I guess that fact that I'm not exactly "Mr. Environmentally Conscious" allows me to really like GM's remote start option. I mean I
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| While not the most environmentally friendly feature, the remote starter option is handy in cold weather. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
recycle and all that but I'm hardly chained to an old-growth Douglas fir on weekends. Why does the remote start pose environmental concerns? One of the worst things we can do, from an automotive standpoint, is leave a car idling for long periods of time. While the Malibu will shut off after five minutes if the key is not slid into the ignition, it's still not the greenest technology to come along in recent years. But if you live in the prairies, where in mid-winter you don't dare venture out without an emergency hypothermia blanket tucked into your glovebox, the remote start is a Godsend.
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| The Maxx offers dual-stage front and optional head-curtain side-impact airbags and 3-point shoulder belts at all seating positions. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Depending on how you left the HVAC system, either set up to heat or cool, it works at up to a 61 meter (200 foot) range. On the safety front, the Maxx offers dual-stage front and optional head-curtain side-impact airbags, 3-point shoulder belts at all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners, the
LATCH child safety anchor and tethering system, 4-wheel ABS equipped discs and traction control as standard equipment - an impressive list of goodies.
Other standard equipment includes a power driver seat that also adjusts for height, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals. I personally have no use for power adjustable pedals, but I've met some height challenged people that I'm certain make full use of them.
