The first 'real neat' car I remember my Father having - was a stunning red 1959 Chevrolet Impala!
*click on any picture to enlarge!
*click on any picture to enlarge!
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| 1959 Chev Impala |
I remember it well and especially because Dad gave me the 'free' t-shirt that came along with it that stated "My Dad Drives a Chevrolet!"
Crazy what your mind remembers from the past (I was just 9 years old)!
Fast forward to today, and it may be a touch of irony that I was offered an opportunity to participate in a program called "Cars for Bloggers" where I got to drive a brand new 2014 Chev Impala LT.
Realizing the power of Social Media in marketing these days, I was given this fun car for a 4 day period to 'enjoy' and 'review' on my blog thanks to Edmonton's Northgate Chevrolet on 97th street.
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| Teasing the neighbors |
The car is a total make over for the General Motors iconic brand - and I thoroughly enjoyed driving this baby.
I do a ton of charity work in Edmonton and it was a great opportunity to get it in front of as many eyeballs as possible at the Meals for Wheels Celebrity Delivery day, the Edmonton Oilers Locker Room Sale, and the Edmonton Eskimoes Fan Day - as well as driving around the many beautiful parks in the Edmonton area.
I do a ton of charity work in Edmonton and it was a great opportunity to get it in front of as many eyeballs as possible at the Meals for Wheels Celebrity Delivery day, the Edmonton Oilers Locker Room Sale, and the Edmonton Eskimoes Fan Day - as well as driving around the many beautiful parks in the Edmonton area.
To a person the quotes were: "What is that?" "Wow - really!"
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| Doing the town |
The Impala, for many years, has been the everyday man's (or woman's) vehicle - reliable as all get out - and adopted by many Police forces around the globe.
But over the past few years it was obvious that a little 'spit 'n polish' was needed to get it back to the glory years that it enjoyed in its rich history as per that beautiful 1959 picture from above.
The other important aspect, again over the past few years, is that "safety first" is a policy of most car manufacturers these days and that is where the 2014 Chev Impala really excels with many unique features that I will describe here in my blog.
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| Impressive MyLink system |
When you first sit in the vehicle, and even before you put the key in the ignition, Chev's MYLINK lights up and begins the search for your Cell Phone to automatically connect the Bluetooth feature and various other safety and entertainment features.
All are 'programmable' by you to your particular likes - featuring an FM/AM/XM Radio; and a very easy to use information guide to see everything you need to know before you hit the tarmac - ie. tire pressure; gas; km's left to fill up; ongoing gas/km's assessment; oil, etc. etc.
Most of those also are on a scroll directly in front of the driver in a 'mini' version too and you can leave it on whatever setting you desire the most. Personally I love a digital readout of the spedometer, which the Impala does have.
Most of those also are on a scroll directly in front of the driver in a 'mini' version too and you can leave it on whatever setting you desire the most. Personally I love a digital readout of the spedometer, which the Impala does have.
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| Comfy pilots area |
There are lots of different options for the driver to totally customize the driving experience too including heated seats, (even a heated steering wheel - welcome to Alberta) and a private hidden "valet" feature behind the MYLINK where you can dial in a temporary code so that you can leave your valuables in the car while you're out of the vehicle.
This thing is so well hidden you'd have to be a pretty smart thief (is there such a thing?) to figure out exactly WHERE it is let alone how you'd figure out the code to get in to steal the items.
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| Iconic logo |
There are 'dual' climate controls - one for each side for those spouses that can't agree on a temperature for the heat and/or A/C in the vehicle (mines named Kim!) and there was an extremely large SUNROOF again programmable for that 'just right' amount of being open for the driving conditions versus the weather scenario.
There's a CD player, XM Radio, and the very valuable ON STAR system c/w with a cell phone where you can purchase minutes as required.
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| Also has a USB plug in! |
I have ON STAR in two of my current vehicles and I can't tell you how many times I've been thankful for their service - which again has several options as per your needs - plus a Directions package that is perfect for travelling to cities, Provinces, States and other countries that you may not be familiar with when on vacation.
As well the instrument panel on the Impala is crystal clear with LED type visuals - again allowing you to scroll through to get to the various info panels.
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| Everything easily acessible |
Plus it's nice to see the stylish 'stitches' on the leather inside the car too lessening the use of plastics.
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| Flexfuel capability |
power' from the 3.6L 305 hp V6 engine.
Many car manufactureres seem to release the smallest engines in new cars first and then 'bulk up' later - which tends ot make people (like me) mad when you realize a bigger/better more powerful car was only a few months away from when you purchased your new vehicle.
This puppy rocks and left a little rubber reminder at a stop light (accidently Mr. Northgate - purely accidental) when I stepped on the gas to see how much pep it has on Day one.
Smooth as silk and with a nice amount of respectful 'roar' from the engine.
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| Feel free to 'stretch out' |
I'm not privy to Chevrolets plans for the future but I do understand some smaller engines may be available - and likely a 'coupe' version - and who knows maybe even an SS or 'hot' model as per past.
Another pleasant surprize - LEG ROOM - lots of it - unlike most vehicles now that call themselves 4 doors but the back seat is designed to hold 'two bags from Safeway' or 'extremely small children' rather than full size adults.
