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2012 Chevrolet Volt

The 2012 Chevy Volt is a combination of a purely electric and standard hybrid vehicle. Chevrolet offers the driver two sources of energy, which relieves the anxiety of having to recharge before you reach your destination. You may choose electric power, and also know that there is gas if necessary, to complete the drive.

This five-door hatchback is in the upscale, midsize car category, has the power for a sporty drive, and allows the driver to be in control of the type of power used, and when.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid Base Price: $39,145.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.3 gallons (35 liters) MPG: Hybrid motor:35 city / 40 hwy
Electric motor:95 city / 93 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 177.1 in. (449.8 cm) Wheel Base: 105.7 in. (268.4 cm)
Height: 56.6 in. (143.7 cm) Width: 70.4 in. (178.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 3781 lbs (1715 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 10.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: Range Extender Hybrid Displacement: 1.4 Liter
Battery: 120 Volt Transmission: 1-Speed DirectDrive

Engine

The Volt’s powertrain is made up of a lithium-ion battery, along with a 1.4 liter, inline, 4 cylinder engine, and two electric motors. Upon depletion of the battery charge, the 83 horsepower gas-engine, generates the electric motors, sending the power to the wheels. The battery range is approximately 35 miles, and up to 375 miles on a tank of gas.

Performance

The fuel tank holds 9.3 gallons, and the Volt averages 95 miles per gallon in the city, and 93 on the highway with electricity. Using gas, the Volt’s fuel economy is 35 mpg in city driving, and 40 mpg highway driving.

The Volt has electronic fuel injection, single-ratio, automatic transmission featuring MacPherson strut front suspension, Compound Crank rear suspension, and front-wheel drive. Volt’s electric powertrain, with 149 horsepower, is quiet, and makes smooth transitions.

Exterior

The Chevrolet Volt is aerodynamically efficient, with its elongated, sculpted body. Other hybrids have a shortened or boxy-look, the Volt has a sportier, unique style. It has standard, bi-functional, halogen projector headlights, LED taillights, adjustable, heated external mirrors, 17-inch spoke wheels, and low-rolling resistance tires. The Volt exterior, offers colors of red, silver, blue, black, grey and white.

Interior

The interior is fully loaded with several trim package options. Standard features on the Volt include automatic climate control, keyless access, keyless ignition, remote starter system, and adjustable, 6-position, patterned cloth, front bucket seats.

The Color Touch 7-inch, LCD, Driver Information Center includes connectivity to Bluetooth, wireless technology, OnStar with RemoteLink, and SiriusXM radio. The premium trim package offers leather interior, and a center console including rear camera with parking assist, heated seats, voice-activated navigation, and Bose speakers.

Safety & Reliability

The Volt comes equipped with eight air bags, 4-wheel anti-brake system (ABS), StabiliTrak with Electronic Stability Control System, daytime running headlights, three-point safety belts, tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar, and even horn-chirp alert for pedestrians. Chevrolet offers a 5-year or 100,000 mile with roadside assist warranty, an 8-year or 100,000 mile battery warranty, and a 3-year rust warranty for the 2012 Volt.

Comparison

In comparison with other cars in this category, the Toyota Prius v (MSRP $26,550; 44 city / 40 hwy) is less expensive, with a 1.8 liter engine, gets 44 mpg city driving, and there is more headroom for the driver and passengers. The Prius does not have daytime-running headlights, but has comparable interior standard features. The Lexus HS 250h (MSRP $37,030; 35 city / 34 hwy), and Nissan LEAF (MSRP $37,250) are both less expensive, but the Lexus warranty only covers 50,000 miles.

The Volt only seats four, and has a small trunk space, but it does have a high-tech powertrain, enabling better handling than most hybrids. The Volt had the highest overall score for the crash tests, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also.

It is fun to drive, has plenty of power, is equipped for safety and comfort, and is very practical. The driver has the choice of power used, and the 2012 Chevrolet Volt not only saves money, but also saves the planet.

Overall Rating
68 out of 100

What others say:

“The quiet cabin, excellent build quality, and pioneering powertrain make the 2012 Chevy Volt a welcoming and very practical vehicle that just happens to plug in to the wall to get energy.”Car Connection

“Steering effort is consistently light, with a fairly precise but artificial feel. Body lean is well controlled, even during fast cornering. Braking feel is fine, though there’s a slight “let up” just before the car comes to a stop, requiring just a bit of added brake-pedal pressure…”Consumer Guide

“If you’re worried a pure electric car won’t be able to satisfy your distance requirements before needing to be recharged, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt hybrid electric sedan will put your worries to rest.”KBB

“The 2012 Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is arguably the most fuel-efficient car on the market, but it’s pricey for what you get.”Edmunds

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