[Volterado]

I've got a test drive coming up on Thursday. The kind where they bring you the Bolt and you drive it around for awhile.

Is there anything in particular I should try to find out? I've very curious about the seat comfort for example.

FYI- I've had Gen 1 and 2 Volts and a Ford C-max Energi as comparisons.

 

[Slotracer577]

While the seats could be better I did not find them uncomfortable. I would try driving in L. It works so well, but is odd the first time you use it. Other than that the Bolt just works well. Make sure and punch it off a light enjoy the speed.

 

[Mister Dave]

Are you saying that a typical panic stop doesn't use any rear axle braking force? I kinda find that hard to believe.

Try a panic stop.

 

[jeff_h]

I will hit the 20k miles mark in a couple days and the only thing to note is the seat width, I sure wish they could have used the exact ones from the Gen 2 Volt as I really like those, but oh well.

Other than that, be sure to try the regen paddle a few times, you'll see how it gives stronger regen than the Gen 2 and will stop the car and keep it stopped when on level ground.

Enjoy!

 

[DonC]

I did the same type of test drive a few months ago. You should have plenty of time to check out all the features, plus you get to drive it on roads you normally use, which gives you a good comparison. I planned a route which involved both surface roads of various types and the freeway.

I made sure I tried the front seat (not that comfortable for me) and the back seat (very comfortable for me), the mirror (had trouble adjusting) and the overhead camera (liked it a lot). Coming from the Volt you likely won't have too much trouble with the controls because there is a lot of carryover.

 

[Norton]

Try a panic stop.

Interesting idea! Only it may feel weird at first.
BEV's rarely warm the brake pads and discs very much.
Ideally all new pads should be "Bedded in". I doubt the factory does this.

One day I decided to get my Chevy BEV brake pads and disc up to a high temp to show them their purpose in life.
I stopped from high speed in N forcing a 'Friction Brakes Only' stop.
The first few felt strange. Then they started feeling normal. I only did this 'Bed In' routine once.

Don't get upset if a 'Panic Stop' feels twitchy on a brand new Bolt.
It may be the very first time these brakes have had to work hard.

 

[Volterado]

I'm not sure how this test drive process works; Do they drop off the car and you get to do what you want with it, or do they ride along with you the whole time? I'd love to not only do some hard braking, but some hard cornering and accelerating as well!

I"m quite familiar with the bedding in of brake pads and rotors and a couple times a week I make stops from freeway speeds with the car in neutral so as to keep the rotors clean. Also, I routinely advise friends and relatives that they need to experience a full on panic stop BEFORE they really need it. Go to a deserted road or, better yet, a large parking lot and stomp on that pedal as hard as you can from at least 40 MPH so they you can see what it feels like to do an ABS limited stop. A lot of people freak out the first time when they feel and hear what that's like.

If you really want a weird experience, throw on the electrically operated parking brake if your car has one (though I'd suggest doing it from fairly low speed).

 

[DonC]

I'm not sure how this test drive process works; Do they drop off the car and you get to do what you want with it, or do they ride along with you the whole time?

Yes. When I did mine the guy drove to the door. We could drive wherever we wanted. And he came along. If you don't have another driver you might want to have him drive while you are in the back. I found that instructive.

 

[Volterado]

Two other Volt drivers are participating, so we'll have plenty of chance to try out seating positions, etc.

 

[cab]

I did a test drive (by myself) last Friday and got to drive it on some of the more annoying (in terms of road surface) roads around my house (dealer is only a couple of miles away). Pay attention to the seats (front and rear), the handling (take some corners a little quick) and ride quality. I found the handling to be a little soft and it REALLY pushes in the corners. The ride quality seemed pretty good. Finally, don't forget to try out the regen paddle (it's sweet). I also noted the efficiency seemed pretty darn good since I hooned on it almost every chance I could during the ride. Power isn't as strong off the line as I would have liked, but it does keep on pulling. Unlike most EVs which, I think, are slower than they feel, the Bolt seems to be faster than it feels (my impression after one short and one longer test drive). It does feel quicker than a friend's gen 2 Volt, but the gen 2 Volt seems to handle better and just feels more confident.

 

[Volterado]

So, did the test drive today. Unfortunately, it was a pretty busy day for me and 2 other EV owners at the office wanted time behind the wheel too, so we only had a short drive each. The benefit was that I got to spend time in both front and rear passenger seats as well as the driver's. I was disappointed overall in the interior level of quality. Definitely econobox territory, not even comparable to the Volts and far cheaper than my current C-max Energi. Quick as snot though! That's the best part.

I don't see much benefit to the overhead camera thingy, but the display rearview mirror could be handy at times. Did not get to do any panic stops but the braking sure felt "blended" to me (and I confirmed it has a Bosch iBooster braking system). I felt the seats were narrow, but OK for my frame and the others with me.

Overall, not bad, but not worth the current price to me either (and shame on Chevy for sending such a lovely and smart young lady as the host, how's a guy to concentrate on driving!)

 

[Steverino]

So, did the test drive today. Unfortunately, it was a pretty busy day for me and 2 other EV owners at the office wanted time behind the wheel too, so we only had a short drive each. The benefit was that I got to spend time in both front and rear passenger seats as well as the driver's. I was disappointed overall in the interior level of quality. Definitely econobox territory, not even comparable to the Volts and far cheaper than my current C-max Energi. Quick as snot though! That's the best part.

I don't see much benefit to the overhead camera thingy, but the display rearview mirror could be handy at times. Did not get to do any panic stops but the braking sure felt "blended" to me (and I confirmed it has a Bosch iBooster braking system). I felt the seats were narrow, but OK for my frame and the others with me.

Overall, not bad, but not worth the current price to me either (and shame on Chevy for sending such a lovely and smart young lady as the host, how's a guy to concentrate on driving!)

I enjoyed my test drive. I spend no time giving the dash or doors a personal massage while driving or parked, so the plastic is fine by me and more durable the my "soft touch" Cadillac interior. I agree it's very quick, the Low one pedal driving is great, so is the regen paddle. I fit fine in the seats, had no issue with the camera rear-view (liked it a lot, even with bi-focal glasses), interior has more space than my Volt and the cargo area is larger, easier to access. I want to get more familiar with the phone-paired dash, something my Volt does not have.

The overhead view might be nice for parking? I will need to test that.

Overall, I am still leaning toward a buy, but may wait until end of year deals, see what 2018 brings. Keep in mind I paid as much for my 2011 Volt as the Premier Bolt EV (no regrets). Yes, if you wait three years, there will be a better deal (plus used). I don't think I will wait that long.

 

[Slotracer577]

I read the specs somewhere that the volt is faster or as fast 0-30. 40-70 and 0-60 the Bolt is faster.

 

[Volterado]

I read the specs somewhere that the volt is faster or as fast 0-30. 40-70 and 0-60 the Bolt is faster.

That's confirmed in the Car and Driver tests. The Volt has more weight on the front tires, so probably gets a little better launch. After that, it's all Bolt.