The 2014 Chevrolet Impala: The New Boulevard Cruiser

Author: B.Keeler

Once upon a time, the Chevrolet Impala was the vehicle you aspired to in the Chevrolet portfolio. In fact, last year Chevrolet sold over 169,000 Impalas that is an impressive number until you factor that roughly 70 percent of those were to fleet buyers.

The New 2014 Chevrolet Impala

A fleet buyer is someone like Enterprise-Rent-A-Car, Westing House or the government. .

Seeing that the Impala was becoming a joke in the large car segment Chevrolet took drastic action and completely redesigned the Impala for 2014. The new Impalas will hit dealer showrooms sometime in the next two months.

“Impala has a heritage of pushing the segment with bold designs, new technologies and premium features not typically found at its price point,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The 2014 Impala’s combination of efficiency, refinement, infotainment choices and driving confidence will reset the benchmark in its segment and affirm its position as Chevrolet’s flagship sedan.”

The Power

Power for the new Impala will come from a choice of three different engines. On initial release, only one engine will be an available 3.6L V-6 engine.
By mid-model year, the new Impala will be available with a 2.5-liter In-line 4-cylinder engine, a first to my knowledge for an Impala. By the end of the year, an Impala Eco model will be out. The Eco model will feature General Motors’ 2. 4L In-line 4-cylinder with eAssist technology. To learn more about eAssist technology check out our feature from its initial release.

The Refinement
 

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala will be the most technologically and refined since the nameplates introduction in the 50s.

Interior of the new Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet has made the 4-cylinder Impala a much more pleasant place to be with standard BOSE active noise cancellation. The noise cancellation package will be optional on the 6-cylinder models.

Active noise cancellation uses microphones in the headliner to measure the amount of noise in the cabin. An on-board computer determines the wavelength of the noise. The Impala’s stereo than emits a counter wavelength to cancel the noise, which makes the interior quitter.

Technology is another strong point for the 2014 Impala. Standard is Chevrolet's, award winning, Mylink infotainment system, which allow for app streaming of Pandora or Sticher Internet radio services.



The Impala's in-dash storage bin
behind the Chevrolet Mylink Screen

 The 2014 Impala will also feature remote start with passive (keyless) entry and exit. For the first time, the Impala will feature keyless starting, that means you will never have to fish the key out of your pocket on chilly winter days.

Speaking of chilly winter days, Chevrolet has optimized the Impala for all climates. The 2014 Impala will feature dual-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering. Making for a pleasant driving experience no matter what the temperature.

All-wheel-drive is not an option on the new Impala and currently Chevrolet has no plans to add it to the option list. If you want the surefootedness of AWD, you will need to shell out extra money for either the Buick LaCrosse or Cadillac XTS. Both of those sedans share the Impalas platform. 

 

The Safety

Should you ever crash your new Impala on those ice covered winter roads, you will be cocooned in 10 standard airbags. Aside for the normal front airbags the 2014 Impala will feature front occupant knee airbags and rear outboard side-impact airbags.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala will also feature fully adaptive cruise control, which can break and accelerate the car as needed. This is the first time this type of cruise control will be offered on a Chevrolet.

Rear-view of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala

The new Impala like most of its competitive set will offer a plethora of diver aids, such as departure warning, side blind zone alert and forward collision alert.

Additionally, the Imapla will also come with a rear-view camera with guidelines to help drives maneuver the car into tight spots..

The Verdict

I like the new Impala, although I am not completely sold on the outside styling, which from certain angles makes the car look fat. It is a definite improvement over the last generation. The previous Impala made wonder bread seem exciting.

I like the fact that the new Impala comes with a Best Buy full of gizmos, but I do not like that AWD is not even optional.

If you are in the market for a full-size car, this is a definite contender. To read more about the new Impala check out the press release.