2026 Chevrolet Spark EUV: Hip to be square
Different shapes serve different purposes in our lives.
The wheel revolutionized the way humanity moved, whether it was hauling heavy cargo or masses of people – imagine the chaos (and the immense bouncing) we would experience if it were shaped like a triangle or a square. Pens and pencils would likewise be near-impossible to use if these resembled ice cubes instead of thin cylinders.
Car design of late has emphasized flowing lines and smooth surfaces, all in the quest to make vehicles cut through the air more smoothly, thus reducing energy consumption at higher speeds. But the consequence is that interior space isn’t fully maximized relative to the vehicle’s wheelbase (there’s a reason that buses aren’t shaped like coffee beans).
Happily, Chevrolet didn’t get the memo with its all-new Spark EUV – we tested if this all-new battery-electric vehicle (EV) makes a case for boxy cars to make a comeback.
Ode to fun
Someone at Chevrolet Philippines must still have a 5-year-old inside him or her that envisions the ideal car.
That’s no bad thing, of course – our test unit’s attractive Track Yellow paint and video-game-inspired, orange-and-black decals result in the automotive equivalent of an unabashed extrovert. The Spark EUV’s toy-like appearance is emphasized by the gloss-black front panel (where the charging ports reside) flanked by powerful LED lights.
The prominent use of matte-black protective cladding on the lower bumpers and fenders give it a rugged edge, while the gloss-black side mirrors and roof offer welcome elegance and contrast to the loud color scheme. Even the 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/60-series tires have a splash of orange to counter the dark-gray motif.
Out back, you get a side-opening tailgate and rectangular LED taillights with gloss-black surrounds. The only thing I didn’t like about our test unit was the side steps – these not only reduced the 140-millimeter ground clearance, but also made getting in and out of the Spark EUV needlessly difficult, especially for my septuagenarian mother.
Plentiful space
Once you clamber over those useless side steps, you immediately feel the perks of a car that is seemingly inspired by a child’s lunchbox.
Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are very generous for a crossover of this size, while the large glass area not only allows for plenty of natural light, but also superb all-around visibility. In addition, the 549-liter cargo area is wonderfully shaped, but the loading lip is far too high – a proper spare wheel could have been placed inside that well.
The black leather upholstery and soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door cards result in a surprisingly grown-up and premium interior. Meanwhile, the 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster and the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are crisp, with the latter offering a clear view of the 360-degree camera.
The Spark EUV also has one of the most powerful climate-control systems that I’ve ever tested, beating even Nissan models in giving me hypothermia on a 40-degree-Celsius day. But as with many Chinese EVs (this model is also known as the Baojun Yep in other markets), far too many functions are buried inside the touchscreen.
And with this electric Chevy, there are no physical switches for the electric parking brake, the brake-hold system or even the starter. While this makes driving dead-easy, the lack of controls can be quite unnerving (a philosophy that is likely due to change as global automotive legislation mandates the return of critical buttons).
Another issue is that the rear seat cannot accommodate a third occupant – this is because there are only two head restraints and two sets of seatbelts. But the Spark EUV does get top safety marks for its adaptive driver-assistance system (ADAS), which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Safety System and Emergency Lane Keeping.
Peppy electric power
The Spark EUV stays true to its name by having a 41.9-kWh, lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor producing 101 horsepower and 180 Newton-meters of torque.
Despite weighing 1,700 kilograms, this crossover has sufficient poke in the city or on the expressway, with Chevrolet Philippines claiming a 0 to 100 km/h time of 11.2 seconds (an extra 100 horsepower certainly wouldn’t hurt, though). Maximum range is around 330 kilometers on a full charge and the Spark EUV is compatible with DC chargers.
But what was most impressive about driving this electric Chevy was the suspension – it absorbs bumps with aplomb, while providing a reasonable amount of body roll. However, the light steering could use more feel, while the powerful, four-wheel disc brakes are operated by a spongy pedal.
And as with all boxy cars, this crossover has noticeable wind noise above 80 km/h (further emphasized by the silent EV powertrain). But I would gladly live with this so that I could fully enjoy the funky looks and immense cabin space.
Box, box, box
At P1,547,000 (with an introductory price of P1,449,000, as of press time), the 2026 Chevrolet Spark EUV offers immense practicality and an arresting charm that many cars (especially EVs) seem to have lost.
It represents far better value for money than the rather lackluster P1,398,000 BYD Dolphin, although some may be swayed by the more conventional looks, superior driving performance and greater battery range of the P1,598,000 BYD ATTO 3 Dynamic (that sadly lacks ADAS).
Nonetheless, I hope that cars like the Spark EUV embody the shape of things to come – both from Chevrolet Philippines and the wider automotive industry.
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