The Oakville Beaver, W ednesday January 18, 2006 - 25 EVERYTHING AUTO The standard 4-speed automatic transmission, though smooth enough on the job, lacked a sport shift mode and might also benefit from an extra top-end cog to keep up with its market competition. Visually, the SS brings its own distinct identity, with a front-end appearance that's separate from other models. It includes a dual-split grille with SS trademark, blackdiamond crosshatch pat tern, the tweaked FE3 sus pension with sporty 5-spoke alloy wheels', unique badging and a standard rear spoiler (the latter also on the LTZ version). Inside, the SS comes with what Chevrolet terms a "techni cal" trim pattern. Otherwise, all Impalas get a fresh new exterior look, highlighted by big, jewel-look headlamps, a solid stance and tight body panel gaps. The previous model's four round taillamps have been replaced. A big pair of triangular rear lamp housings now domi nate the rear end. Inside, you'll find an array of thoughtful features, including clever flip-fold rear seats (a segment exclu sive). The forward-flip rear seat cushions create a cov ered storage area beneath the seats with cushions down and offer convenient grocery bag hooks when the cushions are flipped for ward. The seatback also folds down to create a generous feel a little firmer ancf increased lumbar support I was appreciated during a long day at the wheel. The seating looks cleaner and simpler too, with a more tailored appearance I that adds to the overall upscale ambience inside. An 8-way, heated, power driI ver's seat is another new addition -- if you opt for the up-level Nuance leather B seating. A. 6-way, heated Inside the drivers seat: A look at the newly designed instrument front passenger seat is also available. It's not a big thing, panel of the Chevrolet Impala. pass-through from the presentable wood trimmed literally, but the glove box is appearance, while a sportier, 20 per cent larger than on trunk. An all-new instrum ent brushed metal-style trim is the previous model, too. Other developments panel that wraps around also available. Moving the firewall for- include a new family of into the door panels has a double-hump design, that ward slightly has also freed wheels (from 16- to 18-inchinstills thoughts of early up more interior room in an es), bigger brakes across the Corvettes. The base LS, LT already generously sized line, enhanced ABS (stanand LTZ models have a nice, passenger cabin. All seats dard on the LTZ and SS, but optional on LS and LT) and traction control systems, a new family of audio systems (including a standard auxiliary input jack to let you plug-and-play your iPod or MP3) and standard side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. In the case of the new Impala, genetic engineering has turned out to be a very positive step. The rebirth of an available V8, 'missing from the gene pool for too many years, jMus the technical tweaks to the Impala's DNA strands have given Chevrolet something to work with in an increasingly competitive market segment. We'll be watching how it evolves with keen interest. O p t im u m U S E D V E H IC L E S ABS, a u to , air, SEDAN 2003 CHEV CAVALIER V] Medium red/graphite, cruise, CD, p/1, p/w, auto, air, buckets, 40,092 ggjjgf ggg |§ p l W JBU M A X X LS u t o , air, p/1, p/w, p /m , cruise, CD, »t seats. 21,651 km s. S to ck #A469 2005 PONTIAC G 6 GT SEDA* G ra n ite m e ta llic /e b o n y , a u to , air, p/1, p/w , p /m , keyless, a u to sta rt, 17" allo y s, cruise, CD, roof, le a th e r h e a te d sea ts. 2 2 ,7 5 6 km s. S to c k # W 3 8 *See dealer for details 30-day/2500 km no-hassle exchange privilege 24-hour roadside assistance Manufacturer's warranty 150 + point inspections 5 4 7 Trafalgar Rd., O akville (at QEW ) TO W NE 9 0 5 -8 4 4 -2 3 2 0 w w w .tow n ech ev.com *Most 2004 a n d 2005 are short-term daily rentals. Prices are plus $220 reg. fee, 165 Etching plus ap p licab le taxes.