Words and Photos by Jeff Cobb
Last Thursday, Chevrolet dropped off a Volt for a week-long evaluation. Prior to a full review, I thought it would be fitting to chronicle impressions gained during the first 72 hours.
Right up front, I can tell you that I see why the Volt has accumulated a growing number of fans. You’ve heard of smart phones? Well the Volt is a smart car; a rolling technology showcase that happens to make driving enjoyable in ways other cars cannot.
The Volt pokes along in Kimberton, through a particularly nice example among the Keystone State’s many old covered bridges.
The Volt I have is a 2011 model year, number 445 as displayed on the LCD console info screen. Technically, it is the same as the 2012 cars which began to issue forth when the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant reopened around the third week in July.
Electric driving
Since it had been driven from New York, the Volt’s approximately 40-mile-range battery was tapped, so first order of business was plugging in.
After a little more than four hours soaking in 120-volt house current, the battery meter on the digital dash showed 17 miles of electric range. Since I had planned to go running, I put on my gear, stashed my duffel bag in the Volt’s sizable hatch and headed to the park.
You have probably heard it before, but it bears repeating: The Volt behaves like “a real car.” It is not a proverbial roller skate, but substantially reinforces the impression of a sophisticated, solidly handling, sporty vehicle.
Driveability and performance
On day two, after fully charging overnight, the display said the car had 38 miles of electric range. I spent it kicking around town and sampling a variety of road conditions.
Since I have used up most of Chevrolet’s media photos writing daily Monday through Friday for the past five-and-a-half months, on day three I decided to begin a stockpile of my own new shots of the Viridian Joule Volt in scenic settings.
So, a friend and de facto reviewer who has helped me with reviews and assisted me with photo shoots before, Dave Altomare, and I took the Volt for a drive into the countryside of Chester County about 25 miles outside of Philadelphia to take plenty of pictures and get more driving impressions.
Outside a restored 19th century general store (now an upscale French-Italian cafe).
Dave is a mechanical engineer who designs and manufactures computer-controlled machinery used in making printed circuit boards for his family business, a die-hard car guy and motorcyclist like me, and good for a reliable second opinion.
He noted the Volt handles bumps well and even does OK when hitting an occasional bad pothole here in the land of winter frost-heaving and low state road repair budgets.
As has been documented, the quietness in all-electric mode is phenomenal. It is like an added bonus for staying within battery only operation.
While rewarding because it costs less to use grid power, an ancillary benefit is the car is quieter than when the 1.4-liter generator kicks on after the battery is depleted.
When the engine turns on, noise is not excessively intrusive, but you do hear its muted sound as the revs rise and fall depending on how hard you press the accelerator.
The engine note is unlike a car with an automatic transmission as there are no shift points with the Volt’s planetary gear drive system. It just offers muffled revs as needed, or quiets back down to hardly noticeable.
Turning on the stereo to moderate volume will easily drown it out 90 percent of the time.
Passing by an old horse-drawn wagon in a mode of transportation early settlers might never have imagined.
Braking takes a light touch, and for people used to less powerful stopping action, there will be a short adjustment time needed. Gentle braking also optimizes the action of the regenerative brakes as displayed on the dash.
Acceleration is brisk, and again, the experience is unlike a gasoline-powered car with an automatic transmission. It just goes in one velvety continual motion.
I have been using the Volt in sport mode, and pressing the pedal to the floor from zero mph or speeds under, say, 25 mph, quickly sees the digital speedometer flick through the numbers into the 50s and 60s in a few heartbeats. Keeping pace on any road from stoplight-to-stoplight, to easily going with the flow on the mean highways is no problem.
Nitpicks are few
Nothing about the car is a deal breaker, but I can call out a few subjective observations.
Steering feels a little more assisted than I might like. Anyone used to German or Japanese cars, for example, will observe it offers a bit less road feel, although not unacceptably so.
While the Volt does not pretend to be a BMW M5, we hear often enough about comparisons to upper-echelon Euro and Japanese sporty sedans, so I think this is fair to point out. Dave also agreed it does not feel as capable of ripping through corners as, for example, his stiffly suspended, 40-series-tired Audi S4. But then if it could, that would be something indeed, considering the Volt is a first-generation, extended-range electric car and not targeted at back road burning.
How do you suppose they tied that rope swing a good 60-plus feet up that tree?
