With more than 1.2 million sales since it was re-introduced six years ago, the new 2006 Chevrolet Impala plans to increase its impact in the midsize sedan market with a roomier, more comfortable and better performing car. Impala keeps its sporty look with trapezoidal sideview mirrors and dual exhaust but adds quieter flat-blade windshield wipers, easier-to-use door handles and larger, jeweled headlamps and new taillights.
Suspension improvements to the front-wheel drive Impalas include three tuning levels. Basic components include MacPherson gas-charged struts and stabilizer bar in front and a trailing arm and a tri-link rear setup, also using gas-charged struts. Result: better absorption of bumps and a more stable ride. Our test-drive LTZ used 17-inch aluminum wheels with touring tires that helped minimize vehicle tilt entering turns, and a new ABS system to control stops. Other trims are the base LS, LT, top-of-the-line for comfort LTZ and the souped-up SS. (The SS boasts sportiness and lightening quick speed with a 5.3L small-block V-8 with 303 horsepower, 18-inch aluminum wheels and sub-six seconds to 60 mph.)
Inside, extra touches include dual-climate controls, cup holders that can vary in size and a 20% larger glove compartment. Extra space also exists in the trunk, where if small grocery items roll rearward, they are almost beyond reach. Some may desire even more room, which can be had with Impala’s flip and fold rear seats. A covered storage area is beneath the cushions when they are down and grocery bag hooks appear when the cushions are flipped forward. Folding the seats flat creates a pass-through to the trunk.
The all new instrument panel wraps around into the door panels for a unique design touch. A rubber shield below the ignition prevents keys from scratching the finish. Rubber padding in door handles allows placement of a cell phone that won’t bang or slide around. Wood trim on the dash adds an elegance that mixes nicely with the standard, soft, Nuance leather seats. Heated front seats make cold mornings more bearable and the driver’s seat, with lumbar support can be adjusted eight ways for a perfect fit.
A new info system offers more than 50 alerts, including tire pressure, and audio and cruise control are adjustable on the steering wheel. An available XM satellite radio radiates excellent sound from a Bose premium sound system. Front seat lights are in the rear view mirror; visor mirrors are lighted. Once the ignition is off, the radio remains on and interior lights remain lit. One drawback: the sporty style side-view mirrors are a bit small but heated.
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