Vehicle Preview: 2013 Chevrolet Volt

Chevy adds more Voltage for 2013

For 2013 the Chevrolet Volt has received some updates. The new model year the Chevy Volt has a bigger battery that makes it able to drive three extra miles when driven solely on electrical power.

3 miles…So What?

Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah said the reason that the main focus for the 2013 Volt was improving the car's all-electric range was simply because it was the number one request from customers.

While three miles added on doesn’t seem like much, those miles add up and allow more people to go entirely gas free in their daily commute.

Bigger Battery?

The extra range on the 2013 Chevrolet Volt comes from different battery chemistry as well as a slightly bigger battery (16.5 kWh over 16). Now this battery is not physically any bigger, just electrically more capable.

The .5-kWh growth seems small, but from GM has hinted that they expect incremental increases in battery power as the Volt evolves.

Other Changes

Aside from a more capable battery the 2013 Chevrolet Volt gets a few other changes.It now offers new interior and exterior colors: pebble beige and silver topaz metallic and It also comes with sport alloy wheels.

The 2013 Chevy Volt also offers an optional arm rest between the two back seats, as well as a new power gauge in the dash that shows more information about where the energy used to move the car is coming from, how much is from the battery and how much is from the gas tank.

The 2013 Volt also offers collision alert and lane departure warnings as well as the new standard EV-hold mode, which forces the Volt into using its gas generator which allows drivers to save the battery life of the Volt for city driving. Reserving the battery will allow Volt drivers see more efficient driving, as the Volt’s EV mode gets the most range in low-speed city driving.

The 2013 Volt goes on sale in August. GM said there has been no change in pricing or destination fees compared to 2012 model.

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2013 Chevrolet Sonic

2013 Sonic Adds More Standard Features Over 2012 Model

Ever since the Chevy Sonic originally rose from the ashes of the Aveo in 2011, it has held a little soft spot in our hearts. After all, how many cars do you see doing a kick flip on a giant skateboarding ramp? (You’re welcome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwnOr9AGplk ).

For the 2013 model year the Chevrolet Sonic gets a few changes, such as more available features on lower trims levels and a new 7-inch touch-screen featuring Chevy's MyLink multimedia system, which now comes standard  equipped on higher-trimmed models.

Another new addition for the 2013 model year is the sportier looking/handling 2013 Chevy Sonic RS, which comes as a hatchback model. The 2013 Chevy Sonic RS will be available this fall.

The 2013 Sonic is available in sedan and hatchback body styles and come in the following trims: LS, LT or LTZ trims.

One cool addition for the 2013 Sonic is that every model will come with standard Bluetooth connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted controls, which were previously options on the LT trim and unavailable on the LS trim. Every model also comes standard equipped with new integrated blind-spot mirrors.

For the 2013 model year the LT trim now comes standard equipped with cruise control, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port. Buyers that opt for the LT with an automatic transmission also get remote start as standard equipment.

The LTZ takes it a step further by adding on a standard rear spoiler, as well as a premium six-speaker audio system that comes standard on both the LT and LTZ trims and are available as an option for the LS trim.

As previously mentioned the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic will have Chevrolet’s MyLink available, accompanied by a 7-inch touch-screen and a navigation system for those with smartphone connectivity. The Chevy’s Mylink comes standard on the LTZ and is available as an option for the LT and LS trims.

Conclusion

The question in most Sonic buyers mind is what vehicle to buy, the 2012 or 2013? The answer to that is simple: Get the 2013. The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic adds on standard Bluetooth and other features to make the 2013 the better buy.

The updated 2013 Chevrolet Sonic goes on sale this summer.

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2013 Chevrolet Equinox

2013 Equinox brings more power to drivers

For the 2013 model year the Chevrolet Equinox remains mostly unchanged. However one nice addition Equinox fans will love is a more powerful V-6 option that gives the 2013 Equinox more pep than ever before. Other new features include new suspension tuning and greater availability of convenience and safety features.

Like previous models, the 2013 Chevy Equinox will be available in the following trims: LS, LT (1LT and 2LT) and LTZ trims.

The new V-6 engine is able to produce 301 horsepower and 272 pounds-feet of torque. This is a big upgrade than the previous engine, offering 14% more horsepower and 22% more torque than the previous 3.0-liter V-6.

