Chevrolet Volt 2012-2015 review

On the motorway, the engine/generator actually connects up to the Volt's planetary gearbox, assisting the electric motor to drive the front wheels at speeds above 60mph when necessary - or when ascending very steep hills. The driver can clearly feel the surge of extra power.

Overall, there's real pleasure to be had from driving the Volt. A combination of the electric motor's lightning-quick responses, the fat torque (which is available immediately) and the lack of gearchanges (the transmission uses a single ratio) makes it a very refined place to be for the majority of the time.

To boost performance, there’s a sport button on the dash that increases the flow of current out of the battery by 20 percent. And the effect is noticeable; if you could turn the turbo on a combustion engine on and off, it would be a bit like this.

It’s a shame that with the petrol engine in action the Volt suddenly becomes a less enjoyable and more strained drive, but this is forgivable given the abundant advantages. Otherwise the steering is nicely weighted, throttle response good and there is none of the dramatic energy-recycling regenerative engine braking that you can experience in some electric cars.

One of the odder aspects of the Volt is that the engine/generator can suddenly start running at high speed, even the when the car is at a standstill. This is just one of the programmed quirks, helping top up the charge in the battery pack.

The Volt’s cabin is a strict four-seater because the battery intrudes in the shape of a large centre tunnel, but the interior is light and airy, with fine views forward and rearwards. The driving position is absolutely first rate: the pedals and wheels are ideally aligned and centred and the seats remarkably comfortable over long journeys. The low dash also allows a fine view forward.

The touch-sensitive centre console controls take some getting used to, mainly because although they make a clicking sound, there's no feedback at your fingertip. Rear seat space isn’t great, with limited head and legroom for taller passengers.

This largely comes from the attention GM has paid to minimising losses from aerodynamic drag. The Volt has a lower roofline compared with the Cruze and to accommodate the battery pack, the rear seats are slightly raised. The rear seats, however, are virtually flat, offering a sizeable load area.