(MENAFN- Jordan Times) Launched last year as a 2018 model and more recently arriving in Middle East markets, the Bolt EV is the golden bowtie's gambit into the increasingly popular compact electric vehicle (EV) market.
A convincing entry which crucially boasts a healthy electric drive range and brisk performance, the Bolt is largely developed by Chevrolet's Korean wing of operations, which used to be known as Daewoo.
Driven in Jordan, it proved unexpectedly better and more rounded as an electric vehicle than some other small Chevrolets in their respective niches.
Designated as a 'small wagon' in the US, the Bolt is in fact a smallish hatchback with a narrow and tall body, owing to its large and heavy batteries being positioned under its floor.
A less extroverted design than some other EVs and hybrids that try, and often fail, to make a statement with an unconventional design, the Bolt, however, remains distinctive from other Chevrolets in its flurry of design detail, including a largely blocked out grille and lower intake segment, as well as high-set rear lights that are integrated with the rear hatch.
Compact and confident
Space efficient and practical in many ways, the Bolt's design allows for good front headspace and rear legroom, but its rakish roofline does reduce headroom for tall adults in the rear. Its upright and high driving position and short stubby and ridged bonnet allows for terrific front visibility, but thick heavily slanted A-pillars can slightly obstruct front-side cornering sight lines.
A sharply rising waistline provides good side visibility yet reduced rear-side sight lines, but this is compensated for by a reversing camera which allows for confident parking maneuverability.
Powered by a front-mounted electric motor which is integrated with a single-speed automatic gearbox and differential into a modular and compact dive unit, the Bolt is, as its name would infer, a relatively quick car. Generously powered for a small electric car of its segment, the Bolt develops 200BHP and a muscular and almost ever-present 266lb/ft torque.
Quick off the line with a chirp of the tyres, the Bolt's responses are literally electric, with maximum torque available from virtually zero revs. Brisk through zero-100kmph in just under 7 seconds, the Bolt pulls confidently to its estimated 146kmph top speed.
Flexible and frugal
Given more than a single gear, one would expect a high top speed, not that there is much chance to legally go faster. Effortlessly flexible on the move, when overtaking and on steep inclines, despite being weighed down by a hefty 1,624kg weight, the Bolt's delivery is instant, largely consistent and near silent, bar a distant motor whine that actually serves to give the driver some sense of mechanical connection.
Rated as delivering a generously useful combined 383km range by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Bolt has been quoted at being capable of 520km by more liberal rating methods.
While possible to achieve the higher figure were one to drive obstructively slow and careful of every input, the Bolt's real world range goes a long way to assuage much of the range anxiety typical of many electric vehicles.
On an extensive test drive that included several untypical segments of high output driving on steep inclines and high elevations, as well as steady motorway speeds and slow city driving that EVs excel at, the Bolt still impressively managed a distance of 250km from near full charge to near empty. Charging time is rated at 9.3 hours when using a 240v charge.
Stability and control
Riding on a Macpherson strut front and torsion bear rear suspension set-up, typical of most combustion and electric cars of its segment, the Bolt places its significantly weighty 435kg battery pack under the floor and features a relatively long wheelbase and short overhangs.
With weight concentrated so low and centrally, the tall Bolt drives with a noticeably grounded and stable manner, whether confidently at speed or through corners where body roll is well controlled and minimised. Comfortable and absorbent in most situations, the taut control, low centre of gravity, low profile tyres and small size do, however, make its ride slightly firm over rougher roads.
A more agile and eager car through corners than one would expect, the Bolt's turn-in is tidy and it feels nippy and maneuverable through tight corners, while its electric-assisted steering is quick, light, direct and flickable, if not layered with nuance and texture.
Dynamically best driven at a modest or brisk pace, the Bolt's muscular and immediate output can induce noticeable torque-steer under heavy acceleration from stand still. Enter a corner too quickly or sharply, especially on some less grippy local roads, and the heavy Bolt will tend to understeer if stability controls are not engaged.
Well-packaged
With a more engaging drive and better handling than typical for a tall, small and heavy EV, the Bolt's acceleration pedal is more intuitive than some EVs, but not as much as a petrol-powered car, and neither is the brake pedal feel.
However, braking is reassuringly good, with kinetic regenerative braking helping to recharge the battery.
Under normal driving a steer-mounted lever can be used to increase regenerative braking resistance and works well to modulate speed, while an 'L' mode significantly increases resistance and regeneration, which is very useful on steep descents, but less effective on level ground, where it stifles coasting.
For emergency braking, however, it is essential to use the traditional mechanical disc brakes.
Airy and well-packaged inside, the Bolt has an alert upright driving position with a chunky steering wheel, good front road view and a slight but comfortable driving seat.
The floating centre console provides good knee room, but the seat could do with more lumbar support for longer journeys.
Finished better inside than some previous small Chevrolets, the Bolt's harder plastic surfaces are designed and textured to look lively and youthful. Meanwhile, equipment levels are decent and the infotainment system and driving information is user-friendly. Its boot also features a lower storage compartment in the absence of a spare wheel, and accommodates 478 litres of cargo that expand to 1,603 litres with the rear seats folded.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Engine: Front-mounted magnetic drive electric motor
Gearbox: single-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive
Final drive ratios: 7.05:1
Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 200 (202) [149]
Power-to-weight: 123.1BHP/tonne
Torque lb/ft (Nm): 266 (360)
Torque-to-weight: 221.6Nm/tonne
0-100kmph: under 7-seconds
Top speed: 146kmph (estimate)
Driving range, city / highway / EPA: 410/349/383km
Charging time, 120v / 240v / DC fast charger: 6.4km/1-hr / 9.3-hr/full 145km/30-min
Battery: Lithium-ion, 60kWh
Battery weight: 435kg
Length: 4,166mm
Width: 1,765mm
Height: 1,594mm
Wheelbase: 2,600mm
Track: 1,501mm
Kerb weight: 1,624kg
Headroom, F/R: 1,009/962mm
Legroom, F/R: 1,056/927mm
Shoulder room, F/R: 1,387/1,340mm
Cargo volume, min/max: 478/1,603 litres
Steering: Electric-assisted rack & pinion
Turning circle: 10.8 meters
Suspension F/R: MacPherson struts / torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs 276mm / solid discs 264mm
Tyres: 215/50R17
Price, on-the-road: JD29,900
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