My favorite cars, post kids in the house phase of my life, are the BMW Z4, the Corvette, and Porsche.
The only practical use for a back seat, for me, is to hold a bag of groceries or two.
So when the cell phone rang last week - and I saw it was a call from my pal Gord McCarvell at Northgate Chev I instantly answered it hoping "phase two" of the Cars for Bloggers program was once again in effect.
After the usual pleasantries the call took a quick turn.
Gord: "Hi Marty - I've got a vehicle for you to drive and blog about. It's the brand new 2014 Chev Silverado."
Me: "Have you got the right guy. Isn't that a truck Gord?"
Gord: "Yes it is - but I want you to drive this thing. You simply won't believe it."
Me: Thinking that one day, maybe just maybe, that Northgate Chev may just become a Maserati dealership and I may want to keep the door wide open.... "OK I'll give it a whirl!"
So I did.
Gord was right!
This is quite the "Big Unit" (my nickname for it!) as it certainly isn't like the trucks I remember from only a few years back.
Now the outside of a truck is one thing - there's just only so much you can do to make them sexy year after year - but the inside is really something else.
Over the last few years "digital" equipment and "safety first" has been the focus for the automotive business.
Accident rates have gone down considerably over the past last five years or so and it's totally understandable when you 'program' these new vehicles for your particular preferences and driving needs.
There you custom build your preferences for sound, safety, and driving needs.
XM Radio is built in (free for 3 months then subscription) - and it actually has a hard drive that can 'stop' the audio for you - and has the capability of 'transferring' your favorite songs, via bluetooth, to your MP3 player.
On Star is available too - and I'm a big fan. They continue to add and develop benefits so check them out at www.onstar.com when you get a chance!
PS: Bose speakers rock, and these aren't mini's baby.
The Nav system is great - and actually looks like a toy truck driving around town. You can also customize it to locate key spots of interest - like gas stations. You can also set the unit for a speed alert as you drive around town where you'll be notified when you are about to go over the current posted speed limit.
Bonus for lead foot drivers!
The important part to note is this is a very easy set up - all icon driven - and when you purchase the vehicle the Northgate Chev sales rep will be in the vehicle guiding you along for your particular needs.
It's easy to understand and the options are almost endless - and it's all designed by you - including two option buttons for a second driver to dial in his/her preferences without interrupting yours.
Check the tire pressure; oil levels, gas and mileage tracker, and other important settings.
The cluster is clean and clear and also has the biggest 'connectivity' options ever in a vehicle.
Got an iPad; smart phone; laptop and need to do a little work on the job site without worrying about battery power?
You've got every single possible connection within reach - in front of you - in the back seat - and even in the centre console, which is large enough to hold file folders.
You can dial in/out settings for either a video alert or audio tone when vehicles get too close to your vehicle.
There's even a setting for 'crash alerts' both front and back where you get audio/video alerts and even a 'seat vibrator' for that extra second or two that could make a difference in a dangerous situation.
If you're towing a big load - a trailer, boat, RV, motorcycle, etc. this added technology will certainly make getting in and out of tight spaces much easier.
I joked on Twitter: "I'm going to leave it in reverse so the kids in the cul de sac can play hopscotch today!"
For those of you who drive in heavy winter conditions or want to be a 'mudder' this unit has more power and pull than you can imagine and it's all in a nice 'performance' package too.
The 2014 Chev Silverado is a workhorse but knows how to have fun too.
The engine is a V8 5.3L that is 'spunky' on the highway to say the least with the bonus part being gas mileage isn't sacrified for power.
The Silverado tracks in at 21 miles per gallon city - and 30 miles per gallon highway. (I still can't Canadianize that but for those who need it that means 13.3 L/100 km city and 9.0 highway)
Back on the outside of the Big Unit, and I'm certainly not an expert on vehicles of this type, but Gord did point out a few interesting things for me - including the moveable cargo tie downs that can easily be put on/off to fit the load - and there's lighting on the box as well.
The back window of the 2014 Chev Silverado also has winter defrosting and the centre window opens up for fresh air if that's your preference.
The 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS improve your stopping distance too - which is doubly important if and when you're towing a trailer with added weight like a boat; RV; car or motorcycle.
So who would buy this vehicle?
Somebody who really likes to drive in Alberta all year long without worry....on the road (winter/rain/potholes) and off the road (lakes, mountains, streams, workplaces.)
Somebody who wants true comfort and style. Somebody who'se got a couple of kids in the backseat who have enough room and creature comforts not to say "Dad are we there yet?" all the way home!
Somebody who doesn't want to sacrifice sportiness and style for work-a-bility.
Gord McCarvell quized me when I brought the vehicle back and after I was raving about it said "...what DIDN'T you like about it?"
My response - "well it sure doesn't corner like my BMW Z4 Roadster!"
(*I was jesting - it's not supposed to)
No I love my two-wheel life more than ever - but if I spent a full 12 months here in Edmonton/Alberta and had a bunch of toys to enjoy around this glorius Province of Alberta I sure would not hesitate to purchase this vehicle.
It's a whole new era. Safety and Style rule!
This is a tremendous vehicle that certainly will be a head turner to those buying trucks 'down the road.'
Base price was just under $50k - Full loaded with features just over $60k.
The 2014 Chevrolet SILVERADO - from Northgate Chevrolet - just raised the bar!
For more information: www.northgategm.com or follow them on Twitter @NorthGateChev
