Chevy Just Killed Its Most Affordable Vehicle
The Chevy Spark isn’t long for this Earth. It holds the title of the cheapest new car in America. General Motors is killing the nameplate after a decade of production.
Is the Chevy Spark discontinued?
According to Motor1, the Chevy Spark won’t last past 2022. The Spark is part of the subcompact car vehicle segment. It rivals vehicles like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, and Hyundai Accent. The Spark starts at $14,595, making it the most affordable car in America by about $300.
Production of the Chevy Spark will continue up until August 2022. General Motors has not released a reason for giving the Spark the axe, but there are several reasons why a vehicle like the Spark can’t survive much longer. Inflation is creeping its way into every market and rearing its ugly head in grocery stores, at gas stations, and in the automotive industry.
A vehicle as affordable as the Spark may not yield significant profits for Chevrolet, especially considering its sales numbers and the rising cost of materials. Profit margins on the small car may be too slim for Chevy after accounting for inflation.
Another reason why Chevy could be abandoning the small car is because of its plans for the future. General Motors CEO Mary Barra has strongly asserted that the company would be a major player in the EV space. The automaker is rolling out the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV, as well as electric SUVs like the Chevy Equinox EV. Chevy could be killing the nameplate to make more room for competitive electric vehicle alternatives on the assembly line.
Is the Chevy Spark a good car?
When it comes to the Chevy Spark, you get what you pay for. Affordability comes at the cost of a lack of cabin space, sluggish acceleration, and very few standard safety features for the Spark. The small car uses a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine to make a measly 98 horsepower. It gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Spark comes in four different trims: the LS, 1LT, 2LT, and ACTIV. The ACTIV trim starts at around $18,695 without any additions. It comes standard with safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The ACTIV trim also includes remote keyless entry and power locks. The Spark is about as barebones as any vehicle gets and frankly is too basic to satisfy most consumers.
Why is the Chevrolet Spark so cheap?
The Chevy Spark is so cheap because it offers very little to the modern consumer in terms of technology, safety, or comfort. Drivers that live in a crowded city and don’t plan on driving with any passengers may find the Spark to be a decent vehicle. If you want any of the modern safety features or creature comforts that most new cars come standard with, the final trim is the only real option.
If you’re looking for a great affordable small car option, start with the Hyundai Elantra. It’s larger and more expensive than the Spark but provides incredible value for its price without breaking the bank. The 2022 Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,950. Will Chevrolet’s most affordable vehicle be missed, or is it high time that the automaker got rid of the tiny car?
