I got to drive the new Chevrolet's new plug-in electric gas hybrid Volt (Motor Trend's Car of the Year) at the New England International Auto Show and was very impressed with both the performance, the fit and finish, and the electronic gadgetry.

Particularly impressive is the touch control panel on the dashboard - heat, radio etc - in addition to the touch screen, which gives access to information about the car's electrical status.

It also allows the driver to set charging times - electric cars like to drive just after being charged, according to Stephen Marlin of General Motor's Advanced Technology Program Group.

You can even preset the air conditioning or heat by phone before you get in to drive it. Very useful on very hot or cold days.

We did not have time to let the small gasoline electric generator kick in and the drive was smooth and silent on stored electricity. Reviews have found the change from stored to generated electricity to be practically seamless.

Peter C.T. Elsworth