Driven: Chevy Volt

Few cars in my generation have commanded as much press and fanfare as the Chevy Volt. Aside from being broadly touted as a global savior of our petroleum dependence (a heavy burden to carry), the Volt has had to overcome quite a lot in order to make the leap from concept to production vehicle. Needless to say, I was intimidated by the Volt. Never mind that I was going to be piloting it on the unplowed streets of Philadelphia, in the presence of other journalists and our GM exec/tour guide.

The Volt gets an immediate leg up on its competition, because it’s actually pleasing to look at. The same cannot be said for most other cars in the hybrid class; in fact, I’ve always marveled at a designer’s need to make a so-called green car stand out in a crowd. Honda, for example, has for years bastardized their earth-friendly creations with rear fender skirts and wheels reminiscent of dinner plates. Even the lovable Nissan Leaf is best described as ‘quirky.’ It’s clear that GM was looking to dispel the notion that a green car has to look like it was created in the same mold as a Ben & Jerry’s container. One of the first things you notice about the Volt is that it’s a car you actually want to drive.

Aesthetically, the Volt is a winner, inside and outside. The sharp, crisp lines do indeed suggest that the car was designed in a wind tunnel with aerodynamics in mind. The tapering crease that runs alongside the doors has been present since the Volt’s introduction as a concept vehicle, and the hood has been styled aggressively to match. The blacked-out roof and window molding gives the cockpit a larger look from the outside. A front and rear diffuser integrate well with the lines of the vehicle to round out what is overall a very well balanced look. Even the two-tone scheme of the body against the rocker panels works well, and compliments the hybrid idea of two distinct elements coming together.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, it’s easy to become quickly adjusted to the controls. Chevy’s design is not unique in layout, with a Volvo-esque center stack being the main point of interaction, but is essentially a button-free environment that is smooth and free of clutter. I truly hope this catches on throughout GM’s higher end range; the concept is so seamless and intuitive, like the automotive version of an iPod. A traditional gauge cluster has been replaced with an LCD screen that, among other things, cleverly provides instant feedback to driver in order to optimize efficiency while driving. A matching screen above the center stack serves primarily as the entertainment center and navigation. Cabin materials are certainly pleasant, especially the seats, and while there is certainly plastic to be found it is impossible not to focus on the more interactive details of the car. It’s obvious that the intent of the interior is for the driver to feel connected with what’s going on in the vehicle, again no small feat if you consider everything the Volt is capable of.

The driving experience was impressive, and it’s easy at times to forget what you’re behind the wheel of. Hitting the icy streets of Philadelphia, I was anticipating a harrowing experience, but the Volt was a great ride. The car responded very well to throttle input, and manages to avoid the ever-preset wheelspin that plagues most hybrids. One thing that quickly becomes obvious is the (lack of) cabin noise. In either mode, the Volt is blissfully quiet; there was no discernible transfer of power, which made the Q&A session with our GM representative all the more pleasant. Despite a hefty curb weight, the sedan’s suspension felt more than capable. While I certainly wouldn’t describe the car as nimble, it was very well balanced and lacked the ‘big car’ feel that tends to overwhelm some porky models. The brakes were another pleasant surprise. I have learned not to like regenerative brakes since I drove the Ford Escape Hybrid years ago, and there have been no other occasions since then that have changed my mind. However, the Volt again possesses nice poise in this segment, while it lacks the clamp of a nice pair of Brembos, it does give the driver a nice sense of confidence.

First impressions, as they say, are often the truest. Of course, this can go both ways, but General Motors and company have made absolutely sure that in the case of their much-anticipated Volt there were enough glowing reviews to charge the car for another day. You see, the great thing about the Volt is that it is a true hybrid: it’s a combination of what you expect from a well-made sedan and what you don’t expect from an electric vehicle. And, for once, a green car has been built ahead of the curve. The infrastructure for the Volt is still emerging, but Chevy is ready and waiting for it.