 10,000.00 tax credit (less in Oregon). Cost per article = under 28K then - 10k tax credit. Under 'Electric Cars' on the Wikipedia site, a Scion IQ EV is also listed.

[Hershey]

Nice , a shame the $10,000 can't be applied at the time of purchase for a lower monthly payment . :frown:

[nookandcrannycar]

Nice , a shame the $10,000 can't be applied at the time of purchase for a lower monthly payment . :frown:

:thumbsup:...yeah....and a shame that something different (and better) hasn't been worked out with the other 48 states.

[Hershey]

We got the tax credit for the purchase of 2007 Prius 2 from both . Came in handy .

[nookandcrannycar]

We got the tax credit for the purchase of 2007 Prius 2 from both . Came in handy .

I wonder if CA and OR = a pilot program (so to speak)? If so, I wonder if that might be the case because they have amenable state governments, feel there will be significant demand, or both?

[bronsin]

Ever tried to apply for one of those "credits"?

Not likely you are getting $10,000.

[nookandcrannycar]

Ever tried to apply for one of those "credits"?

Not likely you are getting $10,000.

By the way that you phrase it, I'm assuming then it would be against a state income tax liability?.......so you'd have to owe 10k to get the full 10k. That would also leave out TX, AK, NV, WY, FL, WA, and SD entirely (re no state income tax whatsoever), and people who have only wage income in TN and NH.

[bronsin]

I looked at a Misubishi electric car and just plain gave up trying to understand the "fine print" of the rebate.

But what you say is the gist of it.

[nookandcrannycar]

I looked at a Misubishi electric car and just plain gave up trying to understand the "fine print" of the rebate.

But what you say is the gist of it.

:thumbsup:

[mrbond]

I love the Spark and would at least consider one if I were in the market.

- Andy

And I thought I was the only one that thought the Spark is actually a pretty cool car. The point of the Spark isn't performance or ultimate fuel efficiency or even Volvo-like safety. Like the iQ and Fiat 500, it's a cool, stylish urban commuter that's awesome in big cities - downtown Chicago is where I first test drove the 2LT with all the options. Great to park everywhere, enough room for what you'd need, flashy enough to entertain douchebag drivers in stop and go traffic, and lightweight enough to make driving it fun.

I remember when the xB first came out and people were giving it a whole bunch of crap for what it looked like, as well as the measly engine (the output of which isn't all that much different from the Spark, mind you), but I loved it for its quirkiness. The Yaris also got a lot of criticism when it first came out too, but all of you who are on these forums love it. Now there's a cult following for the xB, and I believe the Spark will follow suit. Hell, I'm buying one at the end of this model year so I can get deep discounts on this super compact car with features most other manufacturers won't put in their cheaper cars. Go Spark!