The second generation Chevrolet Volt gets an evolutionary design language with a total driving range of 644 kms from both the engines combined.
After talking about it for days, General Motors has finally unveiled the next generation Chevrolet Volt electric sedan with extended range at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show. Derived after taking extensive feedback from first generation Volt customers, the new car is said to be much better on all fronts including an improved rear bench. Chevrolet has also extended the list of improvements to the design as well as powertrain and the Volt can now travel a total of 80 kms on electric charge alone, while the total driving range has been increased to 644 kms.
Starting with the mechanicals, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is one of the first mainstream plugin hybrid vehicles to get a major overhaul in the US. The new design language is evolutionary over the outgoing model and gets signficant improvements. The design is now sharper with the front grille getting brushed silver upper and lower grille pads with active grille shutters, while the side profile is carved with strong lines running across the belt and shoulder line. GM says that the new shape of the Volt takes inspiration from the toned physique of athletes and natural shapes of wind-swept sands.
On the inside, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is now a proper 5-seater with the rear bench able to accommodate the third passenger well over the current model. The dashboard is certainly pleasing with a centralized flow to the design and comes with a digital diagonal reconfigurable instrument console giving out the vital statistics of the car. You also get blue ambient lighting, while the controls have been moved around for improved ergonomics. In addition, the centre console features a 8-inch touchscreen unit with Chevrolet MyLink system.
In terms of powertrain, GM has made some major revisions to the new generation Volt as the car is powered by a new two-motor electric drive unit that churns out 149 HP and 398 Nm and is paired to a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (replacing the 1.4-litre from the outgoing Volt) that produces 101 HP of power. The two-motor unit is also 45 kgs lighter and 12 percent more fuel efficient over the outgoing version. In terms of performance, 0-100 km/hr comes in 8.4 seconds (2.6 seconds quicker), while the new battery is lighter and comes with a charging time of 13 hours from a 120V outlet or 4.5 hours from a 240V outlet. GM has also loaded the Volt with a host of driver assist and safety systems including 10 airbags, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, front automatic braking, rear park assist and much more.
