At the macro level, the Volt seems torn between two opposing forces – the mechanical packaging and attempting to stay faithful to the concept. Regardless of your position regarding the latter, it's difficult to deny that the Volt is the most distinctive of the new mass-market hybrid trio: the Prius is closer to a monovolume than the Volt and it's front and rear overhangs are pretty balanced, the same is true of the Insight but it sits on a shorter wheelbase. The Volt by contrast has a more long-nose-short-tail proportions and a definite bustle at the back.
The only way that the Volt could be developed in the reasonable timeframe was by using an existing platform (in this case the Delta II) plus as many standard components as possible, which has dictated certain fundamentals of the mechanical package, such as the engine. As much as we share, there are times when the differences between Britain and the States couldn't be clearer: speaking on The Colbert Report, Bob Lutz referred to the 1.4l engine as a 'tiny little four cylinder engine' (what is it with Americans and cylinder count?) Would this be the same 1.4l engine that will be used in it's non-hybrid sister Cruze? Granted, it's detuned in the Volt and turbocharged in the Cruze, but let's hope they drop in a smaller engine asap: the 1.0l engine in the current Corsa produces more power than the Volt's version of the 1.4l and at the very least this has to be more compact and lighter, making it even more efficient. Beyond that, there are even smaller and more efficient units out there – they could even (whisper it) use a diesel unit.
The Prius' engine is bigger than the Volt's (by 400cc) and has to accommodate a drivetrain for the IC engine which the Volt doesn't – but it has a noticeably bigger nose: that this isn't immediately apparent at first glance is something that should be praised in the styling. The nose itself is pretty 'square', i.e. the bonnet height and front overhang are about the same, and the difference between the overhangs also emphasises the nose. However it assumed this is all fallout from having to use existing components and additionally packaging the hybrid gubbins, with maybe a dash of aero on top.
Although the nose works quite well at a macro level, closer examination reveal some problems. The surface detailing is a bit timid and the surfacing a little vague – it might be assumed that there is an aerodynamic reason for this, but both the new Prius and especially the Insight have more form in the front. Of course, neither of them has the big, bluff nose of the Volt but this is one area where staying more faithful to the Volt concept might have been beneficial, or even more in line with current Chevy saloons. The grille needs work; it looks cheap, and while it may be non-functional does it really have to broadcast the fact so obviously?
Given that the internal combustion element is an overgrown battery charger why have what appears to be a conventional bonnet? Surely an access panel for fluids and charging socket would have been sufficient. Given the limited possibilities for home maintenance on modern engines bonnets are an anachronism: a light removable panel would suffice – and who might be more accepting of this than owner of a hybrid? - and would save weight. Given that it's a four seater, why keep the lower rear screen? Although this obviously references the concept, it's also a feature shared with both the Prius & Insight.
Overall, the Volt has a more planted stance than might be otherwise expected, subtly helped by the relatively large wheels and the classic stepped lower body mouldings, rising towards the rear. But it's a close thing - the Volts we've seen thus far have been shown on 18” rims (the Prius rolls on 15”s); let us hope someone makes energy efficient tyres in this size as it'll look overbodied on anything smaller. The DLO extension is a clever and unique feature: without it, the Volt would look more bloated & heavy as the DLO area is actually quite small. The matt finish & underlining chrome trim means it should work for darker colours too. The only question is how it will age, especially if it's component parts are made from slightly different plastic compounds: it may end up looking tatty.
The base of the A-pillar was fussy to start with and unfortunately the few changes evident in the pre-production spyshots have not improved matters, making this area even more cluttered. The new diagonal fender / A-pillar cutline jars, the original horizontal position was better. The bonnet is now a clamshell and the shutline doesn't quite align with the charging area trim. Which is no longer the charging point: a standard circular fuel filler cap has been inserted.
Given the aerodynamic sophistication & attention to detail evident on the upper surfaces, it's almost inconceivable that the same rigour hasn't beem applied to the underbody, especially since this in a relatively easy win, but GM have given few details about this and it's something manufacturers normally like to crow about.
At this stage I've yet to sit in a Volt, but the interior certainly looks finished to a high standard generally, and particularly for an American car. Although it might seem churlish to criticise it on that basis, if interior quality was an issue for the US consumer they wouldn't stand for some of the crap out there so one does have to question whether GM will see a return on it's additional investment here.
Which brings us neatly onto what I think is the elephant in the corner: price
The Volt is significantly more expensive that both the Prius and Insight II. As the first series hybrid it offers the potential for largely petrol free driving – and therefore lower running costs – but will this, and being US made, be enough on the forecourt? Time and time again, consumers the world over have a habit of choosing the option that's initially cheaper, even if they know it's costlier in the long term: witness the poor take up of energy efficient light bulbs.
Either way, it will take more than the Volt to save GM. As much as the big three have frustrated with their mismanagement and disregard for all except the shareholder, they have produced – almost in spite of themselves – some great products that make the automotive world a more interesting place. Hopefully they now realise that they can't subsist on pickups and SUVs and need once again to focus on making cars the world needs and desirable enough to want.
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