Five-Point Inspection: 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Competent in the City, Huffs and Puffs on the Highway

Expecting any real power out of the Spark’s 1.2-liter four cylinder is silly. The car is slower than dial-up internet and about as noisy as establishing that sort of connection.

Despite that, it’s got enough power to find the speed limit around town and even on the highway — just don’t expect the latter with any speed.

Passing is pretty much impossible, but then again this isn’t meant to be a long-distance traveller and for the price it’s tough to expect more than you’ll get.

Stacked next to similarly sized subcompacts, the Spark is well priced, well equipped and reasonably livable, just don’t expect much more than the basics.