The Car Guide’s 2020 Best Buys: Chevrolet Spark
Every year, The Car Guide publishes its Best Buys in nearly 30 different vehicle categories. Today we begin our review of the 2020 winners with a look at city cars, which are positioned below the sub-compact segment in terms of size and price.
The Chevrolet Spark, which is Canada’s most affordable new car (MSRP from $9,998), has somehow escaped GM’s axe to earn a 2020 Best Buy award in the city car segment.
- Also: 2019 Chevrolet Spark: Bigger Responsibilities
- Also: The Chevrolet Spark is Now the Most Affordable New Car in Canada
The Spark is fairly well equipped, starting with desirable technologies like a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an available Wi-Fi hotspot. Some models even add automatic emergency braking for increased safety. Meanwhile, the 1.4-litre engine under the hood serves up 98 horsepower through a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.
In second place we find the Nissan Micra (MSRP from $10,488), which won the award last year but will not be returning after 2020. This fun-to-drive hatchback features a beautifully simple, 109-horsepower, 1.6-litre engine (paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic), a fairly spacious interior and reasonable fuel economy.
The third step on the podium is once again occupied by the Mitsubishi Mirage (MSRP from $12,298). Obviously, its biggest strength is the reassuring five-year/100,000 km comprehensive warranty and 10-year/160,000 powertrain coverage. The Mirage G4 sedan was recently dropped, so Canadians are left with the five-door hatchback only. The great news is that the 2021 Mirage is coming with a number of exterior and interior changes.
The Car Guide’s 2020 Scores
- Chevrolet Spark – 76%
- Nissan Micra – 73%
- Mitsubishi Mirage – 64%