Chevrolet has been making inroads into China for some time now where they recently launched the latest Cruze and the New Sail there where the Volt would start to roam the streets come 2011. Beijing was the perfect place to show off what the MPV5 is all about and true enough it did not disappoint although it is merely 5 passenger car. This hybrid version follows the typical design of the Volt with 19 inch wheels and surely with more space and such, one would envision that it might not be as fuel economical, but GM seemed to have that figured out.
According to Bob Boniface, the Director of GM North America Crossover Exterior Design “The Volt MPV5 concept takes the efficient design of the Chevrolet Volt and adapts it to the family vehicle crossover segment. It’s immediately recognizable as a true member of the Chevrolet family,”
Measuring at 4585milimeters long, 1871 millimeter wide and 182 millimeters high as well as a wheelbase of 2,760millimeters, it is somewhat bigger than its gasoline sibling. It was put on show by GM as one of the 37 production and concept models between GM and its partners at the show where they also put out the Cadillac Converj and XTS Platinum models as well. As mentioned, size is not so much the issue here (unless of course, you have a lot to bring with you) because the engine is powerful enough to carry the car with passengers and cargo. The 1.4 liter engine is further boosted by the 16kWh battery pack that gets you up to 51.5 kilometers. Design wise, you will like the front fascia where it comes with a closed grille and aero-optimized lower air dam. According to GM, this is to increase the fuel efficiency of the MPV5.
