2011 Chevrolet Volt: Road Test

FUEL ECONOMY

EPA figures are 35-40 mpg in gas-engine mode, and the "cost equivalent" of 90-95 mpg in electric-only mode. Range in electric mode is advertised at 25-50 miles.

In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 29-41 miles in battery-only mode. In gas-only mode we averaged 36.4-43.7 mpg. Overall fuel consumption averaged 59.8 mpg, including periods of instrumented gas-only testing.

Real-world fuel economy can vary greatly. Individual Consumer Guide testers averaged 56.8-168.1 mpg.

Chevrolet estimates an added 300 miles of range, which also seemed conservative based on our preview drive. At the end of the 300 miles, you can just fill the fuel tank as in a normal car and go another 300 miles. Volt requires premium-grade gas.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

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. This is due to the regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery. Shifting to the transmission's "Low" range increases the regenerative effect, which some drivers might find handy in stop-and-go driving.

CONTROLS

The digital speedometer, battery/fuel-level bar-graph indicators, and other information are located on a screen in front of the driver. All are easy to read. A plethora of energy-consumption data is available in any number of configurations--almost to the point of distraction. Audio and climate controls are mounted high within easy reach, their "buttons" being touch-sensitive points on a flat plastic panel. The buttons are not logically grouped, forcing eyes off the road for longer than we'd like. Readouts are shown on a high-mounted touch screen that also controls navigation functions and displays the navigation map. Programming the many different drive functions and navigation commands takes some study.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

Plenty of headroom and legroom for tall adults, though the driver's right knee may contact the center console. Height-adjustable seats and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel make it easy to find a good driving position. Seats felt comfortable on our fairly lengthy test drive. Visibility is hindered by fairly thick front pillars, wide center pillars, and very thick rear pillars, which block a lot to the rear corners and make backing up a bit tricky. The optional rear-obstacle detection and rearview camera help in this regard. The rear window is split, with the lower half being rather narrow and the dividing bar blocking some of the view astern.

CARGO ROOM

The trunk is fairly narrow in back, but it's deep and large enough to be useful. Rear seat backs fold almost flat to increase cargo space. Interior storage includes two console cupholders, two console storage bins, a smallish glovebox, decent-size console box, and map pockets.

Total Score