I have a decision to make this year. I currently drive a 2012 Volt. I really want to buy a Tesla some day, but that day just isn't here yet. There are still some key superchargers missing (1 in particular that is critical to my business travel), there's still only the Model S available and it's still a bit more expensive than I'm prepared for, and I am somewhat tempted by the CPO program but I'm wary of getting out of warranty on a car I can't easily work on myself. Also, I think we will really end up wanting a Model X, and that's realistically a couple of years away still.
This gets me back to the Volt. I wouldn't buy a 2012 Volt again, if there was a newer model. But the 2016 Volt isn't the 2012 Volt. GM has improved it in a number of significant ways. But there are a couple of downsides for me personally as well. Here's how the pros/cons currently look for me for the 2016 Volt vs my current 2012 Volt:
Pros (the first 2 are important because I take a lot of long business trips):
Quieter engine (doesn't have to rev as high)
Better MPG when driven on gas
50 EV miles vs 2012 having 35
Quicker off the line
Nicer looking interior
Regular gas (premium no longer required)
Cons:
No DVD (I like to listen to movies while on the road; I can fix this by taking along a portable DVD player, but it's a downgrade)
Fake engine noise at low speeds (this one really irks me)
No visor mirror lighting (based on what I've read; we do use the lighting from time to time, and it just feels cheap not to have it)
It's still a Chevy (what can I say, I'm a Ford fan, but Ford isn't stepping up to the plate properly)
Neutral:
Updated looks. I like it, but it does look somewhat common.
5th seat -- can't say I really care either way on this one
Color choices -- I don't like them, but it's not like they got any worse than they were before
Missed Opportunities (things that could have been pros, but they didn't do):
More color options
Sunroof, moonroof, or pano roof
Signficantly more rear seat room (I hate having to squish my driver seat up every time I haul the kids)
Higher charging rate (not DC fast charge, just faster L2; far as I've heard, the 2016 Volt will still be stuck at 3.3 kW; my charger at home can go up to 7.2 kW)
At the moment, I can't decide if I want to pull the trigger on this or not. But I have a few months to decide, as the 2016 Volt won't be sold in my state for a few more months. Thought I would post to see what other considerations people might come up with.
Anyone else tempted by the 2016 Volt?
This gets me back to the Volt. I wouldn't buy a 2012 Volt again, if there was a newer model. But the 2016 Volt isn't the 2012 Volt. GM has improved it in a number of significant ways. But there are a couple of downsides for me personally as well. Here's how the pros/cons currently look for me for the 2016 Volt vs my current 2012 Volt:
Pros (the first 2 are important because I take a lot of long business trips):
Quieter engine (doesn't have to rev as high)
Better MPG when driven on gas
50 EV miles vs 2012 having 35
Quicker off the line
Nicer looking interior
Regular gas (premium no longer required)
Cons:
No DVD (I like to listen to movies while on the road; I can fix this by taking along a portable DVD player, but it's a downgrade)
Fake engine noise at low speeds (this one really irks me)
No visor mirror lighting (based on what I've read; we do use the lighting from time to time, and it just feels cheap not to have it)
It's still a Chevy (what can I say, I'm a Ford fan, but Ford isn't stepping up to the plate properly)
Neutral:
Updated looks. I like it, but it does look somewhat common.
5th seat -- can't say I really care either way on this one
Color choices -- I don't like them, but it's not like they got any worse than they were before
Missed Opportunities (things that could have been pros, but they didn't do):
More color options
Sunroof, moonroof, or pano roof
Signficantly more rear seat room (I hate having to squish my driver seat up every time I haul the kids)
Higher charging rate (not DC fast charge, just faster L2; far as I've heard, the 2016 Volt will still be stuck at 3.3 kW; my charger at home can go up to 7.2 kW)
At the moment, I can't decide if I want to pull the trigger on this or not. But I have a few months to decide, as the 2016 Volt won't be sold in my state for a few more months. Thought I would post to see what other considerations people might come up with.
Anyone else tempted by the 2016 Volt?