Chevrolet Impala gets a Five-Star Safety Score

            The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala received the highest safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, five stars.  The new car has many “firsts” never before used in a Chevrolet car, like radar.  There are other alerts, both visual and audible that help keep the driver aware of his surroundings.  Here’s some of those safety features that the Impala features.

            Thanks to installing radar in the Impala, it can now make use of adaptive cruise control.  The technology senses cars ahead of it, and will slow itself down and even pick up speed again.  This is the first time this sort of technology has been installed in a Chevy.  Another technology that is brand new to Chevy is crash imminent braking.  The same radar that makes adaptive cruise control possible also detects a possible crash, and, if need be, will apply the brakes itself to try and avoid the crash.  The radar also detects cars and motorcycles that enter your blind spot.  When it does find one, it will give out an alert to avoid cutting that car off if you go to pass another vehicle on the interstate.  The radar also helps out with rear crossing traffic as you are pulling out of a parking space to make sure you don’t inadvertently run into anybody.

            Cameras placed on the car help give out lane departure warnings should you begin to drift into the lane next to you.  The rear vision camera shows up on Chevy’s infotainment system and helps when backing out of a parking space, or backing in.  There are also guidelines that give a reference to show where the car will end up as you are parking.  Sensors in the rear of the car also give out warnings when you are getting near another vehicle.

            A neat new feature on the Impala is brake pre-fill feature.  Whenever the driver takes his/her foot off the accelerator, the car increases hydraulic pressure slightly to the brake lines which helps cut down on stopping distance.  Lastly, there is hill hold/start assist, where the car holds its position on the hill as the driver moves their foot over to the gas pedal.

            In addition to all the cameras, radar, and other sensors on the car, the Impala also comes with 10 standard airbags to help cushion the impact of a possible crash.  With all this safety in mind, along with GM designing a good looking, fuel efficient car, it’s hard to overlook the Impala as a possible buy as your next choice of vehicle.

Matthew Colan

Handy Chevrolet