2012 Chevrolet Volt: Video Road Test and Review

The Chevrolet Volt is an extended-range hybrid electric vehicle that has no direct competitors in the current marketplace.  The Chevrolet Volt offers a compact four-door hatchback package wrapped around an electric drivetrain that is backed up by a gasoline generator.  The Volt comes with a list of safety equipment that include knee airbags, side airbags and forward airbags for front passengers as well as side curtain airbags that extend across the entire length of the vehicle's interior.  Electronic stability control and traction control are also included free of charge.

The Chevrolet Volt it outfitted with an electric motor that churns out 149 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, giving the front-wheel drive vehicle strong acceleration and passing power.  A small gasoline engine is also present in order to charge the vehicle's battery once it reaches a certain level of depletion as well as assist the vehicle's heating system during particularly cold weather.  Battery charging is also accomplished via regenerative braking.  The Volt can travel roughly 50 miles on a single charge.

The Chevrolet Volt's entry-level trim is offered at an MSRP of $39,145, and standard features for the hatchback show as automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, the MyLink system for integrating mobile devices, cruise control, heated mirrors, and a touchscreen interface for navigating the hybrid's information and entertainment systems.  Adding the Premium Trim package installs heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Rear Camera and Park Assist package brings each of its titular items to the equation.

A list of cars similar to the Volt include the 2012 Nissan Leaf, 2012 Toyota Prius and 2012 Ford Focus Electric.

See more details about the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.