Volt

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Hatchback

After its sneak peak last week at CES in Las Vegas, Chevrolet has just spilled the beans on its all-new, completely redesigned 2016 Volt. Picking up right where the outgoing generation left off, the new Volt sports a sleeker design, an additional 50 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. Let's start with the technical tidbits for the second-gen extended range electric vehicle's (EREV) propulsion system. It's comprised of a new two-motor drive unit that's up to 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds lighter than the first-gen unit.

Its design enables 19 percent stronger zero-to-30 mph acceleration, which now happens in 2.6 seconds; 0-60 mph is done in 8.4 seconds. Battery capacity is also up from fewer cells and its weight has been reduced by more than 20 pounds. GM engineers designed the electric motors to use significantly less rare earth materials.

Like the previous Volt, there's also a gasoline engine range generator, a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder (up from 1.4-liters) that uses unleaded fuel and offers a combined (GM estimate) fuel efficiency of 41 mpg. The new Volt's exterior design, which somewhat reminds us of the Honda Civic, features active grille shutters, carved body sides, fenders that blend into the hood, and familiar front-end styling that updates the Volt's appearance. LED daytime running lights come as standard. Overall we dig it. Step inside and you'll find a more premium interior with seating for five. The new Volt sticks with its so-called signature dual digital color displays with an eight-inch diagonal screen in the instrument cluster.

There's even a second eight-inch touchscreen that controls the MyLink system. Owners will also have an easier time recharging the battery, thanks partly to a newly re-located charging cable that's stored in the side of the trunk instead of under the trunk floor. Official pricing hasn't been released but we don't expect it'll be all that different than the outgoing model.