tb-two* tags along for a test ride with Peter Couture, Daily Driver columnist for tbt* and the Times

GUY’S TAKE: ANTHONY CLOSE
Robinson High

Curb appeal factor: One of my favorite things about the Chevy Volt is its curb appeal. The sleek, aerodynamic design reminds me a space pod, and with an interior to match, its futuristic appearance will definitely make your friends jealous. General Motors decided to use a black exterior trim that really compliments the curvature of the body. If you’re not really into American car, it’s okay because this car looks nothing like Chevy’s other compact cars.

Environmentalist factor: If you’re looking the save the planet but don’t want to ride your bike everywhere, this may be the closest thing to an acceptable car. According to GM, for up to 50 miles (35 miles according to the EPA) you can drive without using gas. Just like your cell phone, this plug-in hybrid plugs into the wall. But this cutting edge technology comes with a price, $39,145 for 2012 models before a $7,500 federal tax credit. So if you can afford it, say bye bye bike.

Leg room/head room/backseat factor: If you’re like me and you’re under 5’6’,’ the Volt’s backseat may be fine for you. But if you’re 6 feet or more, the backseat may be a little cramped. Because of the sleek design, the back end of the car drops steeply, limiting the headroom. The backseat’s center console means you’d never be squished by three passengers, though. Despite being a compact car, the front seats offers a lot of leg room and a spacious dashboard, which, in my opinion, makes up for the backseat.

GIRL’S TAKE: SARA HORNING
St. Petersburg Collegiate High

No more high-price gas factor: The downfall to getting a paycheck is when I have to hit the gas station. I want to cry as I watch the price inflate as I pump the gas. I don’t drive too often or very far distances, so this car would be a perfect way to save money on gas.

Heated seats factor: My seat was so hot and it was really annoying at first, until I realized that the heater inside the seat was turned on. I had no ideas cars could have heated seats! In Florida, this feature is basically pointless, except for maybe two days a year. But c’mon, it does sound cool to say your car has heated seats.

Looks like a spaceship (ON THE INSIDE) factor: I wasn’t sure what to expect. It looked like a typical car, until I got inside. The touch screen controls everything from the music to the air conditioning. The roomy seats could easily fit three friends, and the huge trunk could effortlessly store a day’s worth of shopping bags.



No nail-biting race to refuel factor: I always wait until my car has five miles left before I go to the gas station. I freak out the whole way there because I think I’ll run out of gas. When the Chevy Volt ran out of electric charge, the car automatically switched to gas. I was expecting to feel and hear a big clunk and then get queasy, but I didn’t feel a thing.