2018 Chevy Volt – Cincinnati, OH

• Overview

  

  Felt the pull toward owning a hybrid, but worried that this type of eco-friendly vehicle could leave you in the cold when the battery runs out? It’s time to learn that going green doesn’t have to mean giving up convenience or high expectations!

  Meet the 2018 Chevy Volt, engineered to completely eradicate the so-called "range anxiety" felt in the past by hybrid owners worried about going too far and depleting a charge in the middle of no-mans-land. Not only can you run the lithium-ion battery pack down to zero, but as soon as the charge ends, the engine feeds on a diet of gasoline and stored energy. That won’t even happen until you hit 53 miles, so if you have a short commute, you may have to visit your favorite local Cincinnati fill-up station only when you need a cup of coffee and a salty snack.

  What happens when you do need to plug in the 2018 Volt, which will eventually happen? As long as you have a 240-volt charger, you can be up and running without touching any gasoline in as little as four-and-a-half hours. Only have access to a less powerful 120-volt charger? It’ll take you about three times as long to get back on the road without help from fossil fuels, which is good as long as you don’t have to be anywhere immediately (and only want to use the electric option.)

  42 Combined MPG

  MPG

  8.9 Gallons

  Gas Capacity

  149

  Horsepower

  Starting at

  $33,220

• Safety

  

  Safety is a loaded word when it comes to describing the Volt. Chevy not only creates these vehicles to be safe for humans but for the environment as well.

  From an ecological standpoint, it’s tough to outdo the Chevy’s annual emissions expectation of 1.3 tons at an average of 15,000 miles driven. Additionally, its EPA greenhouse gas score is negligible.

  And for the drivers and passengers? It’s “safety all the way” in a Volt. This hybrid gets a perfect five-star score from the US NHTSA results for not only its overall rating, but its frontal barrier crash rating, driver’s side frontal barrier crash rating, rollover rating, and a host of other characteristics. Basically, it’s a winner from all safety accounts, snagging only one four-out-of-five star result for its front passenger barrier crash rating.

  At the end of the day, you can feel good knowing that the Volt is one of the most balanced, consistent hybrids in its class available.

• Technology

  

  The suite of technological benefits of every 2018 Chevy Volt begins with the unique way this hybrid operates. With fuel efficiency off the charts thanks to innovative engineering, it more than makes up for its MSRP price in the mid-$30,0000s.

  In terms of other technology and software, this Chevy includes auto parking assist and blind-zone monitors if you’re willing to upgrade to a Driver Confidence Package for several hundred dollars over the base price. (Most owners recommend this Package to bring the Volt up to the level of its less eco-friendly rivals.)

  Enjoy listening to songs, podcasts, and the occasional audiobook while cruising around the Cincinnati scene? Just navigate the touchscreen that puts information and ability right to your fingertips. You’ll find that the Volt’s eight speakers keep you in-the-know while on-the-go. Most 2018 Chevy Volts include a free three-month Sirius subscription, too. Be forewarned that when you get comfortable being able to listen to anything you want on-demand, you’ll be hesitant to cancel the subscription when it’s up!

  Another possibility for inclusion with the Volt is OnStar, which gives you a practical hotspot. Specifications say that up to seven Internet connections are possible at once with the OnStar 4G LTE system. However, with just four practical seats — and a middle folding seat that’s really best utilized by a small child — you’ll probably never hit the seven-device mark. Check with your McCluskey Chevrolet sales team member to see how you can get more information on OnStar, which is sold separately through the OnStar platform.

• Performance

  

  While the 2018 Chevy Volt isn’t the sprinter of the pack, it’s a reliable, consistent vehicle. Expect to get from zero to 60 in about eight seconds, enough to keep you moving along without getting left behind during the traffic rush hour.

  Like all the second generation Volts, this year’s model seamlessly shifts between running completely on the battery’s charge and moving toward a hybrid engine when necessary. You might notice the shift, but only subtly. Best of all, the engine still remains whisper-quiet, a calling card of the Volt’s manufacturing.

  Most car critics feel the Volt even-handedly navigates roads and basic terrain. Don’t try to take it onto mountainous trails or unpaved pathways, though. That’s where you’re better off with a Chevy SUV or truck. But if you simply need a great partner to get you to and from work, recreational activities, errands, and vacations, you’ll appreciate the Volt’s dependability.

• Design

  

  With a low-profile windshield, the Chevy Volt 2018 version looks incredibly contemporary. If you’re thinking about buying a new hybrid, you have several innovative color choices. This year’s model can be purchased in cool shades including Satin Steel Metallic, Cajun Red Tintcoat, and Green Mist Metallic.

  Although the interior has its own appeal, it can feel a little cramped for taller drivers and passengers. Consequently, it’s a good idea to put a few miles on a Chevy Volt when trying one out at McCluskey Chevrolet to ensure the highest degree of comfort. Don’t have a problem with the dimensions of the interior? You’ll relish the intuitively designed console, dash, buttons, knobs, and other attributes.

  Want to optimize the appearance and amenities of your newest car? You can upgrade your Volt LT (the standard version of the 2018 Volt) to the Premier level. This will give you a leather interior and steering wheel (instead of the urethane one that comes with the base price models,) heated exterior mirror, auto park assist, and more. This bumps the price closer to the $40,000 mark but is a great deal especially if you live in a state offering tax credits for energy-efficient vehicle purchases.

  As for cargo, the Volt appeals to anyone who wants an easy, sizeable place to store kids’ sports equipment, grocery bags, luggage, and all sorts of daily necessities. Its hatchback conveniently lifts to give plenty of headroom and a great vantage point for putting cargo in and taking it out.

Come Down to McCluskey Chevrolet!