What engine does the Chevy Spark use?
The Chevy Spark’s powertrain depends on the model year and market. In most gasoline models, it uses a small inline-4 engine (commonly 1.2 liters); some markets offered a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder option; there has also been a Spark EV with an electric motor in certain years and regions.
Gasoline engine options
Gasoline Spark variants have primarily used two engine families across its lifecycle, varying by region and generation.
- 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine (I4): The standard powerplant for most Spark models in North America and many overseas markets, with transmission choices that varied by year and trim.
- 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-3 (three-cylinder): A smaller, turbocharged option used in select markets to boost efficiency and city-driving performance in some later generations.
Gasoline Spark variants therefore rely on a compact four-cylinder baseline, with a turbocharged three-cylinder option available in a minority of markets for improved efficiency.
Electric variant
Chevrolet also offered the Spark as an electric vehicle (the Spark EV) in limited markets and years, which uses an electric motor and a battery pack instead of a gasoline engine.
Notes on generations and regional differences
The exact engine choices for a given Spark model depend on the generation and the country where it was sold. Early US-market Sparks used the 1.2 L I4; some European and Asian markets experimented with a smaller 1.0 L turbo three-cylinder in later generations. The Spark EV exists as a separate propulsion option in certain markets and years; it is not the same as the gasoline engine lineup.
Bottom line for buyers
When shopping, verify the precise engine and transmission pairing for your specific model year and market, since Chevrolet offered multiple powertrains across generations and regions.
Summary
In brief, the Chevy Spark’s gasoline version most commonly uses a 1.2-liter inline-4 engine, with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder option available in some markets. An electric Spark variant exists in certain years and regions, powered by an electric motor rather than an internal-combustion engine. Engine availability varies by generation and country, so check the exact specs for your vehicle.
