Chevy Spark: Oh no—no 4-0 (MPG)
We've been talking about the A-segment Chevrolet Spark here for quite a while. We've known for a bit that the car will have a 1.2-liter engine making 85 horsepower, and we know it'll be priced starting at $12,995. And now we know the EPA-rated fuel economy, and frankly, it might be the biggest thing the car has going against it.
The EPA ratings for the five-speed manual transmission version will be 32 city, 38 highway. The four-speed automatic version will be rated at 28, 37 respectively. So while it'll be priced competitively, both the Chevy Sonic and Cruze—both larger vehicles—hit the 40 MPG mark, although you'll have to opt for the more expensive turbocharged 1.4-liter engine to hit it.
Although the Spark is two MPG shy of the Sonic/Cruze, its entry price is still lower. Let's face it: we're talking two MPG here on the highway end. However, with fuel economy being one of the most (if not THE most) important factor in consumers buying a car, the EPA numbers on the window sticker might hinder sales of the little A-segment vehicle. If this thing could've hit 42 MPG, however, it might be a really hot seller. So yet again the A-segment ends up being small, but as much as a fuel miser as everyone thought it'd be.
Subcompact Culture - The small car blog
