Quickest Car in Canada?
Depending on when you grew up, the type of car you learned to drive in will vary. Some reading might have started way back in a Model T Ford, while others perfected their driving skills behind the wheel of a Willy's Jeep during the Second World War. Still more might have found themselves starting out in a circa 1950s Chevy Bel Air or even an early '60s Impala. Wouldn't you like to have that classic now?
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| The 2003 Chevy Impala feels suprisingly similar to the classic domestic cars of the past. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the 1976 Malibu coupe, that I incidentally first failed and then some time later passed my road test in, isn't as collectible as the cars previously mentioned, it feels a lot like Chevy's new Impala, which was a bit surprising but pleasantly welcome.
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| While bringing back memories of traditional American cars, the Impala handles and performs like the modern car it is. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of course, after 27 years the 2003 Impala is measurably better than the old steed that I punished so regularly in my youthful abandon. Its seats are more comfortable, features more plentiful, steering more direct and grip much more adhesive. Even the engine, while missing two cylinders compared the old car's 305 cubic inch V8, is more powerful while the front wheels spin under full throttle instead of those at back.
The new Impala is actually fun to drive. I was testing an LS with the optional Sport Package that adds a stainless steel exhaust tip, embossed front license plate frame, front lower fascia extension, heated front bucket seats, special floor mats, graphite interior trim, leather seats, diamond cut alloy wheels, and the best part of all, its Corvette-style rear tail lamp treatment.
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| The rear decklid spoiler gives a sporty look to the Impala LS with the optional Sport Package while the Corvette-like rear plastic facade masks the ultra-large taillight bar. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The plastic façade does a good job masking an otherwise ungainly taillight bar, probably the largest of its kind on the planet, while the rear decklid spoiler gives it a sporty look. The current Impala grille has never done much for me from a styling perspective, or possibly it has more to do with the negative connotations it gives off in relation to the model's popularity among police cruisers. Just looking at it gives me the willies.
