[MinnesotaWT]

Back at the end of September, I traded in my Volt on a Audi Q3 as I generally get a new car every 5 years...and my Gen 1 Volt was hemorrhaging value since the Gen 2's came out...and I didn't want to wait any longer.

Since I do not like the Gen 2 Volt at all, and there are no other electric (affordable) alternatives at this time, I went back to a gasser...Audi Q3.

It is odd burning gas again, and thankfully I only need to fill every 2 weeks, so I don't have that feeling like I am hanging around the gas station (I owned an Explorer years ago that I swear I filled every 4 days).

The one thing I'll say...all the folks on the forum that gripe about GM technology needs to drive someone else's vehicles, as Audi (as much as they advertise they are advance) is pathetic in the technology they are putting into their cars.

From the power lock system to the in-car WiFi, Audi isn't near the level (and I have a 2017) GM has achieved. There is an app for my Audi, but if you read the reviews, maybe one in 10 people will give it more than 1 star out of 5. IF you can get it to actually connect, the only thing you can do phone to car is send it a destination...that is it. No remote start or data from the car...send an address...oooh ahh that is advanced technology.

Transmission is horrible, out of a 90's dump truck. I've never seen a transmission that wants to drop 2 gears so badly that it goes from 1200 RPM to 5000 RPM at 20 miles an hour...with a slight increase in pressure on the pedal.

Brakes are another beauty...they are not a smooth transition as you apply pressure...it starts that way but a long way from the end of pedal range, they all of a sudden grab and I look like a teen learning to drive.

It handles great and the ride is nice (however more aggressive than the Volt), but lacking in features.

Oh and almost forgot my favorite. You know how cars offer in-car WiFi now? Well mine has it, but it maxes out at 3G not 4G...so my car's sophistication is at the level of a pre-paid phone from Walmart. They force you on the ATT network too...and ATT (since I am not a customer) wants $500 just for 1 gig of data service/mo for a couple of years.

Luxury car? I like the looks and the seats are nice, but other than that not a driving machine I'll want to repeat with once the lease is up. I did a lease as I wasn't sure about Audi, and I am glad I did.

Come on GM, put some zing in the Gen 3 Volt...a little sizzle to give the looks something way better than the uninspired conveyance that the Gen 2 is today (PS if you did make it more sexy, chances are you'd sell more than 2K a month).

 

[siai47]

I don't know, you just got to take it for what it is. I have had my Volt since August and moved the other way migrating from a Tesla Model S that could get you from zero to jail in less than six seconds. The Volt fits my needs a little better and I prefer something a little less "sexy" at my age and something that doesn't stand out as a target in public. Just a sign of the times I guess. From a technology standpoint there are some things the Tesla has that the Volt doesn't and vice versa. My Tesla was pre-autopilot and adaptive cruise, but I got (and love) adaptive cruise on the Volt. The Tesla had the nice big touchscreen panel but limits what can be displayed on it--no Apple car play or Android Auto or associated apps.---however at 1/4 of the price there is no contest and the Volt wins IMO. As far as the Wi-Fi is concerned, even the OnStar pricing is a little steep and I have elected to get a portable hotspot with unlimited data and throw it in whatever vehicle I am driving. Way more practical than buying subscriptions for several vehicles. I do like the basic OnStar (which Tesla doesn't offer) and buy the basic plan with a annual 300 minute phone package just in case I am not carrying a phone --- VW/Audi has a similar service. That's enough tech for me. If I go back to a BEV I will look at the Model 3 (yes I have a reservation) or the Bolt--time will tell. Never a gasser again without an electric assist (Hybrid or PHEV).

 

[viking79]

A Q3 class vehicle with Volt drivetrain would be ideal, and I think there will be no less tha a dozen said vehicles next time you replace your vehicle. Thanks for the comments.

 

[MinnesotaWT]

A Q3 class vehicle with Volt drivetrain would be ideal, and I think there will be no less tha a dozen said vehicles next time you replace your vehicle. Thanks for the comments.

