The Impala name has been around since 1956. Over that time, the Impala has become a household name when it comes to an all-American family car.
Not only has the Impala been around for a long time, but it has also consistently been one of GM’s top-selling vehicles. However, in recent years the majority of those sales have come in the form of fleet vehicles (to be exact: rental cars).
Chevrolet seeks to inject some excitement back into the flagship with the release of its 10th generation Impala. The 2014 Impala is new from the ground up with fresh styling, more interior room and advanced technologies. Safety was also a top priority. The Impala comes with ten standard airbags along with a range of available safety features including collision mitigation braking, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Design
The new Impala utilizes architecture borrowed from GM’s European brand, Opel. The more rigid chassis makes it feel more sophisticated and modern.
The exterior styling of the Impala hasn’t started this many conversations since the ’60s. The bold new design clearly has a big emphasis on aerodynamics and flow.
The new Impala takes some styling cues from the new Camaro. For example the influences can be seen in the sharp new grille, the aggressive hood and the creases over the rear wheels. It retains the unique Impala emblem on the C-pillars.
Top of the line models get HID headlights with LED daytime running lights. Also, 20-inch alloys are an option to replace the standard 18-inch steel wheels.
The cabin has received an equally dramatic makeover. Material quality is very high and the layout is logical yet pleasing to the eye.
The new Impala is available with three engines to appeal to a wide array of customers. These include two four-cylinders and a V6.
The entry level Impala comes with a 195 hp, 2.5-litre ECOTEC four-cylinder engine. Direct injection and variable valve timing are used to increase efficiency.
Later this year, there will be a 2.4-litre ECOTEC four with eAssist available. This is a mild hybrid system which provides electrical assistance in certain conditions to save fuel and is rated at 182 hp.
Then there is the top of the range 3.6-litre V6 producing 305 hp and 264 ft-lbs of torque, which is the highest rated naturally aspirated V6 in the segment.
Upgrading to the V6 may be a wise choice not only because it is a smoother powertrain, but it’s just a better matched engine for such a large car.
No matter which engine you choose, it will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. When merging with highway traffic, it shifts quickly and smoothly; transmission is definitely a strong suit of GM products.
On the road, the lighter and stronger structure along with reworked suspension delivers a more comfortable and quiet ride than in the previous generation. Not only is the new Impala more composed, but it also shows a surprising amount of agility for a car of this size.
The Impala has a good stability control system and strong anti-lock brakes. They combine to inspire confidence in any driving condition, especially the brakes which offer authoritative stops with firm pedal feel.
If there is one complaint, it would be the steering feedback. While the electric stability control system does a good job keeping you safe, the overall feel of the steering is somewhat numb.
Environment
The interior dimensions in the new Impala have grown; this means there is plenty of room for five passengers, plus 18.8 cubic feet of luggage space in the trunk. From the driver seat, all pertinent information is displayed through two modern-looking analog dials and a four-inch changeable screen in the centre. Heated and ventilated seats are available upfront, as well as a heated steering wheel.
Opting for the MyLink infotainment system with navigation and rearview camera brings in one of the easiest-to-use system on the market. Also, the eight-inch colour touchscreen display can slide up, revealing two additional USB ports and extra hidden storage.
While the touch panel makes commanding all of the infotainment features easy, the climate control has be left separate for quick access. Light blue ambient lighting also helps to provide a calm atmosphere.
Rear seat passengers are provided with a substantial amount of leg and headroom. Despite the central tunnel, the Impala can realistically accommodate three adult passengers in the back.
Features
Starting prices range from $28,445 up to $39,645.
Standard equipment includes heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, power widows and locks, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat, tilt and telescopic steering column, and steering wheel mounted controls for Bluetooth, cruise control and radio.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include push-button start, remote car starter, dual-zone climate control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, leather seats and steering wheel, chrome exterior details and a sunroof.
Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100km) for the 2.5-litre are 9.9 city, 6.3 highway, for 8.3 combined. The light hybrid sees 8.7 city, 5.8 highway, for 7.4 combined. The V6 returns 11.1 city, 6.9 highway, for 9.2 combined.
Thumbs Up
The new Impala is large and offers a lot of interior space, and at the same time the excellent new chassis makes it feel like a smaller car.
Thumbs Down
With so many large sedans being redesigned lately, this segment is ultracompetitive. The Impala will need to prove it’s more than just a rental car. The steering feel is disconnected and numb.
The Bottom Line
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a sharp-looking, high quality car worthy of the iconic name if people would give it a chance over the popular Japanese rivals.
Competitors
Toyota Avalon
The new Toyota Avalon is not the geriatric snoozer it once was. Currently it is styled progressively, very comfortable to ride in, and offers high tech features. However, while trying to lower the average age of its buyers, Toyota may have tuned the suspension too aggressively for the loyal customer.
The Avalon is available in two models with the XLE starting at $36,955 and the Limited starting at $39,050.
Ford Taurus
The Taurus delivers good ride comfort, a quiet cabin and adept handling. It also boasts considerable performance from its available engines and high tech handling systems.
The Taurus’ starting prices range from $28,999 for the SE up to $45,299 for the SHO.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is the epitome of an American Car; big, rear-wheel drive with lots of power, comfort and style. The 300 boasts copious amounts of rear-seat room, but trunk space is relatively small.
The 300 is available in a variety of flavours with the base model starting at $34,595 and the top of the range reaching $49,695.
