2013 Chevrolet Spark for Sale in Dallas, TX

An “F” word pops to mind when thoughts turn to the diminutive 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Actually, several “F” words: There’s fun, funky and functional. Then there’s an alliterative word phrase, too: financially feasible.

All fit the 2013 Spark, Chevy’s new offering in the subcompact car segment, aimed at a younger, on-the-go demographic perhaps ready to add an urban-friendly car to the mass transportation piece of its getting-around-town arsenal.

The 4-seat, 5-door hatchback has been making a name for itself in Europe and other international markets for a bit, and the question now is how it will go over back home as the automaker introduces the smallest car, designed for city lovers and city livers, it has ever sold in the United States.

“Spark is the city driving solution,” Chevrolet claims. “The compact Spark slides easily into those tight parking spots that other cars don’t dare dream about.”

At 144 inches long, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, offered in an array of flamboyant colors, is a little more than a foot shorter than its cousin the Sonic and will compete with fellow minicars such as the smart fortwo, Scion iQ and Fiat 500. In part because of its more upright seating position, Chevy says the Spark is a leader among its rivals in interior space.

The front-wheel-drive Spark certainly won’t appeal to everyone. It comes in LS, 1LT and 2LT trims, and Chevy sends both out with a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s good for 85 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque and better suited for zipping the 2,300-pound little rig around the city than highway cruising. It comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and a 4-speed automatic is available.

Chevy promises the Spark’s fuel economy numbers will be competitive with others in the segment, which should mean it will get about 30 mpg in the city and near 40 on the highway. That’s one of the aspects of the 2013 Chevy Spark that makes it financially attractive.

Another is its sticker price of about $13,000.

The 2013 Chevy Spark’s design and color scheme add to the fun and funky part of the equation. Lemonade, Techno Pink and Jalapeno, with matching accents on the interior, are among the colors available. The vehicle’s exterior features huge, bug-eyed, headlights, and on the inside its futuristic gauges on a motorcycle-like dashboard are eye-catching as well.

Chevy, which has an electric version of the vehicle on the way, loads the Spark up with some high-tech features as well, or at least makes them available. Power windows, air conditioning and 15-inch alloy wheels come standard. Options include heated seats, SiriusXM satellite radio and a 7-inch color touchscreen sound system that is capable of displaying smartphone-based navigation including live traffic updates, media and contacts. Chevy’s MyLink system is also available.

The 2013 Chevy Spark comes with antilock brakes, electronic stability control and 10 airbags, including rollover-sensing curtains.