2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Chevrolet introduced its Bolt EV last year as what could fairly be called the best electric vehicle value based solely on the basis of its cost versus driving range. Its 60 kWh battery is good enough for a promises 383 km of driving, the best you'll find in a car less expensive than one of Tesla's sport sedans.

For 2018, Chevrolet has added an automatic function for the heated steering that remains an option in LT trim and comes standard in the uplevel Premier model. The other addition is sliding sun visors for the driver and front passenger.

The Bolt is no sports car with 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, but that's more power than is available in most other mass-market EVs and is enough to scoot this little hatch from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 6.5 seconds. The Bolt's body is underpinned by that battery, whose flat design lives under the floor where it contributes to a low centre of gravity, lending the car tossable handling.

Chevrolet's energy consumption estimates work out to 1.8/2.1 Le/100 km (city/highway), figures that are about average for a class that includes cars like the Hyundai Ioniq and Nissan Leaf.

Interestingly, Chevrolet markets the Bolt as a crossover despite its strictly front-wheel drive layout, though cargo space of 478 L with the rear seats in place -- and more than 1,600 with them folded flat -- is closer to a crossover statistic than that of a small car.

The only thing standing between the Bolt becoming a mainstream sales hit is its price, which starts north of $43,000 and reaches $50,000 when optioned up.

Standard features include 17-inch wheels, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, automatic climate control, digital instrument cluster, passive keyless entry, remote start and six-way manual front seats with cloth upholstery.

Premier trim brings body-colour side mirrors, chrome exterior trim, 360-degree backup camera, blind zone monitoring and lane change alert.

Active safety is optional on the Premier and includes forward collision alert, low-speed forward automatic braking with pedestrian detection.