2008 Chevrolet Impala

NEW FOR 2008:

- StabiliTrak electronic stability control standard on LTZ and SS

- Anti-lock brakes and traction control standard on LS and LT

- E85 FlexFuel capability standard on 3.5- and 3.9-litre V6 engines

- 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels available on SS

- LT receives 17-inch alloy wheels; LTZ receives 18-inch machined aluminum wheels

- Performance suspension standard on LTZ

- Tire pressure monitoring system standard on all models

- Exterior colours: Gold Mist Metallic, Mocha Bronze Metallic and Slate Metallic

For 2008, the Chevrolet Impala receives some new standard safety items, as well as new wheel designs and the capability to run E85 ethanol/gasoline fuel in V6 models.

The Chevrolet Impala line-up offers three engines: a 3.5-litre V6 in the LS and LT; a 3.9-litre V6 in the LTZ; and 5.3-litre V8 in the SS. All use a four-speed automatic transmission that's a heavy-duty unit in the SS model.

Features on the LS include 16-inch steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, air conditioning, keyless entry, six-way power driver's seat, power mirrors, power windows, cruise control, driver information centre, CD stereo with auxiliary jack, automatic headlamps, variable intermittent wipers, cargo net, floor mats, tilt wheel, and OnStar.

The LT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone manual climate control, remote starter, deluxe driver information centre, CD/MP3 stereo, and leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls.

The LTZ adds 18-inch alloy wheels, anti-theft alarm, dual exhaust, stability control, sport suspension, fog lamps, heated mirrors, rear spoiler, illuminated vanity mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and eight-way power driver's seat.

The SS adds 18-inch flangeless alloy wheels, heated leather seats, six-way power passenger seat, unheated power mirrors, "techno steel" interior accents, and Bose sound system with XM Satellite Radio.

The Impala remains one of Chevrolet's better sedans, with a comfortable interior, good performance, and a reasonable price, along with available V8 power in the same practical footprint. The V6 models seat five, but can be optioned with a front bench seat and column shifter for six-passenger seating. It's probably as pleasant to drive as the Buick Allure, and for less money; in a segment where almost all the automakers have strong contenders, this one belongs near the top.