Drive into any Chevy Dealership, and you can expect a unique experience in terms of the variety. While many might debate how distinctive Chevy inventory is from that of other automakers, it’s hard to argue the effectiveness at which they’ve presented offerings within each segment.
Whether we’re talking about truck options such as the ever-popular Chevy Silverado or crossover / SUV options like the Equinox, Tahoe and Suburban. From the familiar sedan stylings of the Malibu and Impala to the enduring performance of Camaros and Corvettes, there truly is ‘something for everyone’.
Available Technologies
But Chevy brings something even more important to the table: an eye to the future. Take the time to explore the available technologies within any of the segments, and you’ll find infotainment systems enabled for personal devices and even Wi-Fi as an increasingly more common feature. Granted these types of technologies become more common every day, regardless of the automaker; but Chevy steps it up a level.
Explore the trim levels of other makes & models and you may certainly find many of these kinds of amenities. However, you may also find that many of them are predominantly available in higher trim levels or as part of more costly enhancement packages. A closer look at Chevy shows their willingness to offer such technologies as a standard feature, whenever possible. This effort extends to include certain base trims, as well as some of their more economical vehicle offerings.
It speaks to Chevy’s consciousness of (and responsiveness to) the needs of today’s drivers; a sentiment which they extend to all of their customers, regardless of whether they plan to buy a $13,000 Spark or a $49,915 Suburban.
Sustainable Choices
And just as Chevy exceeds many expectations in terms of their available technologies, their Hybrid and Electric vehicle offerings do the same.
It’s been a few years since the novelty of eco-friendly vehicles began to wear off, and as a result, we began to take them for granted. Now a fairly standard fixture among the offerings of any automaker, they have become easy to overlook (especially if they don’t fit your personal tastes). But who would be so bold as to argue the merit of any step taken to improve our shared environment? (Not I) and rest assured that, even if its not ‘my thing’, many people visiting their local Chevy Dealership are looking for exactly this type of vehicle.
So with that in mind, let’s take a minute to explore these offerings, and the technologies made available to them.
Chevy Volt
Starting at $33,220 the Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid that rates high on performance. It also serves up ample amenities within a sleek, modern design. Now in its second generation, the limited release of the 2016 edition leaves the current model year feeling somewhat new and fresh. It also marks a kind of ‘return to the fold’ in terms of design, since the previous generation put a lot of effort into standing out. Today’s Volt is the equivalent of a woman who gave up wearing make-up, only to find she was a natural beauty. The current Volt is simplified, more on-brand, and is more appealing as a result.
Powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine (paired to a CVT and) combined with twin electric motors, fueled by an 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. In terms of output, this results in 149 combined horsepower. As for hybrid functionality, 53 (pure) electric miles is nothing to scoff at and, should your charge run dry, a 420-mile total range (with a full tank, and full charge) will have you covered. With regular charges, Chevy estimates that drivers can go up to 1,000 miles between fill-ups at the gas station.
And remember, charges can be done at home or on the go. A 240-volt charging unit can be professionally installed within your home/garage, which will fully charge the Volt within approximately 4.5 hours. A portable 120-volt charging unit is also available; this will charge the battery within approximately 13 hours. And public charging stations are becoming ever-more prevalent.
The Volt is available in two trim levels: the LT and Premier. The former is nicely-equipped with an infotainment system built around an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Bluetooth-enabled, the system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay. Throw in the option of OnStar (including 4G LTE Wi-Fi) there’s no shortage of offerings a the entry level. Jump trims to the Premier, and you receive all of the above, in addition to a built-in navigation system, automated parking, wireless cellphone charging and two-tone leather interior with heated seats.
Explore the Driver Confidence (and DC2) package and find a wealth of safety, and driver assists aids that only add to the Volt’s appeal.
Bolt EV
Priced to start at $37,495 the Bolt EV takes sustainability up another level, as Chevy’s fully electric offering. Named 2017 North American Car of the Year, the Bolt also received top accolades from the likes of Motor Trend and Green Car Journal.
Powered by a 200 horsepower electric motor combined with a 60-kWh battery, the Bolt can serve up to 238 miles on a single, full charge. With an average commute of 40 miles round trip, Chevy estimates that many Bolt owners could expect to make it through the entire work week on a single charge.
And it’s no wimp. The 200 hp is more than matched by a 266 lb-ft of torque, giving the Bolt ample ‘get-up-and-go’. In fact, it’s sprint from 0-60mph is an impressive 6.5 seconds. This is impressive enough for a family-friendly vehicle, let alone one with an electric powertrain.
Available in the same LT and Premier trims (as the Volt) the available technologies are very similar between the two. With that, both stand confidently as inventive, stylish and tech-wealthy offerings, appealing to many drivers and deserving of consideration.
Check Them Out
Even if you’re not interested in either the Volt or Bolt EV, keep an eye on them. As the years pass by, any number of hybrid / electric features could begin to rub off on other vehicle offerings. But no matter what you’re looking for, your Chevy Dealership has something perfect for you.
