Chicago Auto Show: 2014 Chevrolet Impala
So you want a Cadillac XTS but think the price tag is too dear? Chevrolet has an answer with the 2014 Impala, the Caddy’s kissing cousin. By all appearances, the main-stream model is the more attractive and sensible model as well. In between stuffing my maw with leftover breakfast muffins and a Kia sponsored mimosa I tripped across Chevy’s full-size sedan. No, this isn’t the RWD Chevy we’ve longed for, this is Malibu to the max.
I still don’t understand why Chevy is going premium when Buick exists, but that’s a story for another time. Despite the logic of the lineup, the Impala wears the best Chevy interior in terms of quality. All the interiors on display dripped with stitched pleather, plenty of cow-hide and lots of convincing faux-wood trim. As nice as the new Toyota Avalon on display next door was, the Impala beat it in terms of style, feel and parts quality. Whoda thunk that? How does it drive? You’ll have to wait or the Truth About That for a while.
Shoppers will find GM’s 2.4L Ecotec engine with eAssist from Buick’s lineup, GM’s new 2.5L 195hp four-pot or the ubiquitous 3.6L 303HP V6. There will be no fire-breathing Taurus SHO competitor we’re told. Pity.
More by Alex L. Dykes
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- Analoggrotto What the heck are those people doing in front of that house? Just staring at this stupid pos truck?
- Jeff Good review but the XLT although not a luxury interior is still a nice place to be. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of headroom. The main downside is the limited availability resulting in dealer markups above MSRP. I have a 2022 hybrid Maverick XLT for over 2 years and it has more than met my expectations. I believe for many who do not need a truck most of the time but want one the Maverick will meet their needs.
- Kwik_Shift_Pro4X I use a now discontinued Kuhmo AT tire that is surprisingly good in the snow, even in 2WD. However since most of my driving is on road, I'm going to look for a more highway friendly tire for smoother quiet. I'm sure it can still handle the forest roads leading to my fishing spots.
- MaintenanceCosts So this is really just a restyled VW Fox. Craptacular tin can but fun to drive in a "makes ordinary traffic seem like a NASCAR race" kind of way.
- THX1136 While reading the article a thought crossed my mind. Does Mexico have a fairly good charging infrastructure in place? Knowing that it is a bit poorer economy than the US relatively speaking, that thought along with who's buying came to mind.
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I rarely comment on the looks of a car until I see it in person, but those projections at the bottom of the front grill (or upper air dam) look like they will snag on steeply angled driveways. Perhaps it's the camera angle.
Chevy is not going any more "upscale" with the new Malibu than Hyundai and Toyota did with the new Azera and Avalon respectively. Furthermore, the LaCrosse will get an improved interior for its MCE and the next gen Lacrosse will get an even more luxurious interior.