2017 Chevrolet Spark vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

The 2017 Chevrolet Spark five-door hatchback beats any other minicar in seating capacity, with four adults able to ride comfortably if not spaciously.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is its closest direct competitor; it's been updated this year, and a sedan version added as well, but Chevy still has the edge on design, features, performance, and safety options.

The Fiat 500 is now six years old, but it remains distinctive, cheerful, and appealing—for two occupants only, with the rear seats pretty much useless for adults.

There's now a five-door hatchback Mini Cooper along with the latest three-door, but it's quite a bit larger and much pricier than the littlest Chevy.

It does win fun-to-drive points, however, as pretty much all Minis have.

Finally, the two-seat Smart Fortwo remains a specialized vehicle for a specific use That would be fitting in the smallest parking spaces known to man.

It's now, thankfully, pleasant enough to use and a competent urban runabout--but if you ever carry a third person or even lots of stuff, the Spark will serve you and the Smart just can't.