Spark is probably the best competition for the Micra SV...The LT1 trim has basically the same things and a few more on top...however, they don't want to sell them...they do on fleet levels, which offsets their MPG need...they rather move you to a cruze or sonic for a few bucks more...
The SPARK LT1 Trim was within a couple hundred dollars out the door at every dealer i priced it at...they have no problem dropping the price 500 for this and 500 for that...drive in a pontiac or saturn and get a 1000 off...oh you worked a deal on your micra price, if you really want a spark i'll give you this off to get closer to the same price...no problem...
however, if you want to test drive one, especially a 5 spd, that is going to require some hunting an travel...the GM website at the time i was looking showed closest 5 spd was 95km from my house...
the auto were closer, however, most only got one a month on the lot and they were usually sold quickly...
I never did get a test drive in one so i bought the Micra...Happy overall, but still would have like to compare the drive.
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View my fuel log 2015 Micra SV manual: 6.6 L/100 km ... 43.0 mpg (Imp) ... 15.2 km/L ... 35.8 mpg (US) ...