This said, the Volt is better than some would expect. While I won’t be signing up for any track days for the Volt, it corners flatly at a brisk pace, and performs admirably for a 3,750-pound car rolling on low rolling resistance tires, and whose primary mission is eco-friendliness and all-around utility.
Another thing noticed was the Volt likes its front windows rolled up at speeds above 35 mph. Not only is this better aerodynamically, it prevents an undesirable acoustical sound effect whereby a rhythmic buffeting resonates my eardrums. I might call it a vroom effect, or something, like one might get with some aftermarket sunroofs. By 45 mph the feeling of wind steadily flapping is pronounced, and the only way to get rid of it is to raise the window to less than half closed or to fully closed.
Comfort and quality
The Volt will accommodate drivers well over six-feet-tall. I am just six-feet-tall, with fairly long legs, and adjusted the seat to next to last but not fully back position, and had ample headroom.
The black leather seats have held up well after 10,400 odometer miles of weekly rotations by review drivers. One piece of plastic trim on the roof line is coming up, but all it needs is a little adhesive. The Volt’s body seams, fit and finish overall look pretty straight and true throughout. It feels solidly constructed, and quality of materials is good, with nothing looking low budget.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and complement a functional driver’s cockpit. The smallish leather wrapped steering wheel adds to the sporty feel.
The dual digital displays, Bose premium sound system with XM satellite radio, voice-activated, hands-free Bluetooth phone, navigation, and OnStar all add to the high-tech sensory experience.
Having only gotten a brief tutorial on the infotainment system, I found it somewhat intuitive, but think I am going to have to sit in the car with the manual to really get the low down on all its myriad functions.
Rolling toward the future in an area preserved from America’s past.
My first priority was to just get a feel for the car. After fiddling with the infotainment functions thus far, I think it will be rewarding to learn the ins and outs further. The dual display screens and iPod like feel of the center console controls is a reminder why automakers are rushing to add all kinds of data to the driving experience.
It is fun to fiddle, but I had to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road, as it is tempting to be distracted by the comprehensive audio/visual entertainment available.
Summary remarks
The Volt has been heralded by environmentally conscious drivers for its outrageously good fuel economy and low-to-zero emissions.
It is not a car for tree huggers and technophiles only, however. In building it, GM did not forget to keep it stylish, well-appointed, and fun-to-drive. Anyone can hop in to this inviting car, and soon start to feel at home.
I will write again after a few days, but am already sure this is a car that will be a pleasure to drive day in and day out. It offers no unacceptable compromises, and rewards far outweigh the few minor nitpicks noted.
This entry was posted on Monday, August 15th, 2011 at 5:55 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+3
Aug 15th, 2011 (6:37 am)Jeff, Thanks for a fresh “first look” at the Volt. The photos added to the enjoyment when reading your experiences with the award winning “Car of the Year.” While Sport Mode can reduce range, it’s great that you experienced the responsive smooth acceleration that makes driving surface roads a pleasure. I look forward to your detailed analysis describing the regenerative braking differences using Drive and Low. GM should provide one of the first 2012 Volts for you to review so you can be the first to report the improvements and changes.
+4
Aug 15th, 2011 (7:29 am)Slightly opening the rear windows will also eliminate the wind buffeting. I assume it happens at least in part because the car is so air-tight.
+3
Aug 15th, 2011 (7:53 am)I am sure it is great to finally drive what you have been writing about for all these months!
And it sound like you are now truly a Volt convert.
Wind buffeting is kind of common. My Chrysler Crossfire has it as well. If you open up the passenger side window a bit it goes away………
In my test drives, I found the steering to be quite responsive, but they were short runs. When I get my Volt, I would like to report on that more.
And really great pictures!
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:01 am)Mark Wagner,
The thumping sound you heard was due to the air flowing past the open window exciting the cabin’s acoustic natural frequency. It is somewhat akin to the Strouhal effect and happens in most cars when the rear windows are opened. Not a big deal!
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:17 am)Congrats Jeff for finally getting your hands on the wonder car. I keep imagining what that first drive will be like. Even though I have a pretty good idea from reports like yours since it hit the road, I’m sure that first drive will be the smile inducing, soul satisfying thrill that is hard to put into words. Thanks for being our link for all the latest Volt news.
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (9:09 am)What took so long?
+7
Aug 15th, 2011 (9:19 am)Great photos! It’s nice to see the VOLT out and about in the world… not stuck or confined to the city like a ‘regular’ electric car.
