In the olden days, cars were built mainly to convey people from one place to another, but with the latest technological advancement, cars now means different things to different people; cars have assumed a broader definition! Change, they say is a constant thing. One thing will never change though, and that is the competition among automakers and their products. Two cars that are currently locked down in competition are the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV and the Nissan Leaf.
When buying a car, you want something practical, but also something you can be proud of. In my 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV vs Nissan Leaf review, i will explore the practicality of the two cars without overlooking their other muted values.
Style/Design
You have to give props to Chevrolet’s styling team for designing the new Spark EV. They took some cue from Chevrolet’s super-mini five-door hatchback, its gas-powered cousin; it comes with some Standard niceties such as Chevrolet’s MyLink system and unique twin seven-inch LCD displays. Thanks to the extended roof and clever packaging, it boasts of more passenger space than one would expect from such a small car. The larger and more spacious Nissan Leaf might lack the flash of the Chevy, but it is attractively designed with a well-equipped interior. Although the Chevy has a more striking design, a few points have to be deducted from it as the Nissan comes with a new front grille which reduces its aerodynamic drag coefficient Cd figure, and its size gives it more interior space.
Mechanics/Efficiency
The Spark EV can recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in 20 minutes when equipped with SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging. With 240V charger, it will take about 7 hours to be fully charged. When fully charged, it has a range of between 60 to 70 miles and a combined city/highway EPA estimate of 119 MPGe. While the 2014 Nissan Leaf will boast of an ability to recharge wirelessly, it has a lower range (58 miles).
Occupant Safety
The Spark EV stands out with its 10 airbags, emergency braking assist, and traction and stability control systems. On the other hand, Nissan Leaf comes with a comprehensive network of safety systems that form the Nissan Safety Shield.
Price
Although Nissan is expected to continue with its practice of reducing sticker prices of its products, the new Nissan Leaf will still be more expensive than 2014 Spark EV; 2014 Nissan Leaf is expected to be offered at a price lower than the $31,820 price tag of the 2013 model. With a Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,995 (after deducting the federal tax credit of $7,500), the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is one of the most affordable EVs currently on the market
Edmunds Price Promise is Car Buying Made Easy
Verdict
General Motors and Nissan have succeeded in building cars that are appealing, fun to drive and still highly functional. The two cars are really impressive!
However, this is a contest and the laurels cannot go to the two cars. When I look at the two cars side-by-side, the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV feels like the better package. Although the 2014 Nissan Leaf wins in the space department, the Chevy is more appealing, more efficient and more affordable.
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