Introducing the 2016 Chevy Volt (2.0)

Even without knowing MSRP yet, it's clear that the audience didn't shift.

Offering 1.3 inches less legroom in back is a big letdown. We saw lots of posts just last week saying people were hoping the headroom in back would increase; instead, it shrunk a tiny bit. As for the performance increase, why? We certainly weren't hearing anything related to the current model under-performing. In fact, we've had to deal with quite a bit of gloating over the years about how quick & powerful the system already was. What do those same people have to say about the new one?

With what was just revealed, it's going to be a difficult argument claiming the next-generation was designed to appeal to ordinary consumers, those who would have just purchased some other GM car.

 

It's a good overall incremental improvement but not a stunner.

The backseat legroom is better. In the real world, the most important issue is probably going to be the design of the rear door openings and the ergonomics of getting in and out. The new middle seat is good for child seating and rare adult seating.

The gas mpg is notably better than the Ford Energi cars and the weight was reduced by 230 pounds while increasing EV range to 50 miles.

The new pricing remains to be seen.

This can still be an excellent commuter car & occassional small family car for many people. It occupies a unique and important niche for a 50 mile EV roundtrip commuter car (plus range extender) that only requires overnight charging or a 100 mile EV roundtrip commuter (plus range extender) with workplace charging. That's a very large niche.

With improved EV efficiency and range and improved gas hybrid mpg it's also a winner for reducing gasoline consumption and global warming gas emissions for drivers in large parts of the country.

 

It looks good so far.

Any idea about what CARB will do with it?

Bob Wilson

 

It will be interesting to see if there will eventually be a Voltec-based variant of the CUV Bolt that will apparently be introduced as a concept vehicle tomorrow (even though everyone will expect it to be productized in 2017-2018).

 

In what way? Unless another set of stickers are granted, the '16 Volt and probably even the '15 soon (+ all other PHEVs) will be SOL for green HOV stickers (Eligible Vehicles - Single Occupant Carpool Lane Use Stickers).

 

I haven't find anything referring extended stroke cycle.
12.5 CR and lower octane reqrd. may suggest it does feature one.
GM avoiding the name "Atkinson" because it is overwhelmingly related to Prius? hm...

 

Two things.....
First off I said the SAME EXACT thing about it looking like a Dart! GM was obvi going for that "look". Still, I really like the new design. The rear end finally looks palatable to me.

Second, now that Volt 2.0 is coming out, how soon until I can finally get a Volt 1.0 at a killer cheap price??

 

It's definitely an incremental improvement, but a fairly good one overall. I like the look of the new one, not that the old one was terrible though.

I hope GM markets this car and emphasizes the commuting aspect of it, especially once gas prices start climbing back up. And as of this writing, they haven't announced the price yet, but if it starts with a "2", or at least low $30k range, I may be tempted to get one, especially if the next gen Prius isn't that great, or the plug-in isn't available nationwide.

Oh, and 5 seats:

2016 Chevrolet Volt - Interior Design

Though I have to say I wouldn't want an adult sitting in that middle seat.

 

The hope was this generation would become the one to take on ordinary competition, winning people over on showroom floors and dealer lots. Watching traditional vehicle sales absolutely crush the plug-in segment is obviously unappealing for everyone involved. A win anywhere from any automaker is what's needed. We need something for the masses.

I'm glad Toyota has always remained true to their pursuit of affordability. The Original Prius strived to keep costs in check, rolled out with an attractive sticker-price right from the start. When the Classic, Iconic, and +2010 all rolled out, the temptation to shift priority was avoided. The power & capacity increases were modest as a tradeoff to keeping it affordable. They obviously could have delivered more. The hybrid Camry clearly demonstrated more power was easily available.

So, we've been led to believe GM would keep performance (speed, power, capacity) as is and instead focus heavily on cost-reduction instead. True, everyone likes more EV range, but we've seen how effective blending can be. Why not taken advantage of the hybrid system? That way, competitive model with more leg & head room in back could also be offered. This design approach doesn't address the reality of traditional vehicle sales.

What do you think the MSRP will actually be?

 

when do the braces come off?

 

I think the interior is gorgeous; especially the two-tone. Overall, a beautiful car. The gen 1 will be "iconic" because it kept so much of the concept design but I think 2.o looks better in every way over my old 2012.

On my usual daily route, I got 43 miles on the gen 1 volt and 24 miles in my Energi; approx. ballpark 20% over EPA. That would give me 60+ miles in 2.0. I average 35 -60 miles/day so this would pretty much be an electric car for me and only needing the ICE for out of town trips. NOICE!

 

I'm pretty sure this new family of engines are all direct injection. Otto cycle with 12.5 compression ratio is easily attainable then.

+1
The original is a large size compact sedan-esque hatchback. The Cruze and Corolla are small end midsize, and American car buyers wouldn't consider them a primary car for a family of five. The Prius only beats them in cargo space. The fifth seat really only sees use in those models a majority of the time for a child or adult on a short trip. The new Volt can now do the same while making improvements in over areas. xBifying between generations isn't always a good thing.

MSRP is going to be the most important spec. I wonder if will announce it soon or hold off to ease off on dealers trying to sell the current one.. Volts at the local dealer are already marked down over $3000.

 

SUVs are going to be the big sellers in 2015 with gas prices down. People have short memories and the impulse for instant gratification is tough to overcome. So for all the hype, all these alternative vehicles are long term bets on the price of oil and oil producing areas stability. Every time some pundit is quoted as saying oil will never be over $100 again, the incentive for most to sacrifice is lessened.

Somehow all the chrome in the Volt 2.0 grill reminds me of the Acura models I hate so much. And the dash looks too busy. Simple is better. Less legroom in the back means more kids kicking the back of the front seats.

 

Rear gained .6inch legroom and lost .2inch headroom.