“See the USA in your Chevrolet!”
Aug 15th, 2011 (9:32 am)Any issues with charging? (warm plug, etc)
Did you plug in anywhere besides home?
Any reactions/questions from bystanders?
Aug 15th, 2011 (9:37 am)Orlando is coming to Canada (sry, but no thte USA.)
http://autos.ca.msn.com/reviews/2012/2012-chevrolet-orlando-first-drive
Aug 15th, 2011 (10:22 am)Good photos Jeff and Dave….and by a mechanical engineer!!!
quite remarkable and make me miss back east.
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (10:27 am)Quote:
“something, like one might get with some aftermarket sunroofs. By 45 mph the feeling of wind steadily flapping is pronounced,”
My 66 VW did that also only with a stock sunroof. I had a dyna tape label on the dash that said: “Caution pressure resonances at 40 MPH in sunroof mode”
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (10:30 am)Quote:
“How do you suppose they tied that rope swing a good 60-plus feet up that tree?”
Oh no, I just had a flash back to New Hampshire circa 1963.
+2
Aug 15th, 2011 (10:38 am)You had me at hello. I really appreciate motorcyclists’ understandings of cars. Fun to drive is important.
“[S]ophisticated, solidly handling, sporty vehicle”
“Acceleration is brisk, and …[i]t just goes in one velvety continual motion….[T]here are no shift points.”
“[P]ressing the pedal to the floor from zero mph or speeds under, say, 25 mph, quickly sees the digital speedometer flick through the numbers into the 50s and 60s in a few heartbeats. Keeping pace on any road from stoplight-to-stoplight, to easily going with the flow on the mean highways is no problem.”
“The Volt is better than some would expect. [I]t corners flatly at a brisk pace, and performs admirably.”
“[T]he quietness in all-electric mode is phenomenal. It is like an added bonus.”
“Stylish, well-appointed, and fun-to-drive. Anyone can hop in to this inviting car, and soon start to feel at home”.
See, it’s FUN TO DRIVE even though it has high all around utility, is practical and eco-whatever-who-cares.
Much of this is due to inherent baked in qualities of electric drive and GM’s quality integration of it into a decent vehicle platform. It would be nice to see what a stripped down Volt with tighter suspension could do in technical settings. Volt Cup series, anyone? Or will that be for the Converj or Spyder beating plug in Vette? Looking forward to seeing more ICEAssist apps, esp turbo (bio)diesel.
I got electric drive myself first and foremost for its superior performance (quiet, acceleration, max torque off the line, smooth, instant responsiveness) qualties bang for the buck in an app that works very well for me IN THE REAL WORLD, not my self-imagined patterns of use. Everything else I’ve learned has come afterwards.
My two cents is that everyone should get, ASAP, as much electric drive in their vehicle as they can afford (from eAssist upwards) and/or turbo diesel. You won’t regret it if you want fun to drive.
+3
Aug 15th, 2011 (11:07 am)Your review nailed it. Might be the most accurate first drive I’ve seen. Quiet and smooth smooth smooth. Only one nit and a suggestion. The nit is that, while I agree with you about the brakes, using “L”, with its higher level of regenerative braking, resolves that completely. I suspect most Volt drivers use L and that almost all Volt drivers use “L” in traffic. The suggestion is to get into a two lane left turn situation and move out briskly when the light changes. If a car starts next to you I think you’ll be very surprised at the result.
I’d also agree with the other comments about the photos. Dave definitely knows what he’s doing. Very nice.
BTW I don’t have the Viridian Joule but it’s the nicest color IMO. Pretty but very interesting.
+3
Aug 15th, 2011 (11:19 am)Love the pics!
RE: Tree rope
1. Arrow with a light string attached is shot over the tree limb. The arrow is retrieved, string pulled. String is tied to a cord, the cord to a rope. Once the rope is pulled, a noose is made, pulled tight to the top.
2. $5 to a kid who likes climbing trees.
+8
Aug 15th, 2011 (11:23 am)Mark Z,
Jim I,
Ray Iannuzzelli,
Tim Hart,
crew,
kdawg,
George S. Bower,
EVO,
DonC,
Steverino,
Thanks everyone so far. FYI, I shot all the photos. Dave helped with driving the car for pictures, and giving driving impressions of the Volt.
I wanted this to be more of a layman’s review, and may emphasize that again next time. We have the awesome economy factor of the Volt well documented, and as Chevrolet says, it is more car than electric.
