Chevrolet Volt: Which Version Should You Buy?
The choice between the two Chevrolet Volt versions comes down to priorities. The first-generation 1.4 CVT offers the only measured fuel-consumption figures, the larger fuel tank, a slightly higher top speed, and specified torque. The second-generation 1.5 CVT is quicker to 100 km/h, more powerful, lighter, and has greater ground clearance.
The choice between the two Chevrolet Volt versions comes down to priorities. The first-generation 1.4 CVT offers the only measured fuel-consumption figures, the larger fuel tank, a slightly higher top speed, and specified torque. The second-generation 1.5 CVT is quicker to 100 km/h, more powerful, lighter, and has greater ground clearance. Both are Hybrid, front-wheel-drive, five-door hatchbacks with a Variable gearbox. Prices, reliability, dimensions, wheel sizes, and several economy figures are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot be used to rank the versions.
Chevrolet Volt generations: what changed?
The first-generation Chevrolet Volt was produced from 2010 to 2015 as a Hatchback 5-door. It has one listed version, 1.4 CVT, with a 1,398 cc Hybrid engine producing 86 hp at 4,800 rpm and 370 Nm. This version has FWD and a Variable gearbox.
The second-generation Chevrolet Volt was produced from 2015 to 2019, also as a Hatchback 5-door. Its single listed version is 1.5 CVT, powered by a 1,490 cc Hybrid engine developing 101 hp at 5,600 rpm. Torque is not measured. It retains FWD and a Variable gearbox.
Compared with 1.4 CVT, the newer 1.5 CVT adds 92 cc and 15 hp. Its kerb weight falls by 108 kg, while ground clearance rises by 30 mm. Acceleration to 100 km/h improves by 0.6 seconds, although top speed decreases by 3 km/h and fuel-tank capacity falls by 1 litre.
Chevrolet Volt engine and specs comparison
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation, 1.4 CVT | 86 hp at 4,800 rpm | 370 Nm; rpm not measured | 1,398 cc | not measured | 4 | Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Second generation, 1.5 CVT | 101 hp at 5,600 rpm | not measured; rpm not measured | 1,490 cc | 95 | 4 | Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
The 1.4 CVT uses Distributed injection (multi-point), has 4 valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10.5, and a bore and stroke of 73.4 × 82.6. Engine location is not measured.
The 1.5 CVT uses Direct injection (direct), has 4 valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 12.5, and a bore and stroke of 74 × 86.6. Its engine is Front, transverse.
Calculated from the supplied displacement and power figures, the 1.4 CVT produces about 61.5 hp per litre, while the 1.5 CVT produces about 67.8 hp per litre. The newer version therefore gains about 6.3 hp per litre, giving it the higher specific output.
Chevrolet Volt horsepower and performance
The first-generation 1.4 CVT has 86 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 9 seconds. Its maximum speed is 161 km/h.
The second-generation 1.5 CVT has 101 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. Its maximum speed is 158 km/h.
For acceleration, the 1.5 CVT is the stronger choice: it has 15 hp more and completes the 0–100 km/h run 0.6 seconds sooner. For maximum speed alone, the 1.4 CVT leads by 3 km/h.
Weight relative to power makes the difference clearer. The 1.4 CVT carries about 19.9 kg of kerb weight per horsepower, while the 1.5 CVT carries about 15.9 kg per horsepower. That is roughly 4.0 kg less per horsepower for the second-generation car, consistent with its quicker measured acceleration.
Chevrolet Volt fuel consumption and economy
For the 1.4 CVT, measured fuel consumption is 6.7 in the city, 5.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. The supplied data does not state a unit for these figures. Its fuel type is not measured, and its tank holds 35 litres. CO2 output and environmental class are not measured.
For the 1.5 CVT, city, highway, and combined fuel consumption are not measured. Its listed fuel is 95, and its tank holds 34 litres. CO2 output and environmental class are not measured.
This means an economy comparison cannot be completed fairly. The 1.4 CVT is the only version with consumption figures, but the absence of corresponding measurements for the 1.5 CVT does not establish that either version uses less fuel.
Chevrolet Volt dimensions, weight, and ground clearance
Overall length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured for either Chevrolet Volt version. Wheel sizes are also not measured, so those items cannot decide the purchase.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation, 1.4 CVT | 1,715 kg | 2,079 kg | 120 mm | 35 L | not measured |
| Second generation, 1.5 CVT | 1,607 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 34 L | not measured |
The 1.5 CVT is 108 kg lighter and provides 30 mm more ground clearance than the 1.4 CVT. The 1.4 CVT has a fuel tank larger by 1 litre. Gross weight is available only for 1.4 CVT, so the two versions cannot be compared on that measure.
The 1.4 CVT has Independent, spring front suspension and Semi-independent, torsion rear suspension. Its front and rear brakes are both listed as ventilated discs.
The 1.5 CVT has Independent, spring front suspension and a rear suspension listed as “Semi-independent, springorts hélicoïdaux, sem” in the supplied English data. Its front brakes are Ventilated disc and its rear brakes are Disc.
Chevrolet Volt reliability, problems, and price
Reliability records, problem reports, maintenance history, engine-oil capacity, battery weight, engine-mount information, warning-light diagnostics, and repair costs are not measured. A technical specification comparison cannot establish which generation will be more reliable as a used car.
Chevrolet Volt price and cars for sale are also not included. Consequently, there is no factual basis here for saying what extra money buys or whether one version offers better market value. Any price premium should be assessed separately against the measurable gains of the 1.5 CVT: 15 hp more, 108 kg less kerb weight, 0.6-second quicker acceleration, and 30 mm more ground clearance.
Which Chevrolet Volt version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 1.5 CVT if performance, power-to-weight ratio, lower kerb weight, or ground clearance matters most. It produces 101 hp rather than 86 hp, weighs 1,607 kg rather than 1,715 kg, reaches 100 km/h in 8.4 rather than 9 seconds, and provides 150 rather than 120 mm of clearance. Its calculated output of about 67.8 hp per litre also exceeds the 1.4 CVT figure of about 61.5 hp per litre.
Choose the first-generation 1.4 CVT if you specifically want the version with recorded city, highway, and combined consumption figures, a 35-litre rather than 34-litre tank, a measured 370 Nm torque figure, or the slightly higher 161 rather than 158 km/h maximum speed.
On the supplied numbers alone, the 1.5 CVT is the more compelling all-round version because it combines greater power with lower weight and quicker acceleration. The 1.4 CVT remains the better-documented choice for fuel consumption, but missing economy data for the newer car prevents a direct efficiency verdict.