Inside the 2016 Chevrolet Volt (26 Photos)
The differences between the original Chevrolet Volt concept car from 2007 and the eventual production version in 2011 left many people who were excited for GM’s first mass-market electric vehicle rather cold. What started out as a hot-looking, angular and futuristic design had morphed into a somewhat messy, odd-looking mishmash of styles influenced by the demands of aerodynamic efficiency.
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The subsequent Cadillac ELR coupe proved that GM EVs could indeed be sexy. With the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, GM has had plenty of time to work with designers and aerodynamic specialists to craft something genuinely attractive, and it has succeeded in doing so.
The new Volt is swoopier, with a much more cohesive design language — it no longer looks as if the ends of the car were tacked on as an afterthought to the aerodynamic shape. Credit the Volt’s new exterior designer, who cut his teeth on GM’s sports cars like the latest Chevrolet Corvette. The sculpture of the hood continues up into a more sculpted roof, ending in a much cleaner looking tail. The whole shape is decidedly Honda-like, with elements of the Civic coupe clearly traceable. It turns the Volt from a car that owners love despite its quirky looks to one that may find a much wider appeal based on styling alone. It certainly eliminates the need for owners to make any excuses about how the car looks.
Inside, the improvements are even better. It’s a more conventional layout than before — no more dual-cockpit-style dashboard. Instead, it’s replaced by one that more closely resembles other Chevrolet interiors. It’s just as upscale as the outgoing Volt, however, with high-quality plastics and switches that make the Volt feel more luxurious than one might expect. The word “premium” has been used by the Volt’s creators on more than one occasion to discuss customer expectations, and GM delivered.
The inside is significantly better in every regard except one: outward visibility still stinks. Thick pillars and short windows still make the interior feel like you’re peering out of a bunker, albeit a nicer bunker. The new trim pieces look good, but there’s a new optional sparkly trim that looks like a 4-year-old girl spilled a bunch of glitter in the parts bin at the Volt’s assembly plant. It’s certainly different and will definitely be an acquired taste.
Interior space is still compact-car sized front and rear, with decent comfort up front but headroom is still at a premium in the backseat. The rear’s newly added “third” seat is a seat in name only — yes, it may have a seatbelt, but even GM admits that you’re only likely to use it if you occasionally find yourself with one extra kid in your carpool. Three adults will not fit across the Volt’s backseat as that third passenger needs to straddle the battery tunnel console. Cargo room remains unchanged, but the new aluminum hatchback is lighter and easier to open and close.
Overall, Chevrolet has done a smashing job with updating the Volt both cosmetically and electronically. As a Volt owner myself, I’m excited about the improved driving experience as well, and I am looking forward to seeing if Chevy can deliver on the experience it’s been promising.
Cars.com photos by Evan Sears