I’ll try and cover your requested topics of discussion on the next write-up.
GM had been saying they’d get me a car since before the EDTA conference in April. Michelle Bunker gets all the credit for finally making it happen.
Jeff
Aug 15th, 2011 (12:08 pm)Jackpot Rusty,
Thx, I missed that. Looks like some good study material. I will study it.
As usual WOT pulls thru again.
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (12:15 pm)Flog it!!! Load it up! And then have a jockey drive it. Show us the best and what we can also expect for a loaded road trip.
What can we expect from the Volt both with a skilled EV driver and from a knuckledragger (like me sometimes) behind the wheel? I’ve driven both the production and pre-production Volts and feel the differences there. What you’ve written so far nails first impressions. Do you know anyone that thinks of the Volt as meh? Insideline does a pretty good job of reporting what to expect from living with one, too bad you have to give it back so soon.
I can only hope that what we like and what we don’t like in the Volt now will go a long way in giving us what we can expect for the next generation of EREV’s. I get nervous thinking that the current CEO of GM doesn’t ramrod the wrong vehicles into production too soon.
I’d like to believe that your opinions leading this site can hold quite a bit of weight in influencing the design thinking outside of GM.
+2
Aug 15th, 2011 (12:16 pm)Steverino,
We were pretty sure it was the arrow method. The photo doesn’t really show it, but the branch is too precarious except for monkeys. It is really high up there too.
+3
Aug 15th, 2011 (12:20 pm)crew,
I will put it through its paces. They had initially said I might get it for 2-4 weeks, but then it became a set in concrete policy of one week …
I have another constructive criticism I want to verify before stating it, but so far, so good.
Heading out now for more driving and pics.
-J
+2
Aug 15th, 2011 (12:47 pm)Great to see you out on Saturday! I’m looking forward to my test drive. Might even trade in my TDI…
Aug 15th, 2011 (1:06 pm)“..the Volt is a smart car…”
Although Volt has some whiz-bang technical attributes, I wouldn’t characterize it as a “smart car” per se.
In my mind a smart car would have collision avoidance, follow-me cruise control, sleepy (or impaired) driver assistance/denial-of-service, lane capture/follow, automatic parking and other AI-type controls. Also, more integration with smart-phone technologies such as using your smartphone as a ‘key’.
Heck, how about (existing tech) driver-setting recognition so that controls, seats and mirrors are adjusted automatically for each driver?
I’m not putting down the awesome design that is Volt, I’m just sayin’ it’s no ‘smart car’.
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (1:07 pm)Have fun, I keep thinking of last year’s brake testing video from Val Boatman…
Aug 15th, 2011 (1:12 pm)A normal throw-bag that an arborist uses would be my guess. An arrow has a tendency to get stuck.
(My son is a licensed arborist.)
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (2:02 pm)So I’m guessing a monkey.
Good review, Jeff–great to see your continued transition to a convert. The primary author being a Volt fan is important to me–Lyle’s enthusiasm as a believer was a key factor in my coming often to this site. Just being a dispassionate author is NOT enough for me–I really like the sense of community and being part of a movement. Hope GM gives you a new Volt ASAP.
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (3:01 pm)EVO,
SiTPIT?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JODx3yalKo
Aug 15th, 2011 (3:26 pm)Jeff–
You were driving all through my neck of the woods. I’m almost surprised that I did not see you in your Volt. If you want another test drive, shoot me a note. I can be there in 10 minutes.
Chris
Volt #541
Berwyn, PA
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (3:51 pm)Dude. That’s a little harsh.
Aug 15th, 2011 (4:19 pm)#20
Waiting for the other shoe to drop……………………
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (4:31 pm)#22
I dunno, it seems pretty smart to me, LOL. I’m sort of from the CaptJackSparrow school. For the 11 years before I got #1567 I drove an S10. Short wheelbase, manual transmission, hand crank windows, no central locking, manually adjusted seats – your basic stripper. And I was perfectly happy with it. And the Suburbans and pickups I drove for 20 years before that were basically the same except for auto trans.
So the Volt seems overwhelmingly “smart” to me. It has plenty of features which I don’t care about and probably will never use. All of the additional stuff you mention holds exactly zero interest for me. My Dad always said “What ain’t there don’t give you no trouble”.
