We tend to use the words cheap and inexpensive interchangeably. “Cheap” sounds shady, like a pimp might be involved, while “inexpensive” simply indicates a low price. The Chevy Spark proves that inexpensive does not have to mean cheap.

Consider our test car, with LT trim and body color accents on the dash and doors, inside the door pockets, and even under the armrest. Instead of boring analog gauges, we get a column-mounted pod with LCD for tach and trip computer. Smoked faux-carbon fibre looks primo around the Chevy MyLink touchscreen that commands mobile devices for access to apps like Pandora, Stitcher, TuneIn global radio, and BringGo navigation.

There’s more. Heated leatherette seats, a delectable leather-wrapped steering wheel, and blue lighting for controls and beneath the dash echo Buick. Bluetooth enables hands-free calling and streaming audio. Power windows and A/C come standard. Creative design and careful allocation of pennies deliver unexpected charm.

Stylists also caressed the car’s flanks. Large headlamps nearly reach the A-pillar, deftly-formed hood edges are worthy of a Lexus, and details like a mesh grille, be-chromed lighting, and carbon-fiber-esque plastic add dimension. Side creases and standard 15” alloy wheels distinguish what would otherwise be a tall blob of sheetmetal.

Around back, an integrated spoiler and exhaust that exits through the bumper are delights. My partner is still having disturbing visions of the Jalapeno paint job, but he’d probably find Salsa Red, Denim, Lemonade, Black Granite, Silver Ice, Summit White, or…Techno Pink more delicious.

There’s less variety with the 84 horsepower, 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine, smooching a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated 28/37 mpg city/hwy, proving once again that wee, boxy cars — no matter how flamboyantly styled — deliver less-than-stellar fuel economy. For a non-hybrid, however, the digits are pretty good.

If you don’t love the slightly-underpowered and not-quite-miserly gasoline version, hold your wall sockets for the plug-in Spark EV. It’ll go 82 miles per charge, deliver 119 MPGe, and generate a muscular 400 lb.-ft. of torque! Sadly, it’s only available in California and Oregon. For now, anyway.

A little more thrill wouldn’t hurt. Maybe we could convince GM to offer a Spark RS, with the Sonic’s 138 horsepower turbo-four? Perhaps give it the Abarth treatment a la a leather-and-suede-lined cabin with sport buckets? Mmm, sexy!

Until then, I’ll appreciate the Spark’s ability to rebuke rough pavement with a hushed rumble. Flog a corner, and the chassis does its best to keep up. Sure, the car makes do with a torsion beam rear suspension that’s necessary at this price point, and it’s essentially a very tall Weeble, but engineers gave it their all.

Even with additional sound deadening for the U.S., you’ll hear the hamsters straining every time your foot twitches. With all of the focus on iThings, touchscreens, and Bluetooth, there’s no premium audio that comes close to Dr. Dre’s Beats system powering the Italian invasion. Young trendies may go for an inexpensive car, but they’ll expect big-money music. I suggest GM have a friendly chat with Boston Acoustics or Bose.

Spark’s importance in global markets justifies a first-rate effort. In almost every facet, you get more than you pay for: four-door convenience in a world of two-door mini-mites. Played right, Spark could evolve into a very special Chevrolet — inexpensive, but certainly not cheap. Fully heeled, it sells for $16,720.

Storm Forward!

2013 Chevy Spark
Four-passenger, FWD sedan
Powertrain: 84hp 1.2-liter I4, 4-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind/torsion beam
Wheels: 15”/15” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/drum fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Style, connectivity
Fuel economy: 28/37 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Changwon, S. Korea
Base/as-tested price: $12,170/16,720