2012 Chevrolet Spark

Chevrolet Spark

Chevrolet’s Spark never tried to wow you with flair or push boundaries, but it turned out to be exactly the sort of honest little city hatchback that made sense in Jozi’s gridlock and Cape Town’s narrow streets. On paper at least, it faced off against the likes of Suzuki’s Alto, Hyundai’s i10, and even the VW Citigo, but buyers knew what they were getting: simple, affordable motoring with no frills and no sneaky extras. You’re looking at R67,500 to R109,900 for any of the seven currently listed Spark 1.2s, all with a manual ‘box and that eager (if not exactly punchy) 1.2-litre petrol engine — no autos, no variety, just the basics, which honestly suits the car’s straightforward personality. Most options are the 1.2 LS five-door, but there’s a lone LT at the top end, nudging R109,900. Every single one is used, covering the 2010 to 2015 model years, and here’s the kicker: average mileage is a chunky 142,525 km. That matters, because you’ll want to check for a stamped service book and evidence of proper upkeep — these cars have seen more than their share of Gauteng potholes and Durban humidity. Where the Spark always nudged ahead locally was in its low insurance costs and the way it could slip into parking bays that make a Polo sweat. The trade-off? Every example you’ll find has done some serious hard yards, so don’t kid yourself — the price is right, but plan for some wear and tear. If you pack smart, it’s what the Spark should have been from the start.