Market Segment:
Subcompact car, city car, economy car.
Target Audience:
First-time car buyers, urban commuters, budget-conscious individuals.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta.
Value Proposition:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, maneuverability in urban environments, surprisingly spacious interior for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance capabilities, saving owners significant costs on dealership service.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis and wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission removal, disassembly, assembly, and repair. Clutch system, torque converter (automatic).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings.
Steering:
Steering gear, power steering system (if applicable), tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, rotors, drums, master cylinder, brake lines.
Electrical System:
Battery, starter, alternator, lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster, fuse box locations and diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, frame straightening (if applicable).
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, troubleshooting procedures for various systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all major vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic guides for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 Stars (for 2014 model year in many configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Not typically rated as a Top Safety Pick, but often achieves 'Acceptable' or 'Good' in specific tests.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and roof side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
Standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Infotainment System:
MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch color touchscreen (available on higher trims).
Smartphone Integration:
Supports Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free calling. Some trims may offer optional smartphone integration features.
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera system available on certain trims.
Usb Port:
Available USB port for media playback and device charging.
Onstar:
Optional OnStar capability with GPS, emergency services, and vehicle diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to owner's manual; typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require shorter intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically iridium spark plugs with intervals around 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic (e.g., GM dexos1 Gen 2 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 US quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter change. Consult manual for exact capacity.
Coolant Type:
GM-specific P-OAT (Phosphate Organic Acid Technology) Coolant, often Dex-Cool (Orange).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Common Issues:
Some owners report occasional issues with ignition coils, minor electrical gremlins, and wear on suspension components due to city driving. The 3-cylinder engine can be perceived as less refined by some drivers. Rattles from interior trim can also be noted.
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and Arthur Chevrolet, Chevrolet is one of the oldest and most recognized automotive brands globally, known for its wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Spark Introduction:
The Chevrolet Spark was introduced in North America for the 2013 model year, as a replacement for the Chevrolet Aveo. It is a globally designed vehicle, with its roots in the Daewoo Matiz.
2014 Model Year Updates:
The 2014 model year saw minor refinements and potentially new trim levels or feature packaging, but largely carried over from the initial North American launch.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea (Changwon) by GM Korea.