PROs and CONs

PROs
Good road handling, high-tech gadgetry, a sportier look, and a generous choice of engine types help distinguish this new sedan.

CONs
On the other hand, the lack of a track record for this brand new model must be kept in mind.


Price
The completely redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala will arrive in Canadian showrooms this spring at a base MSRP of $28,445, which is only $145 more than its predecessor.

Click here know the prices of each trim level

Available versions
As per the previous model, three versions will be available: LS, LT and the high-end LTZ.

Powertrain types
Chevrolet offers three choices of engine.

• The basic 4-cylinder, 2.5L engine delivering 195 hp
• The 182 hp, Ecotec 2.4L four, featuring eAssist technology (with a 15 hp electric engine)
• The 3.6L V6 delivering 303 hp

All engines are direct-injection and can be mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Only front-wheel drive versions are available at the moment.

Fuel efficiency
Fuel economy ratings expected by the automaker for the 2.4L Ecotec engine are 5.6L/100km on the highway. This is quite an impressive figure for a full-size sedan.

What’s new
This model has been fully redesigned. It represents the 10th generation of the Impala.

For the very first time:

• A 4-cylinder engine will be available.

Several new technologies come to the fore for this model, including:

• Active noise cancellation system;
• Adaptive cruise control;
• Collision-mitigating automatic braking;
• Blind-spot alert;
• Forward collision alert;
• Rear cross-traffic alert.

Exterior appearance
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan featuring clean and sculpted lines.

You’ll notice its smoothly rounded and aerodynamic form, from the convex hood to its distinctive back end. The base LS model comes standard with 18” wheels, while 19” and 20” will be available on LT and LTZ versions. Headlamps (upgraded to HID units on the LTZ) provide widened visibility, also favoured by the sleekly profiled windscreen.

Safety
This model takes advantage of 360° active safety features, including 10 airbags and the OnStar system.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is chock-full of driver-assistance tech such as lane-departure alert, forward collision alert, full-speed-range adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking, back-up sonar with rear vision camera, blind-spot alert, and finally a rear cross-traffic alert system for easier parking.

The story so far…
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet has already celebrated its centenary and distributes a diverse product line in more than 120 countries worldwide.

Comparable models
Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon.

Photo: Chevrolet

References

* Reviews
lapresse.ca
motortrend.com
Morin Alain, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’homme, 2012, p.216