We drove the Volt and the two Fords, and chose Audi. The Fords compromised otherwise possibly worthy platforms to shoehorn in an EV/petrol package whose fuel engine noise flat scared me when engaged. The Volt felt cramped about the shoulders; there is no way a six foot male can fit in the rear seat and the rear deck is tight and narrow. The Audi delivers performance, comfort if not stature, and the potential for durability I fear lacking in the others. I really wanted to like the Volt with its $7,500 federal rebate and EV range and all. Just couldn't do it.
I need (did I really say "need") a car that is a PHEV (for solo HOV lane access), but I don't need a PHEV that might be a car compromised in other regards. That said, I haven't yet told my wife that this $50K vehicle (all-in before employer, federal, and state rebates, and with added extended warranty) that we just bought is roughly equivalent in interior and exterior dimensions to our son's Ford Focus ST. Did I really buy this car? Yes. It's replacing a 2004 Lexus ES330 that we have just loved over its 237K miles (and for which we got $500 in trade!). I hope we feel the love here too.