2019 Chevrolet Spark: First impression

After the major facelift in 2015, the Chevrolet Spark has once again received some touch-ups here and there. But was that needed at all? Some would say yes and others might not agree. Majorly because updates bring along hiked prices. Anyways, Chevrolet, following the suite, West first and then the East, has launched the 2019 Spark in the Philippines. The updated hatchback comes with changes on the exterior, interior, engine, and well, pretty much everywhere. So, how does the new Spark fare? Does it have that Spark? Let’s find out.

Does it look good?

For a subcompact hatchback, yes it does. The major facelift in 2015 gave Spark a boost in the looks to compete with the rivals and thrive in stiff competition. The 2019 Spark comes with ever so slight changes in those looks but the manufacturer might have done a little too much with the tweaking. The front grille is a new unit and is outlined by a lotta chrome. The fog lights have also been positioned a little lower and get redesigned housings which again, are outlined by some more, chrome. Chevrolet probably found a mine of chrome and didn’t want to waste a bit. So, why not put a hell lot of it on the Spark, to make it Spark! So, yes the 2019 Chevrolet Spark looks good, but might not appeal to everyone.

What’s inside?

Again, just like the outside, it’s a mixed bag on the inside of the new Spark. Although we get great features in the hatch, there are flaws which let us down as well. Get inside the 2019 Chevrolet Spark and you’ll see an uncomplicated cabin. There are steering wheel mounted controls for audio and telephony and the infotainment system is a 7-inch screen that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The front seats on the new Spark are decent enough but the at the rear, there just ain’t enough room. Large size adults will find it hard to fit in the back. The interior design, although modern, lacks the premium-ness that Spark’s price carries.

How’s it under all that glitter?

Underwhelming. Yes, under all the flash and glare, the motor is just underwhelming. The spec sheet of the new Spark read a 1.4-litre DOHC L4 DVVT engine which produces 99 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 128 Nm. Chevrolet has boasted quite a lot about the all-aluminium engine frame. The guys at Chevy claim more power and better fuel efficiency with the now lighter in weight engine. While the real world performance still remains to be tested, do not get the hopes too high. The CVT offered with the 99 PS is slow at the start and you might wanna go for the manual transmission for a better connection with the internals of the car. However, even the 5-speed manual struggles at higher speeds and makes the engine rev a little more than the CVT at times. That said, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark is still a very good vehicle to have for city driving but it just doesn’t have the highway potential.

Is it safe?

Well, the safety norms aren’t too strict in the Philippines yet and taking the advantage Chevrolet has skipped many safety features in the Filipino version of the Spark. In the US, where the little hatch gets a generous 10 airbag kit, in the Philippines, it gets two. Safety features like ABS, EBD, Brake Assist are too much to even think of on the 2019 Spark. All the safety equipment it gets include 2 overwhelming airbags, alarm anti-theft, central door lock, immobilizer, security alarm, stability control, electronic door locks, and ISOFIX child restraint. With the price the Spark asks for, the omission of the safety features might just pull the sales charts down.

Will it sell?

There’s no doubt that the 2019 Chevrolet Spark is a good hatchback. But with the 2019 Spark's price of Php 694,888 - 859,888 and many flaws like less room inside, an underpowered engine, a sluggish CVT, and skipped safety features might just kick the ball in the competitor’s court. Still, the car will surely sell as a “car of choice”, but very unlikely as a “car of necessity”. Chevrolet must learn that putting a hell lotta chrome won’t make a car sell like hot cakes.