With the release of the tenth generation Impala last year, Chevrolet’s iconic full-size sedan was able to shed its rental car stigma.
The redesign a year ago was a significant one and garnered the Impala a lot of praise. Listed on many of the Best of 2014 rankings, the Impala blew the doors off some rivals such as the Ford Taurus and Chrysler 300. Building upon the attributes that made it so solid, the 2015 Impala adds a pair of features that improve everyday driving: start/stop technology is added to the four-cylinder engine and LTE 4G with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is now an option.
Design
After having been accused as being uninspired and boring, the transformation from the previous Impala to this new generation has been impressive. You can still see the similarities between the two, but the newer design is sharper and more upscale.
The Impala has a long, low profile and the sleek styling gives it a serious presence. The sculpted hood leads to a swept-back windshield. Air flows smoothly over the cabin to the short trunk lid.
Curves etched into the sides give the Impala character and the selection of 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels compliment the overall look. LTZ models receive LED daytime running lights and chrome-outlined exhaust pipes to give it a contemporary visual statement.
While the Impala is a popular, mainstream car, it treats its many buyers to a near-luxurious interior. Materials are upscale and the overall design is attractive and classy.
The Impala is available in five trim levels, plus a bi-fuel model running compressed natural gas (CNG) will be available later this year. Since the CNG fuel system is factory direct, it will be covered under GM’s new vehicle warranty.
The mild hybrid offered last year is no longer available.
Performance
Most Impala’s will come with either of the two standard engines. The base engine is a 2.5-litre inline-4 producing 196 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This is the choice for customers focused on fuel economy and the start/stop technology added this year further boosts those efforts.
However, upgrading to the 3.6-litre V6 is highly recommended. It offers smoother power delivery and does so over a much broader range. The 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque also provides a level of refinement simply unmatched by the four cylinder.
The V6 in the Impala can also boast having the highest horsepower output from a naturally-aspirated engine in this segment. While the average customer will not be concerned with that claim, what that means is that you can fill the Impala to its full capacity, and you won’t be left waiting when you step on the gas.
Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power is routed to the front wheels in all models. It’s too bad that there isn’t an AWD option.
The new CNG powered Impala uses a modified version of the V6. A second fuel tank is added to the trunk and provides about 240 kilometres of range on clean-burning natural gas, before automatically switching back to gasoline. While running on CNG, power is rated at 232 hp, and the Impala has 258 hp on regular gasoline.
Regardless of the engine, the Impala offers a quiet and comfortable ride. The new suspension setup creates a highly refined highway-driving experience.
The Impala displays surprising agility, especially equipped with the optional 20-inch tires. It provides a decent road feel to the driver, although the steering feedback is a little numb.
The Impala also offers a good stability control system and antilock brakes. It is available with a number of advanced safety features including Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Side Blind Spot Alert.
Environment
Once inside the cabin of the Impala, the large, flowing dash immediately grabs your attention. A soft blue LED strip creates an elegant ambiance and compliments the overall design.
The front seats are comfortable and attractive. Upper trim levels receive leather seating surfaces and further soft-touch trim pieces.
Highlighting the interior is the optional 8-inch touchscreen command system. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system paired with the backup camera and navigation makes the whole system practical – although the touch panel isn’t as smooth to use as you would like.
The dash boasts some surprises; the screen slides up to reveal a hidden storage area featuring USB ports to connect your phone or other media devices. For added security, you can set a 4-digit code to lock it like a safe and block access to any private info entered into the MyLink system, like your address book.
Adding to the Impala’s connectivity is GM’s new OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial comes with every new car purchase.
That enhanced connectivity will be welcomed by the Impala’s passengers, and thanks to its massive back seat, it can comfortably accommodate three adults. Legroom is astounding and headroom is plentiful.
Transporting a lot of people means it needs to be able to carry all of their belongings as well. Fortunately, the Impala’s 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space is more than up to the task. It should be noted that the CNG tank in the bi-fuel model cuts into that space some.
Features
Prices for the Chevrolet Impala start at $30,545 and ranges up to $41,745. Fleet customers interested in the CNG Impala will need to contact GM directly.
Standard equipment includes keyless entry, heated exterior mirrors, 4.2-inch colour display screen, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and 10 airbags.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include a passive entry system with keyless push-button start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a power sunroof.
Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100km) for the ECOTEC 4-cylinder are 10.6 city, 7.5 highway and 9.2 combined. The V6 returns 12.5 city, 8.2 highway for 10.6 combined. Numbers for the bi-fuel Impala have not been released.
Thumbs Up
The Chevrolet Impala boasts classy looks and modern features. The bi-fuel model offers cleaner emissions and the flexibility of using two fuels.
Thumbs Down
The Impala is still too conservative to attract Japanese or European-oriented buyers. The design is “smart” looking but not in the same league as some imports.
The Bottom Line
If you want a big, comfortable five-passenger sedan that offers style and technology, the Impala offers a lot of value.
