Five-Point Inspection: 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Frustratingly Uncomfortable, Strange Design Quirks

The Spark does most of what it’s meant to very well. It’s easy on gas, it can carry you to and from a shopping excursion and it pairs up with a smart phone easily. That’s great, but it’s almost as if Chevrolet’s engineers forgot what driving ergonomics are.

With hands placed at “10 and 2,” you’ll probably notice that about half of the LCD touch screen is impossible to see. Similarly, anyone taller than 5′ 9” will find that the steering wheel sits in the way of seeing the speedometer – and since it’s attached to the steering column, moving the wheel up and down doesn’t help.

Holding on to the wheel like your driving instructor encouraged is also necessary in the Spark. A big bump around town or wayward highway gust of wind can easily set the car off course. So hang on.