The best cheap new cars in 2021 – Roadshow [CNET]

Chevrolet

The first-gen Chevrolet Bolt EV was a lovely if imperfect electric hatchback. Now, for the 2022 model year, the Bolt EV is back with a host of upgrades — and a second variant we’ll get to later — that make this five-door properly compelling and even more worth your attention (and money).

Outside, the Bolt EV has much sharper looks while retaining its hatchback shape. Inside, dramatic improvements abound, from general design to the actual materials in play. A 10.2-inch infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, while standard safety tech includes lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams, with adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system available as options. Oh yeah, it has 259 miles of range, too, which for most commuters is nothing to shake a stick at.

Steven Ewing/Roadshow

The Bolt EV is no longer the only affordable electric car in Chevrolet’s portfolio. Now, there’s a higher-riding crossover version, the Bolt EUV, which looks mostly the same but actually shares no common sheet metal with its sibling. All the same great things from the Bolt EV are here, including a nicely styled interior with better materials and some solid standard tech. It may not look this way in pictures, but the EUV is actually half a foot longer than the EV, with the increased interior space to match.

One very important thing sets the Bolt EUV apart from any potential competitor, though: Super Cruise. Formerly limited to expensive Cadillac vehicles, GM’s advanced driver aid is now available on the Bolt EUV, too. Hit the button on any of more than 200,000 miles of mapped highway and the vehicle will take control of the steering, brakes and accelerator to cruise handsfree.