Besides, groceries should go in the trunk anyway - along with two sets of golf clubs, the hockey equipment, and about 3 sets of luggage for that long road trip.
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| Echo "Hello..hello..." |
There's no spare tire to get in the way now, and this is simple an 'old school' size trunk that has more than enough room for that 'family of four' doing some serious travelling with room to spare for all the aforementioned items.
Oh - and before we leave the 'storage' topic did I forget to mention that there is plenty of room for the families SKIS too?
Just fold down the back seat and bingo - you're there.
Plus - cup holders in the centre console is a bonus.
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| Comes in handy |
I'm new to many of these features and some took a bit of getting used to, but the good news is again that most of it is programmable and easy to flip to an 'as needed' template for when your driving conditions demand it - ie. city versus highway and back again.
The 2014 Chev Impala LT I drove has an Advanced Safety Package that includes:
-a key fob with automatic car starter for cold winter/hot summer days
-Forward Collision Alert
-Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-Lane Departure Warning
-Side Blind Alert
-backup camera that shows up on the MyLink consol
It takes a bit of getting used to, right out of the gate, because you will start to hear beeps and warnings - as well as icons light up on both mirrors and the consul - with the various alerts programmed in to the vehicle.
I was a bit unsure of their practicality when I made a 'lazy lane check' changing lanes on the Henday when the system lit up and showed me I was about to cut off another vehicle - so 'thank you.'
The safety system has buttons just under the left hand side of the steering wheel so that you can turn the audio on/off as needed - so it's not like you are stuck with the alerts should you desire not to take advantage of them.
The other nice thing I like about the 2014 Chev Impala LT is the wheel covers (hubcaps sound so 1959 Impala) as they really do have a sporty feel. In fact the entire car has a 'sporty feel' for what one might perceive as a family vehicle from the past.
No need to think about a bunch of add ons to make this puppy shine on the streets as they're allready included in the base model.
Other features and elements of the car are too lengthy to mention here in the Cars for Bloggers blog - however to include a few of the best ones.
-4 wheel anti lock brakes -battery run down protection -airbags almost everywhere you look -stability system -traction system -power heated mirrors -3 year/60,000 km warranty
I really like this Cars for Bloggers program. I'm not a professional reviewer - and I'm not going to waste your time with a bunch of facts and figures that only car trade magazine writers will throw at you to impress you with 'their' knowledge.
What you get from me is what you see here, a normal guy who loves cars (and motorcycles) giving you my down to earth unbiased opinion of the car.
-a key fob with automatic car starter for cold winter/hot summer days
-Forward Collision Alert
-Rear Cross Traffic Alert
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| Lane alerts in mirror |
-Side Blind Alert
-backup camera that shows up on the MyLink consol
It takes a bit of getting used to, right out of the gate, because you will start to hear beeps and warnings - as well as icons light up on both mirrors and the consul - with the various alerts programmed in to the vehicle.
I was a bit unsure of their practicality when I made a 'lazy lane check' changing lanes on the Henday when the system lit up and showed me I was about to cut off another vehicle - so 'thank you.'
The safety system has buttons just under the left hand side of the steering wheel so that you can turn the audio on/off as needed - so it's not like you are stuck with the alerts should you desire not to take advantage of them.
The other nice thing I like about the 2014 Chev Impala LT is the wheel covers (hubcaps sound so 1959 Impala) as they really do have a sporty feel. In fact the entire car has a 'sporty feel' for what one might perceive as a family vehicle from the past.
Other features and elements of the car are too lengthy to mention here in the Cars for Bloggers blog - however to include a few of the best ones.
-4 wheel anti lock brakes -battery run down protection -airbags almost everywhere you look -stability system -traction system -power heated mirrors -3 year/60,000 km warranty
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| Not your Fathers Impala |
I really like this Cars for Bloggers program. I'm not a professional reviewer - and I'm not going to waste your time with a bunch of facts and figures that only car trade magazine writers will throw at you to impress you with 'their' knowledge.
What you get from me is what you see here, a normal guy who loves cars (and motorcycles) giving you my down to earth unbiased opinion of the car.
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| Talus Balls meet Mr Impala |
So...my opinion of driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT - it 'exceeded expectations.'
It's sporty; got lots of power; very smooth to drive; provides you with great confidence that you are safe on the tarmac; has all the creature comforts a driver could want, and priced very reasonably for this category of automobile.
Dislikes?
Really the only thing that I didn't like was the view out from the driver's mirror. The back seat rests go up a long way and there's a 'riser' over the back seats which limits a full view of what is behind you - however it's not a huge problem and when you are backing out of a parking spot you have the brand new 'rear view camera' which is rather fun, especially in tight spaces so 'no big deal!'
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| $40k all in - a bargain |
*Sincere thanks to Northgate Chevrolets Gord McCarvel for the introduction and reminder that "you have to bring the car back Marty." And to Brad MacGregor who recognizes the power and uniqueness of Social Media with an offer for me to blog about the 2014 Chev Impala LT.
Thanks Brad - and yes I 'AM' available the day they release the new Corvette C7 this fall!
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**Marty Forbes is President of Radiowise Inc. a media and marketing company based in Edmonton, Alberta. He is also a contributing writer for the Edmonton Sun, and Edmontonians Magazine. Please follow him on Twitter: @mjforbes**
