Just drove the 2016 Volt!
Hey everyone, I had an incredible opportunity today to drive the new 2016 Chevrolet Volt premium trim level. I drove it at the GM Headquarters in Oshawa, Canada and it was one of the 6 or so recently delivered Volts in the last few days/week.
Here are my impressions: First thing, sitting in the drivers seat reminded me of sitting in the Cadillac ELR, obviously not as premium as the ELR, but premium nonetheless. Everything is beautifully laid out, the interior materials are more upscale, and visibility is improved over GEN 1. The shape of the A frame pillars seem to be better positioned. In terms of the interior, the Apple integration with your existing iPhone is fantastic. It displays either Google maps or Apple maps on the display screen which has much improved resolution over the old Volt. Currently, it does require you to plug into the USB port as Apple wireless integration is not yet ready - but I was told it is coming.
I was very surprised to learn that there is a wireless charging port for your phone integrated into the centre console - that was really cool. Both the front and rear seats are more comfortable, and the heated rear seats are a huge bonus for us northern dwellers. The rear centre console is improved - although there really is not much room for a fifth person as one has to straddle the centre console.
Driving impressions - incredible. The first thing I noticed straight away was that the car had a tighter, quieter drive to it. The suspension is definitely better and overall a much more luxurious drive. In terms of acceleration, it is quicker off the line in electric mode. But I can't say I noticed a significant overall difference between it and my own 2012 volt. I activated the genset with hold mode and it was definitely quieter, even when I accelerated quickly to force the genset to rev higher. When the genset was on, it had a lower tone to the engine noise, but again, it was barely noticeable. Overall though, better driving experience than the current Volt.
Exterior - The door handles have chrome trim, again a surprise to me, but much appreciated. I'm still torn a bit about the styling. In person to me it looks more like a Ford than it does a Honda Civic. I like it, but I like my GEN 1 as well. But Volt fans don't be worried, when someone sees it, it's distinct enough they'll know it's a volt.
ERDTT - Confirmed, there is no change minus 10 C it will engage.
Regen - When driving in low and sport mode (which is my daily drive preference) regen feels the same when letting off the accelerator. However, I had the opportunity to use the regen paddle, which is located only on the left side of the steering wheel, and it slows down the car significantly quicker. I was told brake lights activate when using the regen paddle.
Final thoughts - The new 2016 Volt is clearly improved in almost every way. It's just better. I will try to post some pictures (all pics now on page 9).
Postscript: I've been thinking about my drive since my original post and I have to be honest and say the new 2016 is very, very good - best car for the money (with rebate) out there period. I've driven BMW and a few other "upscale" brands lately and there is nothing I would rather do than drive the new Volt (ok perhaps a Volt CUV if GM had one). And this is coming from someone who once said he would never ever buy a GM product. With this car, GM has proven to me it is probably the best car company out there. Even GEN 1 is still relevant five years after it was released, and it looks like this tradition will continue. Thanks GM!
Hey everyone, I had an incredible opportunity today to drive the new 2016 Chevrolet Volt premium trim level. I drove it at the GM Headquarters in Oshawa, Canada and it was one of the 6 or so recently delivered Volts in the last few days/week.
Here are my impressions: First thing, sitting in the drivers seat reminded me of sitting in the Cadillac ELR, obviously not as premium as the ELR, but premium nonetheless. Everything is beautifully laid out, the interior materials are more upscale, and visibility is improved over GEN 1. The shape of the A frame pillars seem to be better positioned. In terms of the interior, the Apple integration with your existing iPhone is fantastic. It displays either Google maps or Apple maps on the display screen which has much improved resolution over the old Volt. Currently, it does require you to plug into the USB port as Apple wireless integration is not yet ready - but I was told it is coming.
I was very surprised to learn that there is a wireless charging port for your phone integrated into the centre console - that was really cool. Both the front and rear seats are more comfortable, and the heated rear seats are a huge bonus for us northern dwellers. The rear centre console is improved - although there really is not much room for a fifth person as one has to straddle the centre console.
Driving impressions - incredible. The first thing I noticed straight away was that the car had a tighter, quieter drive to it. The suspension is definitely better and overall a much more luxurious drive. In terms of acceleration, it is quicker off the line in electric mode. But I can't say I noticed a significant overall difference between it and my own 2012 volt. I activated the genset with hold mode and it was definitely quieter, even when I accelerated quickly to force the genset to rev higher. When the genset was on, it had a lower tone to the engine noise, but again, it was barely noticeable. Overall though, better driving experience than the current Volt.
Exterior - The door handles have chrome trim, again a surprise to me, but much appreciated. I'm still torn a bit about the styling. In person to me it looks more like a Ford than it does a Honda Civic. I like it, but I like my GEN 1 as well. But Volt fans don't be worried, when someone sees it, it's distinct enough they'll know it's a volt.
ERDTT - Confirmed, there is no change minus 10 C it will engage.
Regen - When driving in low and sport mode (which is my daily drive preference) regen feels the same when letting off the accelerator. However, I had the opportunity to use the regen paddle, which is located only on the left side of the steering wheel, and it slows down the car significantly quicker. I was told brake lights activate when using the regen paddle.
Final thoughts - The new 2016 Volt is clearly improved in almost every way. It's just better. I will try to post some pictures (all pics now on page 9).
Postscript: I've been thinking about my drive since my original post and I have to be honest and say the new 2016 is very, very good - best car for the money (with rebate) out there period. I've driven BMW and a few other "upscale" brands lately and there is nothing I would rather do than drive the new Volt (ok perhaps a Volt CUV if GM had one). And this is coming from someone who once said he would never ever buy a GM product. With this car, GM has proven to me it is probably the best car company out there. Even GEN 1 is still relevant five years after it was released, and it looks like this tradition will continue. Thanks GM!