PHONEIX, Ariz. —  For 2017 Chevrolet has rolled out the second-generation Volt, a plug-in hybrid vehicle that extends the benefits of all-electric drive and eliminates range anxiety via the security of a range-extending gasoline powered engine when you need it. The first thing that strikes you about the new Volt is the attractive, conventional styling that eliminates any suggestion of a hybrid vehicle other than the electric fuel door on the front fender and upper and lower bright aluminum grille blades.

In terms of engineering, the 2017 Volt is essentially the same car as the first-generation Volt, but with a significant amount of improvement to its operating powertrain. The new Volt can now be driven with 53 miles of all-electric range (up from the previous 38 miles) and a total range of 420 miles with the range-extending gasoline engine (up from 382 miles).

Chevy engineers have accomplished these higher efficiency improvements by first replacing the first-generations heavier 1.4-liter port injection four-cylinder engine that required premium fuel, with a new lighter aluminum block 1.5-liter regular gasoline direct-injection engine that’s also more powerful with 101 hp vs. 84 hp.

It’s worth noting that very cold climates will reduce the all-electric range by a few miles.

Engineers have also improved the dual-traction electric motor’s lithium-ion battery pack capacity up to 18.4 kwh, resulting in approximately 20% more battery energy to produce 111 kw of power resulting in 149 hp. The combined lighter engine and 31 pound lighter battery reduces the vehicle’s weight by 200 lbs to 3,543. Fuel economy is now rated at 106 mpg-e (all electric mode) and 42 mpg combined in the higher efficiency range-extender mode.

If you do not have a 240 volt charger at home it will take about 13 hours to fully recharge the battery. If you do it only takes about 4.5 hours and of course there are frequently more places to plug into free recharging at shopping centers, parking garages and other public places. You can monitor all of this via an app for your smartphone and a green light on the vehicle’s instrument panel.

While most buyers will appreciate the significant improvement in both all-electric and total driving range, they’ll mostly notice the more attractive, fresh exterior styling and richer-looking interior. It’s stylish, comfortable, with high quality materials, fit and finish. And, for the first time it now seats five, but know the additional middle third seating position shouldn’t be considered being for anything other than an absolute infrequent necessity.

On the road you’ll immediately appreciate and be impressed with its quietness, sharp steering, excellent ride quality and effortless acceleration. But once the all-electric range is depleted and the gasoline powered range extender engine engages you will notice the buzziness of the engine and less driving dynamics.

Features we found impressive were the ample rear cargo space with a large hatch area and rear seats that fold flat. The operating electronics and technology are fantastic, easy to use with redundant knobs and buttons on both the steering wheel and center stack, Apple CarPlay and, Onstar with a built in 4G WiFi built in connection. There’s even heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, numerous USB ports and, it can even park itself and has automatic emergency braking.

A few other noteworthy impressions: Because it’s a compact car the back seat is quite small and taller passengers really notice the minimal headroom. Because of the aerodynamic styling with its severely angled front windshield, taller drivers will have to duck their head getting in and out of the front seats. And, even on the top trim level the front seats are manually adjustable with no power seat option. 

Overall, as indicated by extremely low sales numbers, the vast majority of car buyers do not find that all-electric vehicles a practical solution to their driving needs. Whether it’s range anxiety, the inconvenience of lengthy recharging times, the traditionally funky styling, or financial considerations. But we think the new Volt is an excellent choice that satisfies those concerns because of the gasoline powered range-extender plus the added benefit of a car that looks good and is enjoyable to drive.

If that isn’t enough reason, the new Volt is $1,000 cheaper and saves an additional $150 in annual fuel costs over the outgoing model and, there’s still an available $7,500 federal tax deduction.

Vital Stats   

Price: $33,995 - $38,345
Seating: 5
Engine: Gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid
Horsepower: 149 hp
Fuel Economy: 106 mpg-e (all electric mode;
42 mpg (combined, regular gas)

Fab Features

Exceptional fuel economy
Attractive new conventional styling inside and out
Delightful and easy to drive

— Jim Prueter