producing two new V6s, improving the suspension, and adding more powerful
brakes, Chevrolet decided to bring back the SS version with a 303 horsepower ...
Soundproofing against wind noise could be improved, especially on the highway.
2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA LTZ
The 2006 Impala has gone through big changes at virtually all levels. The platform has been reinforced to increase total vehicle rigidity. In addition to producing two new V6s, improving the suspension, and adding more powerful brakes, Chevrolet decided to bring back the SS version with a 303 horsepower, 5.3 litre V8 engine. This large front-wheel-drive sedan comes in LS, LT, LTZ and SS versions. Interior and trunk Easy to get into, the front seats are very comfortable despite discrete lateral supports that fit with the family nature of the car. All versions except the SS can theoretically accommodate six people, but the person sitting in the middle of the front seat won't want to travel far. Even though the driving position is very comfortable, it would be even better if a telescopic steering column were added. Getting into the back seat and mostly getting out is not as easy as what one might think, considering the vehicle’s size. As well, head and leg room is a bit disappointing. The bench seats two adults comfortably. The 60/40 split seatback can fold down once the cushion is lifted, and there is practical storage space under the seat. In each of the seatbacks is a hole with an anchor where an animal could injure its paw if the seatback is folded down flat. The trunk opens wide for easy access to spacious cargo space. However, opening the lid is another matter as there is no handle.
Photo: Chevrolet
Convenience and safety In spite of the very high quality interior finish, we could hear some creaking sounds from the doors in our test vehicle. Some materials looked cheap, particularly the top of the dashboard and the interior mirror casing. Soundproofing against wind noise could be improved, especially on the highway. There are, however, quite a few storage areas. The instruments and controls are well placed, except for the windshield wiper control, which is on the turn signal lever. At night, everything is lit up but the glove compartment. The heating system puts out a lot of heat quickly, which is good because the seat-heating system is slow. The wiper fluid nozzles are under the hood so snow could easily block them. As far as safety is concerned, the Impala has two airbags in front, two curtain airbags, the OnStar system (free for one year), and five head restraints—which do not adjust up high enough—particularly in the back seat, where they do not adjust at all. Visibility is good in all directions, except to the back and back corners in reverse. The outside mirrors are a bit small and the headlights lack power, especially the low beams. In U.S. Government tests, the Impala earned five out of five stars for front occupant protection in a head-on collision. In a side collision, the rating was five stars for front passenger protection and four stars for the passengers in the rear. Its rollover resistance earned it four stars out of five. Engine and transmission The 3.9 litre V6 of the LTZ has the same architecture as the 3.5 litre LS and LT versions. With 242 horsepower and 242 pounds of torque, the 3.9 litre LTZ powers the Impala with ease. What’s more, with 90% of the torque available between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm, the transmission doesn’t have to downshift often, giving a more enjoyable drive. The automatic four-speed transmission is generally smooth but can be rough on pickup, after slowing significantly, just as it hits the right gear, and during quick acceleration. You have to get used to not seeing the gear indicators on the floor because they are only on the instrument panel. On the road The independent suspension of this new generation of models is firmer than its predecessors. It still has a nice, smooth ride and reacts firmly on uneven surfaces. On the other hand, the suspension led us to believe that the vehicle would hold the road better than it actually did. Road holding was honest but
no more, and the way the vehicle tilted into curves was less than inspiring. In fact, the Impala is more a cruiser than anything else. The power steering is well calibrated, stable, precise, and pretty fast. It is short of road feel and the turn radius is long. The four disc brakes are powerful and resist fading well after in repeated emergency stopping. Hopefully they’ll last, because they’re expensive. An inspection at a CAA-Québec technical centre showed the Impala had a sturdy underbody but lacked rust protection. It is impossible to check the washer fluid. The Impala is equipped with a chaine-drive camshaft. Conclusion This new Impala is more homogeneous than its predecessor, with better quality assembly and finish. The choice of four versions makes it more interesting to a wider variety of consumers. PROS: Smooth ride, comfort, large trunk capacity, powerful engine (3.9 litres), choice of versions, better finish. CONS: Less than desirable soundproofing, head restraints too low, poorly located windshield washer control, unlit glove compartment, weak headlights, wiper fluid nozzles under the hood. 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA Engine: V6, 3.5 litres, 12 valves; V6, 3.9 litres, 12 valves; V8, 5.3 litres, 16 valves Horsepower: 211 hp at 5,800 rpm; 242 hp at 6,000 rpm; 303 hp at 5,600 rpm Torque: 214 lb./ft. at 4,000 rpm; 242 lb./ft. at 4,800 rpm; 323 lb./ft. at 4,400 rpm Transmission: automatic 4 speed Suspension: independent/independent Brakes: disc/disc Length: 509 cm Width: 185.1 cm Height: 149.1 cm Wheelbase: 280.7 cm Weight: 1,611 to 1,683 kg Tires: P225/60R16; P225/55R17; P235/50R18 Towing capacity: 454 kg Airbags: standard plus two curtain airbags
Fuel consumption with the 3.9 litre Transport Canada rating: City: 12.1 L/100 km (23 mi/gal) Highway: 7.9 L/100 km (36 mi/gal) Test result: 11.8 L/100 km (24 mi/gal) Test temperature: –3° C to –15° C Fuel tank capacity: 66 litres Fuel requirement: regular (V8: super) Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
60-100 km/h: 6.3 seconds
Competition: Buick Allure, Dodge Charger, Ford Five Hundred, Pontiac Grand Prix Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 3 years/60,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km Perforation damage: 6 years/160,000 km Emission control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage). 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $1,056 Front brake disc: $174 Brake pads: $185 Muffler $717 Front fender: $283 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $812 to $1,024 Price according to trim line: LS: $24,685 LT: $26,200 LTZ: $29,840 SS: $32,855
Main
options: ABS brake system: $950 (LS, LT) Sun roof: $1,340 Fold-down back seat: $325 (LS, LT)
Price as tested: $32,885 Freight and preparation: $1,200 Dealers: Quebec: 173
Canada: 697
© January 2006. CAA-Quebec, all rights reserved.
