When it comes to Chevy, as we all call this auto brand for short, I have very little knowledge of it. Yes, I see this American car brand all over the roads today; however, I only had a couple of encounters with them.
For example, my old co-worker went from a Toyota Avalon to a Chevy Equinox, and she loves her crossover SUV! Coming from Toyota, she didn't think she would like Chevy, but she is quite impressed by how reliable all the features her Chevy provides. I got to check out her car when she got it, and I too liked how sleek and spacious it was, also all the options included inside.
My next encounter with Chevy was actually very recent, remember the time at the beginning of the year that the girls and I made a trip to Florida to go to Legoland? Well, the car I rented was a 2018 Chevy Malibu, and boy was that car inside and out was super sharp and looked like luxury! I even got hit on by a guy at the toll booth just 5 minutes after getting the car. The toll guy gave me and the car a look, took my money, smiled seductively, then said, "Your husband must be a lucky man!" I was in total shock by that! Also, when I pulled up to our hotel and had the car parked by the valet, the valet guys were even drooling over the Malibu.
Our monthly was located at 944 Brady Ave in Atlanta, an industrial area with the building we were in that use to be a slaughterhouse, which is now converted into offices and event space. This area of Atlanta is the most in-demand hub for art, music, food, and tech. I've been to a couple of events in this area, remember Natural Curly and Juicy Juice event? Both events were in industrial buildings that were converted to rented event spaces.
According to Chevy, Atlanta market is the largest market for them in the Southeast, and I believe it since I see so many Chevys on the roads, especially small and mid-size SUVs. Those are more economical, giving people today the affordable options they need.
All three SUVs, Traverse, Equinox, and the Trax, gives consumers safety features, comfortability, and staying connected with your electronic devices. These cars are up to date with the modern day lifestyle.
And, did you hear about starting July 1st Georgia is going hands-free, meaning you can not hold your phone while driving, it's against the law. But no worries, Chevy vehicles have you covered with their hand-free options in their cars.
PHONE INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto take on the look and function of your smartphone, for safer and smarter driving.
ABOUT
Phone Integration technology is available through the functionality of OnStar. OnStar is a subsidiary of General Motors that offers emergency, security, navigation, connections and vehicle manager services for Chevrolet.
Apple CarPlay is a phone integration system for Apple devices, and Android Auto is a phone integration system for Android devices.
Both systems are a smarter, safer way to use your mobile phone in the car. They take the things you want to do with your phone while driving and put them right on your car’s built-in display.
HOW IT WORKS
With phone connectivity, your Chevrolet Infotainment System touch-screen display takes on the look and function of your smartphone. Seamlessly access your texts, music, maps and more while keeping your eyes on the road. Just connect your iPhone and go.
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay are simple and smart ways to use your phone in a properly equipped vehicle. It lets you display some of your phone’s apps and functionality on the vehicle’s infotainment display. Then, you can control these features using the vehicle’s infotainment system touch-screen or voice commands.
APPLE CARPLAY FEATURES YOU'LL ENJOY
MAPS: The power and simplicity of Apple Maps come to your dashboard — complete with turn-by-turn directions, traffic conditions and estimated travel time. Apple Maps may suggest destinations based on other apps and services on your device.
MESSAGES: Siri can send, read and reply to your text messages for you, so you never have to look at your iPhone while driving.
PHONE: Make calls, return missed calls and listen to voicemail. Siri can help you do all these things. All you have to do is ask.
MUSIC: Access your artists, songs, playlists and listen to the radio using Apple Music® with your car’s built-in controls. Or just tell Siri what you’d like to listen to.
THIRD-PARTY APPS: CarPlay also supports an assortment of the apps that you’ve downloaded to your iPhone so you can enjoy podcasts, music and radio, as well as messaging and apps. For a list of supported apps, visit https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/.
ANDROID AUTO FEATURES YOU'LL ENJOY
HOME: Android Auto automatically brings you useful information and organizes it into simple cards that appear just when they’re needed.
MAPS: Let Google Maps lead the way. It’s easy to get where you’re going with free voice-guided navigation, live traffic information, lane guidance and more.
GOOGLE ASSISTANT: Just say the word — speech technology makes controlling everything with your voice fast and easy. Send, read and reply to your text messages. Make calls, return missed calls and listen to voicemail. Access shopping lists, integrate your calendar, and get directions and ratings on POIs. You can even ask an obscure question or open and control some third-party applications, including podcast and music apps. Talk to Google can help you do all these things, and more.
MUSIC: Your favorite tunes — to go! Access and stream over 30 million songs, custom playlists and more with Google Play Music.
THIRD-PARTY APPS: Android Auto may also support additional apps that you’ve downloaded to your Android phone for enjoying podcasts, music, radio, messaging and more.
After our lunch and learn, my group and I got to test out these three vehicles. From the little bit of time I had with the trio, I would rank Traverse first, Equinox second, and Trax third, due to my personal preference and lifestyle.
2018 Traverse
Traverse has 3-row seating, which is excellent for my family with growing teenage girls. Now, I'm starting to haul around their friends, so the Traverse gives me the needed space I need, plus all the plug-in outlets to keep all our electronics charged.
2018 Equinox
Equinox is a spacious SUV too, doesn't have the 3rd row. Still, I can see myself driving this car; there is enough cargo room in the trunk to store all of our belongings.
2018 Trax
Trax is a peppy starter SUV for those who like to do inner-city driving, teens, singles, and family of 1. Although it may be the smaller SUV of the bunch, this edgy vehicle still packs a lot of features inside. Also, if you're hauling a big item, you can fold down the seating in the back, plus the front passenger seat.
I can't wait to take these SUVs for a more extended test spin! I smell a road trip coming on!
Big Announcement!!!!
Photo Credit: Steve Fecht for Chevrolet |
The Chevy Blazer is back with a all-new bold design! Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2019 Blazer in Atlanta, June 21st, marking the world debut of the midsize Crossover.
- Bold styling that features a strong grille and muscular proportions.
- Driver-centric interior and distinctive looks on all models.
- Model range includes sporty RS and up-level Premier models.
- Five-passenger seating with up to 64.2 cubic feet (1,818 L) of max cargo space with second-row seats folded flat.
- Adjustable sliding rear seat.
- Available Chevy-first cargo management system with a rail system and cargo fence.
- Available panoramic dual-pane power sunroof.
- Suite of available active safety features.
- Standard 2.5L I-4 and available 3.6L V-6 engines, each backed by a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Advanced twin-clutch AWD system available.
- 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg) estimated max trailering with the available 3.6L V-61.
- Available Hitch View feature that helps the driver align the hitch with the trailer.