I hear ya, frankly even taking the existing footprint and just give it another inch here and there...then make it look what it is...a futuristic vehicle!

Tesla sold 400K Tesla 3's on two things, a decent looking car and a PROMISE of performance, and people around the world plunked down their deposits. Volt is a living, breathing car and they'll sell what this year...23K maybe? At that pace GM would need to produce the same car for 17 years to match it.

Last I checked, manufacturers want to design cars people want. When Bill Ford took over Ford years ago, I remember him saying that Ford produces cars nobody wants...so of course sales are bad.

Stop letting the bean counters design cars...let a car guy design the next Volt.

 

[16513]

Minnesota, Car design is a personal preference and I think your a small minority who find Gen 2 unattractive. It's not original, but these days few cars are truly new looking and those that are, like Prius, Mirai and Civic are, to my eyes, awful looking. I don't believe Gen 2 styling is even a minor factor in the modest sales figures. Do you think the ELR is "sexy" looking enough? So, buy one, already. BTW, have you driven a Gen 2 more than around the block? There's little to dislike, given its size and shape that is dictated largely by aerodynamics. To Chevy I say "make detail improvements, maybe stretch the wheelbase a tad, but otherwise don't mess up a basically good design." See, we'll just never agree

 

[Jmaj]

Minnesota didn't mention one thing that might flip a cold climate decision - available all wheel drive in an Audi. I sat in a A4 for a good long time (outdoor car show and it was raining) and it's nice but it is also a $45K MSRP car. I don't think a Volt LT with leather and comfort package is much of a step down.
I'm thrifty but I have to admit I'd pay for a premium paint to dress up the Volt. Siren Red for me.

 

[MinnesotaWT]

Minnesota, Car design is a personal preference and I think your a small minority who find Gen 2 unattractive.

I'd agree with that, we will agree to disagree as looking at the cars you list, Prius = 100K units this year (not including other models), Civic 340K+ units this year...we can go on...the general public frankly are rejecting 2nd Gen Volt with the paltry 23K units.

If it was restyled for a broader appeal...when is that broader appeal going to kick in?

If I jumped on my Gen 1 due to hemorrhaging value, I certainly wouldn't do and ELR as you lose $40K just driving that one off the lot never mind it goes $80K to $10K in probably 4 years (considering a 2014 2 years later is worth $29K).

 

[TSquare]

I'd agree with that, we will agree to disagree as looking at the cars you list, Prius = 100K units this year (not including other models), Civic 340K+ units this year...we can go on...the general public frankly are rejecting 2nd Gen Volt with the paltry 23K units.

If it was restyled for a broader appeal...when is that broader appeal going to kick in?

If I jumped on my Gen 1 due to hemorrhaging value, I certainly wouldn't do and ELR as you lose $40K just driving that one off the lot never mind it goes $80K to $10K in probably 4 years (considering a 2014 2 years later is worth $29K).

I think 23K units in less than a year is pretty good for a car that is un-advertised and unknown by a vast majority of the population.

 

[Qinsp]

If style sells, all cars would look like Camry's.

Sedans in general are poor sellers in the US.

We want SUV, Pickups, and CUV's more than we want sedans. The Volt is ... uh... a sedan. But it is the 2nd best selling plugin in North America! Wiped out Nissan, Ford, Toyota, BMW, VW, Mercedes, Audi, Honda, etc.

Sure Volt sales are weak. But if tomorrow Chevrolet released a Model S clone for the same price but better, it would not sell.
People are buying the badging of a Tesla as much as the car. Chevrolet is simply considered low-brow to many folk who know very little about cars. Essentially, the less they know about how cars work and their driving dynamics, the less they like General Motors.
It's a stereotype, but I see it constantly.

We used to get a kick out of shaving time off BMW laps with plain factory Camaros. They honestly thought it was just the driver. And Damn, another one just lapped the 'ring at 7m29s. For the non-car guys, that's a Porsche GT2, Porsche 911 Turbo S, MB SLS AMG GT killer. The sales tax on those cars is more than the cost of the Camaro.