When it comes to a small and cute car, the Chevrolet Spark fit the bill and carried the cuteness factor to a level that was off the charts. As this car comes to a second generation Chevrolet decided it was time to have a more grown up version of the Spark for us to drive and love, which has created the new Spark, giving us more technology and a look which is matured compared to the first generation of this car. The new look and tech make the Spark a car you should choose when shopping for a small hatchback to drive.

The Spark is the car you want when you’re shopping in the lower price ranges and want a car that can be fun and active on the road while being nice to your wallet. In a world where we’re looking for more features for less money the Spark delivers for you. For 2016 this car has an upgraded exterior design, added safety features, more power from the engine and even the carryover of the EV model which is now available in Maryland, California and Oregon to offer a great car with zero emissions for residents of those states to drive.

While the previous Spark is one that even won the favor of Dale Earnhardt, this new one would make him even more excited. This new Spark handles better than ever, offer a longer wheelbase and the more powerful engine. This new model sits lower to the ground to give you a more planted feeling than before, making it one of the most affordable and enjoyable cars to drive on the road in this category. If you’re looking for a fun and little hatchback that feels great and lets you turn it loose, this is the one to choose.

There are two engine options for the Spark. The first is a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 98 horsepower and 94 lb.-ft. of torque. While that doesn’t sound exciting, the fact this car weights less than 2,300 pounds means it doesn’t take a lot of power to get it going. There are two transmissions used, a five-speed manual and a CVT automatic. With the manual you will enjoy fuel mileage of 30 city/41 hwy mpg while the CVT delivers 31 city/41 hwy mpg for you to have a great ride on any road.

The second powertrain is the one found in the Spark EV. This model uses a 19 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that produces 140 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque. The expected range from a full charge is 82 miles with this engine. There are three options for charging this EV; use a standard 120-volt outlet and take twenty hours to charge, opt for the 240-volt option which will take seven hours to use the Combo DC Fast Charge and be able to have your battery charged to eighty percent capacity in only twenty minutes. Most of us will want to enjoy either the Fast Charge or a combination of the last two options.

What you will enjoy when you purchase the Spark starts at the LS model which comes with air conditioning, a seven-inch capacitive touch screen, three months of the GM OnStar program with the 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot, a four-speaker audio system with USB input and Bluetooth connectivity, ten airbags and a rearview camera. The EV will offer you power windows, an upgraded audio system and a remote starting system to give you a few more great features to enjoy on this little hatchback.

Moving up the trim levels will gain you more features. The LT adds power windows, keyless entry, cruise control; steering wheel mounted audio buttons, a theft deterrent system and SiriusXM satellite radio. At the top of the trim structure we find the 2LT which offers a leather covered steering wheel, chrome exterior trim pieces and rear parking assistance. You can add a power sunroof and a Driver Confidence Package to the two upper trim levels of the Spark.

Is this the car for you? Check it out at your local Chevrolet dealer and find out what this new Spark offers.