Impala dates back all over to 1958, and you’ll agree that it was introduced a long time ago. It managed to go through ten generation, although a couple of occasions, we witnessed hiatus when there were nine years waiting time for the seventh generation and then three years for eight generation. We all know that glory days for Impala were gone a long time ago and that sales are in constant decline for over a decade, but we also know that it still occupies tenth place in the chart of best-selling cars of all time with 14 million units sold worldwide. The previous generation was not charming, nor especially well built or practical, so GM decided to turn the tide with new generation introduced in 2013, and we are about to see what 2017 Chevrolet Impala has to offer.
Chevrolet Impala Styling
Compared to the previous generation it looks incredible, though everybody has to admit that predecessor appeared incredibly anemic in design. The new model brings muscular and sharp styling but still with somewhat modest front fascia in a bid to attract as many buyers as it can.
Sideline is really a hot spot of the car as sloping roof reminds us of coupe shape and tail appears energetic and vigorous, especially due to the spoiler on the deck lid. Beside all styling radicalisation it still occupies conservative design spot in its segment together with Ford Taurus.
CABIN
The cabin is an incredible improvement over the predecessor, both in quality and styling. Use of better plastic is instantly visible and so is the use of imagination this time. There is a lot of fluid, flowing lines with, chrome decorations, although two-tone combinations in higher trims with leather inserts on top of the dash can appear as excess to some people.
The car is spacious as it can seat five, although sloping roof took same of the headroom in the rear. Cargo volume is impressive with 18.8 cubic feet, which is only below Ford Taurus‘ 20 cubic feet cave.
ENGINE BAY
There are two choices for 2017 Chevrolet Impala, one is 2.5-liter inline-4 with 196 hp, paired to a 6-speed automatic, powering the front wheels, which pretty much lacks in everything while trying to shuffle around big sedan. The second choice is much more convenient 3.6-liter V6 producing 305 hp, which is something to play with, capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Mentioned automatic is configured to benefit fuel economy, so an instant push of pedal is not adequately covered by car reaction, but overall, it is far from the cloudy ride that plagued ancestors, and it can be sufficiently dynamic for most. The Smaller engine offers 25 mpg of fuel economy, while V6 returns 22 mpg, which are not staggering figures but can be considered as decent.
TRIMS
There are three trims offered: LS, LT, and Premier trim. Standard equipment is not abundant, and there are many options that sit separately from mentioned trims.
Anyway, count on mandatory air conditioning, cruise control and at least 18-inch wheels on each Impala, while going for Premier trim with extras could push the price over $40k. On the safety field Impala offers ten airbags and GM’s OnStar system, but strangely a rearview camera is an extra cost, which is against the modern trends.
CONCLUSION
This generation of Impala has not proved capable of reversing trend of declining sales, yet it is not its complete fault as crossover segment just destroys everything in its sight. So, for everybody who’s left and it is still looking for old school, traditional, spacious, comfortable big sedan, 2017 Chevrolet Impala has something to offer, especially with keeping starting price tag bellow $30,000.
