By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos GM Media
For 2016, the thoughtfully designed, Chevrolet Impala offers advanced safety and entertainment technologies, modern design cues and excellent efficiency a combination that continues to draw accolades.
Exterior
The Impala’s exterior styling honors the design elements that have distinguished the classic nameplate for decades. It has that timeless Chevy sedan presence packaged in a modern, aggressive style that does not rely on nostalgia.
A long, low proportion has a wind-swept profile that suggests motion, while a range of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels is tailored to the body to provide that just right stance. At the front, low-profile projector-beam headlamps or HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps on LTZ sweep around the corners and frame a wide grille, while a power dome hood conveys performance. The LTZ’s LED daytime running lamps provide a contemporary visual statement, along with great visibility.
Sculpted coves in the body sides add to the Impala’s design drama, with a sweeping signature cue in the rear fenders that acknowledges classic Impala designs. The greenhouse area is long, enhancing the sleek look of the car while maintaining excellent visibility. The deck lid appears short to complement the overall proportion, but opens to reveal a trunk with 18.8 cubic-feet of cargo space. Diagonal dual-signature tail lamps and on LTZ chrome-outlined exhaust outlets complete the rear-end appearance.
Five new exterior colors are also offered in 2016, including premium hues Siren Red Tintcoat and Green Envy Metallic. The other new colors are Citron Green Metallic, Heather Gray Metallic and Mosaic Black Metallic; the Impala Midnight Edition is available on LT and LTZ with the V-6 engine, featuring a blacked-out package that strengthens the Impala’s dramatic, head-turning styling.
Interior
The Impala builds on Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior with greater attention to detail and upscale features evident in everything from the wraparound flow of the striking instrument panel, available ambient lighting, soft feel of the materials and the premium appearance of the seat stitching.
Exceptional interior materials and details such as high-quality fabric and perforated leather appointments complement the quiet environment and give the Impala a substantive look and feel. The instrument cluster has a rich look, with multidimensional gauges and a configurable color driver information center with a 4.2-inch screen. The cluster’s ice-blue lighting enhances the upscale aura of the cabin, while available chrome trim with bleed-through ambient lighting further enhances the cabin’s sophisticated flair. It completely transforms the trim’s appearance by illuminating it during nighttime driving.
A prominent center stack is integrated in the instrument panel and houses the climate controls and Chevrolet MyLink, which includes navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming among many other features and is controlled via a touch screen on an available eight-inch display. A standard audio amplifier is a feature not typical for the segment and a Bose surround-sound audio system is available.
Engine & Transmission
Impala offers two powerful and efficient powertrains, the standard 2.5L iVLC with stop/start technology and a 3.6L V-6 naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine.
The stop/start feature on the 2.5L shuts down the engine in certain driving conditions to reduce fuel consumption. Along with other technologies, including direct injection, variable valve lift control and a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2.5L powertrain contributes to EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway.
The 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts also enhance the feeling of performance while delivering greater refinement.
Output for the 3.6L V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. That is the highest horsepower output in the segment from a naturally-aspirated V-6 engine. Lightweight features support a more balanced driving experience and include an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 13 pounds per engine.
Connectivity
Impala’s new MyLink system with an eight-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay, which puts iPhone features on the display in a smart, simple manner, allowing drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri.
Using Apple CarPlay is simple. A Projection icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, and changes to indicate CarPlay when a compatible phone is connected via a USB. Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using and Apple’s privacy statement and terms of use apply.
Summary
The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the 3.6L DOHC V6 Engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $35,540.00, the one I drove included the Midnight Edition Appearance Package, LTZ Comfort and Convenience Package, LTZ Advance Technology Package, and the Audio System Chevrolet MYLINK with Navigation, and it came in at $39,825.00 including destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
