2013 Chevrolet Spark Officially Rated at 38 MPG Highway, Priced Starting at $12,245

The market for micro cars has grown significantly in the United States in recent years to include the Scion iQ, Smart Fortwo and Fiat 500, but General Motors is set to enter this segment with the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The Chevy Spark has already been on sale in other market since 2009, but this small car will hit U.S. showrooms this summer starting at $12,245.

Powered by a 1.2-liter inline-four, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark recently received its official EPA fuel economy ratings. Cars equipped with the five-speed manual transmission will get an estimated 32 miles per gallon in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and a combined rating or 34 mpg, while the four-speed automatic transmission drops these figures to 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. For comparison, the Scion iQ has a combined 37 mpg and the Smart Fortwo has a combined 36 mpg, but the Chevy Spark is much roomier than the Fortwo and starts about $3,000 less than the iQ. Although the engine only produces 83 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque, it doesn't have much mass to push around since the 2013 Chevrolet Spark weighs just 2,237 pounds in base form.

With its styling inspired by the 2007 Chevrolet Beat Concept, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark has unique styling elements such as the hidden rear door handles and the multiple vibrant exterior colors. Some of the available hues include Jalapeno (green), Denim (blue), Lemonade (pastel yellow) and Techno Pink, and all of these exterior colors also have matching interior accents applied to the instrument panel and front door panels. As a premium color option, Black Granite will cost an extra $195.

The base Chevy Spark LS comes standard with 10 airbags, StabiliTrak stability control, OnStar, air conditioning and power windows. Stepping up to the Spark 1LT, the base price increases to $13,745 and adds Chevrolet MyLink infotainment, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, remote keyless entry and cruise control. Finally, the Spark 2LT adds a more stylish appearance with 15-inch aluminum wheels, sportier front and rear fascias, heated leatherette front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and fog lights with prices starting at $15,045. All of the base prices are for the manual transmission models, but an automatic transmission can be equipped on any model for an addition $925.