Intending to attract more buyers to large cars, Chevrolet has done an extensive re-design of the Impala. By greatly improving the visual appeal inside and out, as well as enhancing the ride, Chevrolet is looking to grow its market with the existing retired population as well as the comfort-seeking executive.
One of many big changes is the replacement of the familiar, yet aging, W Body with the Epsilon II platform that has been the basis for the Opel Insignia as well as a few Buick and Cadillac automobiles. The expected Impala body shape and long wheelbase (2,837 mm / 111.7 inches) remains intact with the wider rear fenders accentuated with a style line. All improvements have been made with visual impact as a top priority.
Depending on trim level, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala features 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels, LED running lights, a large sunroof and an attractive integration of dual-tipped exhaust into the rear fascia.
The complementary-coloured leather seats, dash and door trim along with the faux-wood inlays in the doors, steering wheel and centre console give an immediate sense of luxury. Once inside, the refined textures are blended well with the electronic additions and improvements.
The instrument cluster includes the expected speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and oil temperature gauges. Adding to this is an LCD Driver Information Centre providing information on multiple items including; low fuel, low oil, oil life, individual tire pressure, fuel efficiency and more.
Within the centre console, sits an 8-inch touch-screen for the Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment and navigation system. This interface allows you to control all audio (AM/FM, MP3, CD and satellite music apps), Bluetooth smart phone interface and access OnStar.
The spacious interior includes 991/952 mm (39/37.5 inches) of headroom in front and back, 1,069/935 mm (42.1/36.8) of legroom front/back in an area that provides 3,505 litres (123.8 cu ft) of passenger volume. Trunk capacity is also generous with 532 litres (18.8 cu ft) of cargo room, which can be extended through the 60/40 split folding rear seats.
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala comes in five trim levels, the LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1LZ and 2LZ. The LS, 1LT and 1LZ models include a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Ecotec engine capable of 196 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque. Estimated fuel efficiency for this engine for city / highway / combined is 9.9 / 6.3 / 8.3 litres/100km (29 / 45 / 34 mpg). The 2LT and 2LZ models are equipped with a more powerful 3.6-litre V6 that puts out 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. This jump in engine power has a moderate effect on fuel efficiency for 11.1 / 6.9 / 9.2 litres/100km (25 / 41 / 31 mpg). This is quite reasonable for a large sedan.
Chevrolet would like to shift sales away from fleets and have made a great number of refinements and improvements in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala that are intended to sway large sedan consumers to bring one home to their driveway.
autoExpert.ca