One plus to the new 3.6-liter engine is that fuel-economy figures are the same as the previously offered 3.0-liter engine: the 2013 Chevy Equinox offers 17/24 mpg city/highway for front-wheel drive and 16/23 mpg city/highway for the all-wheel drive.

The new V-6 engine is available on the LT and LTZ trims. The LTZ trim also comes with a new FE2 Suspension Package with dual-flow dampers for a superior ride, as well as the option for either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 2013 Equinox will now offer a Power Convenience Package that's available for the 2LT and LTZ trims, which add features such as an available eight-way power passenger seat and a universal garage door opener.

For the 2013 model year the  2012 Equinox's optional Safety Package is now available on the 2013 Equinox 2LT and comes standard on LTZ with either the four-cylinder or V-6. This package  included features such as a forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear park assist systems.

The 2LT and LTZ trims also offer an available rear entertainment system that has a dual-player DVD system with dual screens and two sets of wireless headphones.

The 2013 Model year will also see the return of Chevy’s MyLink, which debuted late in the 2012 model year. To take it one step further Chevrolet will offer with an optional navigation system on either the 2LT or the LTZ trims.

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2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Introduction

Ever since the 2011 release of the Chevrolet Cruze, the market for dynamic, fuel-efficient compact vehicles was turned upside down. For the 2013 model year the Chevy Cruze will be no different, offering car buyers with a quality vehicle that is surprisingly affordable.

Its sharp look, great handling and top safety scores are some of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze's primary advantages in the small car marketplace.

Improvements for 2013

For 2013, the Chevrolet Cruze will see an enhanced infotainment system as well as improved safety features, including Bluetooth streaming audio, a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in four trim levels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.

The LS includes the following features: keyless entry, 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, air-conditioning, a six-way adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split rear seat, a trip computer, OnStar, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. The LS trim also includes full power accessories.

The Eco gets a turbocharged engine, a leather-wrapped steering wheel,  cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen display and the Chevrolet MyLink system, which offers Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice control and smartphone integration. The Eco trim also offers an available Driver Convenience package which adds a six-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a rearview camera and heated mirrors. The Eco also received improvements in aerodynamics as well as lightweight alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, a smaller fuel tank and a few minor feature removals to reduce the cars weight and maximize its fuel efficiency.

The LT trim actually brings two sub-trims in the form of the 1LT and 2LT models. Compared to LS models, the 1LT adds a turbocharged engine, a leather wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, and cruise control. The features included in the Eco trim’s Driver Convenience package are also available for the 1LT.

The 2LT takes it one step further by adding 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sport-tuned suspension, a 7-inch touchscreen display and Chevrolet MyLink.

Last but not least, Cruze buyers have the option of the LTZ trim which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, foglamps, keyless ignition/entry, premium interior trim and an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rearview camera.

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze will also offer an Enhanced Safety that includes blind spot monitoring, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Many of the standard features found in the upper trim levels, including Chevrolet MyLink and a rearview camera, also can be had on the lower trims as options. A hard-drive-based navigation system, a Pioneer nine-speaker premium sound system, a sunroof, an RS appearance package (unique front/rear fascias, foglights, rear spoiler) are all available on upper trims.

Interior Design and Features

For the 2013 model year the Chevy Cruze saw improvements in the interior look and feel by adding a cloth and leather-looking trim to the dash and doors. This year the electronics interface is easier to use and the Chevy MyLink system provides Cruze owners with smartphone integration and enhanced voice control.

Under the Hood

The Cruze LS comes powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 that pushes 138 hp and 125 pound-feet of torque. The Eco, LT and LTZ trims all come standard with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 and are able to generate 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

The 2013 Chevy Cruze delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the LS trim with the manual transmission and 22/35/27 mpg with the automatic. The turbocharged engine receives an estimated 26/38/30 mpg with either transmission. The fuel-economy-focused Cruze Eco rakes in an impressive 28/42/33 mpg with the manual transmission and 26/39/31 mpg with the automatic.

Safety

All 2013 Chevrolet Cruze models come standard with the following safety features: antilock brakes, stability control, front knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and front and rear side impact airbags.

Excluding the 2LT and LTZ trims, which come equipped with four wheel disc brakes, every 2013 Chevy Cruze will come equipped with a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup.

Another standard feature on every trim is OnStar, which includes automatic on-demand roadside assistance, stolen vehicle assistance, crash notification and remote door unlocking.

Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are optional for all trims, except the LS.

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