2014 Chevrolet Impala

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com

Chevrolet has completely redesigned the 2014 Impala, its iconic flagship sedan with head-turning styling, greater interior spaciousness and advanced technologies never before available in an Impala.

True to its legacy, the 2014 Impala delivers advanced technologies at a competitive price. It incorporates 10 standard air bags as well as available safety technologies such as full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, crash imminent braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear camera and rear-park assist.

The Impala’s long, low proportion has a wind-swept profile that suggests motion, while the 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.

The 2014 Impala builds on Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior with greater attention to detail and upscale features seen in everything from the wraparound flow of the bold instrument panel into the door panels and the available ambient lighting, to the soft feel of the materials and the premium appearance of the seats’ stitching. The instrument panel integrates a dynamic instrument cluster with a standard 4.2-inch color display with reconfigurable features for the driver information center. An eight-inch touch screen with concealed storage behind it is matched with the available Chevy MyLink system on LT and LTZ models.

Comfort and refinement are rooted in a stronger body structure, enabling a quieter passenger environment and a greater overall feeling of quality. The stiffer architecture also enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely, for a greater feeling of control and comfort.

Premium interior materials and details such as high-quality fabric, suede microfiber 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.

Chevrolet’s next-generation MyLink infotainment system, with its intuitive, Smartphone-inspired interface, debuts on the new Impala.  In addition to icons covering everything from navigation to phone to music apps such as Pandora, Chevrolet’s next-gen MyLink is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements and be highly customizable. It also represents Chevrolet’s first use of natural language voice recognition that allows customers to safely place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do.

Impala offers three powertrains, each featuring fuel-saving direct injection and lightweight components. They include the 3.6L V-6, the new Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder and the Ecotec 2.4L with eAssist.

 Output for the 3.6L V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 264 lb.-ft. of torque (358 Nm). That is the highest horsepower output in the segment from a naturally-aspirated V-6 engine. The Ecotec 2.5L is part of a new family of four-cylinder engines developed with increased efficiency and greater refinement. It is rated at 196 horsepower (145 kW) and 186 lb.-ft. (253 Nm) of torque. Impala’s Ecotec 2.4L engine with eAssist provides electrical assist in certain conditions to help save fuel. It is rated at 182 horsepower (134 kW) and helps achieve EPA-estimated highway mileage of 35 mpg.

The 2014 Impala offers one of the most comprehensive collections of standard and available safety features in the segment. It employs advanced technologies including radar to help avoid crashes. Visual and audible alerts, depending on the alert feature, help drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervene when a crash threat appears more imminent. The alerts are designed to identify potential threats with sufficient warning to give the driver time to react and make changes.

OnStar is standard. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar service also includes MyLink mobile apps, which offer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer’s Smartphone.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $35,770.00, the one I drove included the LTZ Comfort & Convenience Package, Chevrolet MyLink with Navigation and LTZ Premium Audio Package, and it came in at $39,110.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 19 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway with the 3.6L SIDI V6 engine. mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Chevrolet.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

Leave a Reply