Skip advert
Advertisement

Chevy Spark vs rivals

Tiny city cars are big news – but is the new Chevrolet Spark a contender? We find out as it meets key rivals.

Chevy Spark vs rivals

City cars are among the cheapest models around, but that doesn’t mean they can afford to feel like budget buys. The latest options in this class have to be capable all-rounders, as well as affordable and fun.

They need to be as easy to drive in town as they are on the open road, plus have spacious interiors and boots. Low running costs are a must, too. Chevrolet thinks its new Spark is the ideal solution. A frugal 1.2-litre petrol engine, five doors and distinctive looks are a good start, while it has a spacious, high-spec cabin.

Rivals should be worried, then – but our favourite model in this sector doesn’t scare easily. The Hyundai i10 offers a top-quality interior, lots of kit, a bulletproof warranty and low prices.

Joining it here are the Toyota Aygo and Suzuki Alto – both have three-cylinder engines, yet compensate with lots of character, cheap running costs and cheeky looks. So, which car is big in the city?

Advertisement - Article continues below

The cars
Toyota Aygo Platinum
Price: £9,841
Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 67bhp
0-60mph: 12.9 seconds
AE economy: 41.1mpg
Claimed CO2: 106g/km

Hyundai i10 Style
Price: £8,885
Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 77bhp
0-60mph: 11.6 seconds
AE economy: 36.3mpg
Claimed CO2: 119g/km

Suzuki Alto SZ4
Price: £8,940
Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 67bhp
0-60mph: 13.0 seconds
AE economy: 43.7mpg
Claimed CO2: 103g/km

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

37,540 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,497
View Juke
E-2008

2022 Peugeot

E-2008

45,926 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,997
View E-2008
C4

2022 Citroen

C4

44,932 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £12,097
View C4
3 Series Touring

2024 BMW

3 Series Touring

43,439 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,697
View 3 Series Touring

Chevrolet Spark LT
Price: £9,845
Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl, 80bhp
0-60mph: 12.4 seconds
AE economy: 36.3mpg
Claimed CO2: 119g/km

Verdict

This sector is never easy. With so much of the decision being driven by cost, it really is a case of the head ruling the heart.

However, that makes picking a winner in this test simple. The Hyundai is hugely talented, with broad appeal. It’s also cheap to buy and run, and has a brilliant five-year warranty. But deciding the order of the rest is tougher.

Runner-up spot goes to the excellent Aygo. In £9,841 Platinum trim, it’s pricey – we’d recommend the cheaper and better-equipped Blue model. Take into account the great residuals, low running costs, strong build and fun driving experience, though, and it’s hard to argue against the Toyota.

There are no complaints about the Alto’s £8,940 price. It feels built to a budget, but is well equipped and can be run on a shoestring.

That means the new Chevrolet Spark brings up the rear. It has lots of kit, plenty of space and a powerful engine – on paper, it’s a winning formula. In reality, the engine is coarse, the design fussy and its high specification comes at too much of a cost. In the talented city car class, it’s off the pace.

Overall results
1st - Hyundai i10
Multi-talented i10 is hard to beat. Attractive packaging, a willing engine, capable handling, high specification and excellent value for money set it apart here.

2nd - Toyota Aygo
While it isn’t the cheapest here, the Toyota is desirable for buyers on a budget. Great residuals and low running costs are highlights, as are fun driving dynamics.

3rd - Suzuki Alto
It isn’t the most polished car,
but the Suzuki is cheap to buy and well equipped. The Alto is an honest, no-frills model that gets the job done with minimal fuss.

4th - Chevrolet Spark
In this company, the Spark lacks the polish to be competitive. It provides plenty of space and decent performance – but just doesn’t make sense at this price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £15,158
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

BYD and Octopus Energy team up for ‘all-inclusive’ EV deal
BYD Dolphin - front action

BYD and Octopus Energy team up for ‘all-inclusive’ EV deal

Octopus’ ‘Power Pack Bundle’ includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month
News
23 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels
Skoda Epiq exclusive image - front

New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels

The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand’s ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact …
News
23 Jun 2025
Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025