With this in mind it's important to remember that this car is on its last legs, so to speak. Chevy is expected to replace it with a new, fresher model fairly soon that will no doubt remedy the current car's fit and finish foibles.
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| Its rigid body makes the Impala very quiet even at highway speeds. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
But it's quiet. Even at highway speeds wind noise and engine vibration is kept to a minimum. This latter item is partially due to a fairly rigid structure overall, plus its magnesium dashboard bulkhead that stiffens the car side to side while clamping the steering column onto the car's sub-frame.
While 4-wheel discs come standard I was disappointed to see ABS brakes only as optional equipment, but to be fair this is the case with the majority of the Impala's competitors. It would be nice to see a major automaker take the lead on this feature and make ABS standard equipment across its line - everyone but the bean counters would win. My test car, an LS model, included standard ABS and delivered decent brake feel and fairly quick response.
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| The Impala has a massive trunk with more than enough room for all your daily hauling. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While my mom's '76 Malibu didn't come near the Impala for braking, it probably had about the same interior space. In base form the new Chevy's front bench seat allows room for six, but I've got dibs on a window seat. Optional seating for five adds a front center console, improving the look while adding an armrest and handy storage bin. The massive 527 L (18.6 cu ft) trunk is more than adequate for most hauling, especially when factoring in the added luggage space provided when the 60/40 split/folding rear seatbacks are dropped forward.
