A Notable Feature of the 2011 Chevy Spark

Most entry-level cars are carefully planned to meet a low target price, which tends to rule out any features that add to production costs. The 2011 Chevy Spark will be no exception. On the other hand, GM will undoubtedly take pains to avoid anything that might make a cut-rate impression. After all, quality sells, even in the budget class.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Chevy Spark

With its bold styling, city-friendly size and likely high fuel economy, the 2011 Chevy Spark seems tailor-made for fashion-conscious, eco-minded urbanites watching their budgets. The main question is, how small can you go? As one of the more minimalist cars on the American scene, the Spark wouldn’t be many people’s first choice for a long trip, and it may not have the guts to cope comfortably with faster city/suburban traffic. On the other hand, it will be larger, roomier and probably quicker than the trendy Smart ForTwo and the reportedly imminent Toyota iQ, both of which cost somewhat more. Other class candidates, such as the Honda Fit and Ford’s new 2011 Fiesta, compete more with Aveo, which is being redesigned for 2011 and could be the better small Chevy for some buyers. The bottom line? Consider the Spark if you’re planning to buy in late 2010. Otherwise, we see no reason to wait for it, however promising it may seem now.

2011 Chevy Spark Release Date: GM says the Spark will go on sale in 2010, but hasn’t been more specific than that. However, as the European launch is apparently slated for early that year, sources expect the U.S. version will arrive sometime in the fourth quarter as a 2011 model.

2011 Chevy Spark First Test Drive: The above timing implies U.S. media previews in summer 2010. But we should know all about the Spark well before that, as the world press launch would probably happen a few months before the European sales kickoff, meaning late this year or very early in 2010.