So since I was down in compliance territory, I took a Spark EV test drive in Portland, Oregon on Friday. The seats, though vinyl, were much comfier than the i-MiEV front and back. Sculpted foam may be one reason that the rear seatback doesn't fold flat, even with fancy fold-away headrests. The instrumentation doesn't have a video-game startup sequence like the Volt, and it does give real numbers (like 113 kW of power when we weren't even in sport mode!). I didn't spot the sport mode button during the test drive, it's down next to the handbrake! The ride was much smoother than an i, and they do a great job of managing torque-steer, much better than the Focus EV. The car also seem quieter than the i, though the tires were probably down at 32 psi... Performance was invigorating (0-60 mph 7.6 sec), and that plus the greater battery capacity (21 kWh) and rated range (82 mile), could've pushed me in to a Spark versus an i, had they been available. I don't like the looks of the car as much as the 'pure design' of the i, and the cargo capacity is a joke by comparison. Turning radius seemed huge after my i, and there's no backup camera. Interior volume for the passengers was fine.
The LT2 upper trim level was stickered at $28k before rebate, including the CCS quick charge option. The dealer had a 'no monkey see' attitude regarding any straw buyer with an Oregon address, so that'd be easy enough to overcome- though it complicates the tax credit and warranty claims. Also would make dealer service a "tow yourself" situation.