Maybe there should be degrees of “smartness”, LOL. My S-10 could be “dumb”, the Volt could be “smarter”, and the car you describe could be “smartest”. Hey, call if genius if it does anything for you.
Anyway, I would certainly say that a Volt is “smarter” than a Smart!
Aug 15th, 2011 (4:52 pm)Jeff,
Sorry about the ad hominen. I respect your objectivity, just question your full time, long term experience with plug in e-drive (full or blended) drivetrains. If you owned something with one, I might STFU.
Aug 15th, 2011 (5:57 pm)????????????????????
Aug 15th, 2011 (6:07 pm)Jeff,
Kind of hard to write a unique review of the Volt huh!!
Hmmm
What could you say that has not been said before??
There must be something!!
I’m sure you will think of it.
I know, why don,t you see if you get better MPG using pulse and glide that Rusty invented.(well I think Rust invented it but not sure)
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?8618-Road-trip!
explained in #9 and also refered to as MM Hypermiling!
Aug 15th, 2011 (7:01 pm)Thanks for the review.
Hope this doesn’t blacken the joy of driving a new Volt. But things like this must be forwarded along.
AP ~ Monday August 15, 2011, 12:39 pm EDT
Shell: 54,600 gallons of oil spilled in North Sea
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Shell-54600-gallons-of-oil-apf-1003968090.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=8&asset=&ccode=
No Plug, No Sale
Aug 15th, 2011 (7:07 pm)I’m an analyst. Mostly data. I see patterns like others see dead people, but sometimes I’m the only one.
Evo’s post has such a pattern.
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:21 pm)The you tube concert was pretty good.
Even though I’m old I still listen to Jam Bands on XM as it is about the whole concert thing in the east…..where everyone just comes alive and lives outdoors for about..2 months (just teasing–maybe 3)
I wish I had the Falls though.
-3
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:21 pm)Loboc,
Fascinating. At least you didn’t show these:
And I thought I was inflammatory.
Color me nonplussed…
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:34 pm)EVO,
No worries. Thanks EVO.
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:36 pm)David,
Thanks David. Nice meeting you and your family.
Regards,
J
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:39 pm)George S. Bower,
I saved a few thoughts for next, but am still thinking about it. I’ll look at the idea. Thanks.
Aug 15th, 2011 (8:45 pm)http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1064894_electric-car-withdrawal-gasoline-cars-now-feel-loud-crude
Yep, I know EXACTLY how George feels. Please notice that Volt is counted as electric in the division where gas is loud and crude and electric quiet and refined. Go, Volt!
How much electric is electric enough? Apparently, the answer includes Volt. More car than electric, but electric enough for real street cred.
+1
Aug 15th, 2011 (9:01 pm)T 1,
Thanks T1. It’s a fine line I have to walk. If I was to not stay reasonably objective, it could kill my credibility for all but the converted.
It’s pretty well impossible to please everyone in this connected society we are evolving (and reinventing the journalistic wheel in). I read one piece today related to the Volt and a reader wrote in with the opposite slant accusing the writers of being Volt fanboys, and unfair to other EVs. He said he never has read them saying anything even slightly critical about the Volt indicating unreliable info in that reader’s opinion.
I went to school for Journalism. Was trained by a number of seasoned pros. Have years of experience of my own. I can tell you there are ethics and protocols that have long since been worked out. Journalism is not dead, but a lot of people are trying to reinvent the wheel, and deviating from doing it right, and putting a taint on the whole field in the process.
That said, I am free to write my views and opinions, and yes, I do think the Volt is a great car, and worthwhile. It is a first generation solid step in the right direction.
It is also OK (and necessary) for me to put on my objective dispassionate reporter’s hat as needed. At other times I may deliberately step into the editorialist roll. If I offer analysis or insight, it ought to be based on something verifiable or next thing I know someone will be accusing me of being a biased fanboy looking through rose colored glasses …
So, you have it on record if that helps: I like the Volt. I understand why it is necessary. I am not blinded by ideology or bias and incapable of finding areas where it can improve – and I believe the same is true of Lyle’s view on the Volt – but I can rationally see it is a terrific car – the best solution of its type yet – that meets a need within the limits of available technology …
Aug 16th, 2011 (10:12 am)Awesome, thanks!
I believe the whole truth and passion can co-exist in the same write/broadcaster/speechwriter, etc. Point out the mis-throw to first base but get all excited when there’s a walk-off homer by the home team.