Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 Review: More aggressive look, more powerful engine

Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 is the top-spec variant of the new-generation Spark which made its official debut at Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) in March. Before finding out what’s hot and what’s not about this model, let’s have a look back at the Chevy Spark’s respectable evolution during the past two decades.

Quick Look: Chevrolet Spark at MIAS 2017

Did you know that the Spark was originally known as a Deawoo-manufactured product dubbed Matiz? When it was born in the late '90s, the Spark’s ancestor was said to have an affordable price yet not-so-good-looking appearance, and not-so-cheerful ride.

Not until the mid-2000s did the General Motors officially introduce the car under the name Chevrolet Spark. This was the second-gen Matiz and also the very first-gen Spark to arrive in the Philippine market. Despite still not being built with an attractive look, that Spark still did the job of an affordable small car which might have certain weakness here and there yet still satisfied basic needs for daily city driving. In fact, after a few years, some of their older generations are still solid options for city driving, these Chevrolet Spark 2010 for example. 

The all-new Chevrolet Spark now owns a lot more interesting look

Things seemed to start falling into places with the 3rd-gen Matiz (or the 2nd-gen Spark in our shores). The Chevrolet Spark 2011 got a whole new refresh in design, materials, performance and even overall packaging.

And now, let’s explore what the fourth generation Spark has to offer in our Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 review on Philkotse.com.

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The Chevrolet Spark currently on sale, unlike its predecessors, now owns a lot more interesting look.

Starting with the overall dimension, the new Spark measures 3635 mm of length, 1595 mm of width, and 1483 mm of height, meaning that it is smaller than the previous model in all aspects. While the overall length is made shorter, the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Spark 2018 is now 10 mm longer than its predecessor, which all together helps the car obtain greater stability and handling.

The Spark was originally known as a Deawoo-manufactured product dubbed Matiz

Concerning the Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 exterior design, it is easy to notice that in spite of being categorized as an A-segment car, the Spark still creates a rather premium feel. This is thanks to the harmonious combination of numerous refresh in design, including the bigger lower intake, the refined headlamps outlined with LED daylight-running lamps wrapping smoothly into the wings and the slightly sculpted front bumper. The exterior makeover is finished with the nice blend of the side creases into the new taillights and a set of 15-inch wheels.

In spite of being categorized as an A-segment car, the Spark still creates a rather premium feel

While we do enjoy all the refresh updates of the new Spark, we also like how it still keeps the hidden rear door handles concept of the previous model. The door handles of the rear seat are nicely placed right next to the C-pillar, almost hidden vertically in the upright, making it look like a two-door.

The door handles are almost hidden vertically in the upright, making the Spark look like a two-door

>>> Related: Chevrolet Philippines price list

Seating & Cargo

Not only having a premium feel on the outside, the all-new Spark also feels the same on the inside. The premium impression comes from the improved quality of the door panel, the dashboard, the chrome door handles and the seat material.

The LTZ model offers comfortable seats with a 4-way adjustment driver seat

The Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 promises to be a reliable partner for your daily city driving as it offers comfortable seats with a 4-way adjustment driver seat for the LTZ variant and two for the rest of the lineup. The headroom and legroom at the back are also sufficient enough for long drives.

The Chevy Spark 2018 can accommodate 195 liters of cargo

Regarding cargo capacity, the car can accommodate 195 liters of cargo, which is not too bad for a small city car. However, there is one thing that we don’t like about the rear seats of the Chevy Spark. When being folded down to release more room, the rear seats won’t be folded completely flat, which means the cargo space of this car is not as roomy as it appears to be. This disadvantage is also mentioned in many expert car reviews of this 5-door hatchback.

Accessories

It’s worth mentioning here that the Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 is spruced up with a handful of all-new interesting accessories. Stepping inside, you will be welcomed by an all-new steering wheel which resembles the Cruze’s and even features Bluetooth and audio controls.

The new Chevy Spark steering wheel features Bluetooth and audio controls

At the center of the dashboard is the 7-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment system with the aircon vents placed just beneath it. We really like the way these two most important convenience features are positioned in a neat order in the new Spark. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aux-in, USB ports and 6 speakers all come standard across the lineup.

The Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 is empowered by the LV7 1.4-liter engine from the company’s Small Gasoline Engine, mated to a 5-speed CVT, which is capable of dishing out 98hp at 6,200rpm and 128Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. This is definitely an improvement if we put together this figure with that of its predecessor.

The car is empowered by the 1.4-liter twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 engine

Equipped with the CVT, the new Chevrolet Spark now can achieve greater acceleration, particularly when driven uphill. In normal city driving condition, given that the traffic is not too bad, the car consumes an average of 10km/L, which is quite an impressive fuel consumption. On the highway, this figure might go up to nearly 15km/L, given that the average speed is around 87 km/h and you are not overtaking too much.

On-road performance

Thanks to the nice and firm suspension, you can enjoy driving it in town and tossing it around corners. This is really a significant improvement of the latest Spark in comparison with it previous generations. In addition to a nice suspension system is a proper weight of 1,049 kg, which altogether helps the Chevrolet Spark 2018 keep a good balance and not lean forward even under sudden braking.

The all-new Chevrolet Spark is a surprising mini hatch

Besides standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brake system and 10 airbags, the Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 is even furnished with traction control, making it become one of the most affordable cars in the market to be equipped with this important function. Traction control system is not only found in the top-spec model but also in the midrange CVT Spark.

With the 2018 lineup, the Spark has surely leveled up its game and more importantly, demonstrated its proud evolution during the last 20 years.

Priced at P763,888, the Chevrolet Spark 1.4 LTZ 2018 is definitely one of the best affordable cars in the Philippines, given what it has to offer. We can find in this model a host of crucial elements of a great mini compact car for the money: smart design, good materials, great features and justifiable price.

Hopefully, the Chevrolet Spark 2018 Review for the top-of-the-line model on Philkotse.com has given you sufficient reasons to love this tiny city car.

Let’s check out the price tags for Chevrolet Spark 2018 variants in our market:

>>> Check out full Chevrolet Spark Philippines price list

>>> Click for complete list of Chevrolet Spark 2018 for sale in the Philippines