It is quite large, and isn’t trying to look any smaller.
The 19-inch wheels on my test car looked great (Part of a $1140
Premium audio & Sport wheels package)
It has plenty of personality and a strong presence.
Until…
You walk around to the back.
Where things look really generic. Which is just too bad. I
think all Chevrolet cars should have round taillights anyway, and in this case,
I think it would really help.
Every plastic used is of high quality. (Almost no hard
plastic here.)
The MyLink stereo & GPS system worked great, all the
time. None of the frustration of the VW system. I had no problem playing
anything from my phone.
The optional 11-speaker Bose stereo sounded great.
And the GPS requires only one line to type an address. A
small detail, but it does make a difference. (As it is much more natural and
intuitive.)
The headrests especially, are some of the best around, with
plenty of adjustment.
The hidden compartment behind the screen is actually large
and very useful.
It is just a great place to spend time on the road.
I did test-drive the 4 Cylinder Lacrosse a couple of years
ago, and though it was a bit busy at times.
But this newer 2.5 Liter version is amazingly smooth and
quiet. At all times.
While 196hp is plenty for a 2.5 Liter engine, it doesn’t
seem much for such a large car.
But in real life, it is just fine. There was always enough
power for most needs.
This is never a problem in the Impala. And while the engine
revs up, it is still smooth and quiet.
Sure, it is no V6. But you can still get one if you’d like
for a bit over $1000 extra.
The steering also feels really nice and precise.
The suspension is a bit firm but always super smooth and
comfortable. I think it strikes a perfect balance for this type of car.
While it is rated at 21 City and 31 Highway. I was never
able to get 21 in the city.
My best number was 19. But I did get 32 on the freeway.
I really enjoyed spending a week with the new Impala. The
car looks good inside and out. It has a reassuring quality feel to it.
It drives great and gets very good mileage.
As for the smaller engine. It is amazingly smooth and quiet
and will fit the need of most buyers just fine.
But, it is only about $1000 less than the V6, which isn’t
such a big difference. And from the official numbers, the penalty for the V6 is
only 3MPG.
So you are actually not saving that much.
I guess I will just have to drive the V6 version soon and
report on the difference…
4 comments:
Way to drop the ball on that rear end. It looks so frumpy. What were they thinking? Look at Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, and take a hint for goodness sakes. Chevy is always finding some way to throw off a perfectly good design.
Other then that, the exterior looks stunning!
With the interior... I think that dash is a let down, namely the center stack, which looks like a swollen plastic, that is melting. It looks like something I'd expect in a Hyundai, or a very nice looking Korean car. But again, apart from that, I'm blown away by the fit and finish, the seats look awesome, and I've never seen a door panel look that contemporary and stylish, especially at this price point.
Great review!
Fix the steering wheel. Awful.
From the A pillar back, Chevy makes a pretty good 4cyl Azera.
I wish they offered a mid level engine in between the 4cyl and the V6.
I think the LTZ is fine to hog the 300hp V6, but that 4 cyl in even a 2LT seems strange. The Turbo from the Malibu should be offered as an option on the 1LT and 2LT models, leaving only the LS trapped with the 2.5.
- FusioptimaSX
Maybe if they called the 4 cyl. version the Impala Biscayne.
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