What powers a Chevy Spark?
The Chevy Spark is a compact city car powered by a small gasoline engine. The engine in the Spark is a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to drive the front wheels.
Engine Specifications
The Chevy Spark's 1.4-liter engine is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder that uses port fuel injection. It has double overhead camshafts and 16 valves, allowing for efficient airflow and combustion. The engine block and cylinder head are made of lightweight aluminum alloy to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. This engine is designed for good fuel efficiency and low emissions, rather than high performance.
Transmission Options
Buyers of the Chevy Spark can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience and slightly better fuel economy, while the CVT offers a smoother and more effortless driving experience, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.
Powertrain Performance
With its 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque, the Chevy Spark's powertrain is designed for urban commuting and city driving, not high-performance. The 0-60 mph acceleration time is around 11 seconds, which is on the slower side for a modern car. However, the Spark makes up for this with excellent maneuverability, a tight turning radius, and good fuel efficiency, making it well-suited for navigating crowded city streets and parking lots.
Fuel Economy
The Chevy Spark achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, or 29 mpg city and 37 mpg highway with the CVT. These figures make the Spark one of the more fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicles in its class.
In summary, the Chevy Spark is powered by a small, efficient 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate performance for city driving, paired with either a manual or CVT transmission. The Spark's powertrain is designed to prioritize fuel efficiency and maneuverability over raw power and acceleration.
