Chevy Spark Fails to Ignite 40+ MPG Rating

This is pretty bad, I thought this car was going to get 50mpg and it doesn't even get 40. The only reason for this car it exist is to be super fuel efficient. Since it can't beat the Cruze or Sonic, I see no reason for this car to exist. I really doubt there is a customer out there that has a Sonic and wishes there car was smaller.

 

It isn't all that bad for a small gas car.

City cars are really more about small size for ease of parking in crowded cities. That is why they have been much more popular in Europe than the US.

The Smart ForTwo has similar economy and requires premium gas.

 

2200lbs, is that lighter than current gen Miatas?

 

For comparison's sake:

Fiat 500 1.4L (premium gas)
Manual - 30/33/38 mpg
Auto - 27/30/34 mpg

Mini Cooper 1.6L (premium)
Manual - 29/32/37
Auto - 28/31/36

Smart ForTwo (premium)
Auto - 34/36/38

Spark runs on regular, which is an advantage for fuel costs (at least a small one).

 

There has to be a point where the upper limit of fuel economy without a technology change is reached. The 37-40 mpg window may be that limit. They either have to decrease heat loss of the combustion event, or go to hybrd/etc technology.

The Sub 2000lb, 1.0 I-3, 60 hp Metro got into the 50's. HOwever, good luck moving those these days.

 

I think the limit these small cars are hitting is due to their shape. They are just too short and tall to be aerodynamic enough to get big hwy numbers.

 

I have to believe the current crash standards wouldn't allow that Metro to be sold in the US.

 

Basically what I was getting at. A tin can with wheel and an engine won't pass.... Also, if you look at the content, I doubt you could give them away to the current consumer.

Referenced Metro was short and fairly tall in relation to length. Not discounting your theory, just saying. Even if there is more in the aero. How much can you change shape before you give up enough utility to affect sales?

 

Thank you for having the courage to post these numbers GMi left out...

 

Weight is the problem. It's just too high nowadays.
But between all the gadgets people want and the safety equipment the government demands, there really isn't a way to reduce weight without going to some exotic material. Which would drive cost thru the stratosphere.

 

The Chevy Sprak? Z28x fix yo title.

This car is not impressing anyone. Price is $12.5k, fuel mileage isn't exactly ground breaking, and it's not particularly good looking. Things are not looking good for this car.

 

I'm still waiting for someone to produce a small "appliance" car for less than $10k. Otherwise, I see no point in these micro compacts unless their fuel numbers improve.

 

You used to be able to get a Versa for $9995. But that was 2 or 3 years ago I think.

 

Saw a Spark at the dealer - the new window stickers aren't helping the cause. More focus on the avg and less on the city/hwy.

 

This is serverely dissapointing... especially when you can get 47 in the new Cmax and 40+ in the Cruze Eco.