Chevrolet Volt - Best Of Both Worlds
Hybrid cars are among us for quite some time, but despite all advantages, they all had few serious faults. Biggest would be a frequent need for an outlet. Some models tried to bypass the short autonomy problem by having an electrical engine as a support for petrol one. Such hybrids were easier to drive, but they were not much of hybrids at all - electrical engine was there simply to add few brake horse powers to petrol engine and maybe making parking quieter. Main reason for the above was the general inferiority of electrical engine, compared to petrol one. That have changed recently, mainly via a different construction and the brand which makes the change is Chevrolet with its Volt.
Chevrolet Volt (sold as Opel Ampera in Europe and Vauxhall Ampera in UK) is using a 150 bhp electrical engine as the main one, petrol engine has only one purpose and that is to fill batteries for electrical one when need arises. So simple, elegant and, I must say, revolutionary! In real life, Ampera is very quiet, it even has a special speaker whose only purpose is to warn pedestrians at small speeds. Electrical engine delivers a lot of torque (370Nm), which makes it extremely dynamic. Passing over other cars is a breeze.
Batteries provide autonomy of 40-80km, depending on the style of driving. Since 80% drivers in Europe make no more than 60km on daily basis, it can be easily said that most of them will hear the petrol engine only when they go to vacation. The moment when batteries get empty is when a display changes, showing usual petrol indicators and autonomy of additional 400km (if gas tank is full). But, no change in driving can be noticed because it will continue to be electricity powered - petrol engine works quiet, just enough to fill batteries on the go. The only barely noticeable difference is the subtle roar of the petrol engine. Absolutely perfect!
Batteries is where the price for revolutionary design had to be paid - a 200kg heavy Li-Ion monster makes the car heavier, affecting its performance. However, it reaches 100km/h in 9s which justifies its sporty look, top speed of 160km/h makes it perfectly usable on any road. Trunk size suffered the most - 310l is fine for trips for two. But, both compromises are easier to forgive when you realize that, after a full day at work, you get back home from the pub realizing that you haven't spent a single drop of petrol.
New member of Chevrolet's Cruze family is a compact van, Chevrolet Cruze Kombi. With 500-1500l storage space it's ideal for families with 2 kids.
It comes with two engines: 1.7l 17bhp diesel and 1.4 150bhp turbo.
First Volts have been sold, TNG powered 1.2l Aveo is at stores, while the second half of the year will bring us Chevrolet Cruze Station Wago and Malibu limo.
Code 130R is a sporty 4 seats coupe with rear wheel drive.
It comes with e-assist, which transforms the braking power into electrical which is then used to recharge batteries.