2016 Chevrolet Volt Video Road Test

It's only in its second generation, but it's fair to say the Chevy Volt is one of the most important vehicles ever built in America.

Now it's time for Volt 2.0, and it's better in every way. Will that be enough to keep eco-friendly drivers steering in the direction of Chevy showrooms?

We get some answers in our video road test of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt.

MORE: Read our 2016 Chevrolet Volt review

The 2011 Volt was GM's first extended-range electric vehicle--and despite bankruptcy, politics, and low gas prices, it was a success. It won several Car of the Year awards for its cutting-edge green drivetrain--part electric, part gasoline, a Space Shuttle in terms of engineering complexity.

The 2016 Volt stays true to the original concept, but it also fixes most of the shortcomings of the original. All-electric range is up from 37 miles to 53 miles, and overall fuel efficiency is up to 42 miles per gallon combined. It's quieter, handles better--and it's even less expensive, by a little bit.

At a glance, the new Volt's also a much better-looking car. It's very much in line with the current Chevy lineup, with a more rakish profile and crisper lines. It's still a five-door hatchback, but the dash is lower and the sides are more sculpted, so it looks leaner and prettier.

ALSO SEE: Tesla Model X: Now Starting At Just $80,000

If there's one criticism, it's that the new Volt looks too similar to the new Chevy Cruze: same size, same shape, some of the same design cues.