Rather than creating a totally different look for the Lumina, Chevrolet designers have modernized the previous car's appearance. The concept of a sloped nose and small air intake above the bumper has been retained in front, though it's now handled with much more skill. The same can be said for the profile, where the past hard-edged look has been softened. In fact, the only radical visual change is in back, where larger lamp clusters emphasize a more rounded stern. And though dimensionally similar to the 1994 model, the '95 Lumina looks larger. Much of the work done to make the Lumina more attractive has practical value as well. Smoothing rough edges improves airflow, which in turn has a positive effect on noise. This, plus some newly added sound-deadening materials, makes the Lumina a very quiet cruiser.
When compared with its '94 predecessor, the new Lumina's interior is a major change and a vast improvement. The sweeping, sculpted dashboard holds the expected array of instruments - including, on our LS tester, a tachometer - and new, user-friendly controls. All major functions - headlights, sound system and climate control - are operated by soft-feel rotary knobs, which are easy to find and operate. The only major holdout is the windshield wiper switch, which is still somewhat inconveniently located on the turn signal lever. Though the Lumina's base front bench seat suggests otherwise, six passengers will be slightly crowded; five should be far more comfortable. Those five will have plenty of head- and legroom, and they'll ride on well-padded seats. In terms of both choice and quality, materials used inside the Lumina are up to class standards. Scotchgard brand fabric protector is applied to the seats, just as it is throughout the Chevrolet lineup, greatly increasing stain resistance and making cleanup easier. One desirable option added to the list this year is a dual-control air conditioning system that allows driver and front-seat passengers to set temperatures individually. As always, a range of sound systems is available, from an AM/FM stereo (standard) to an AM/FM stereo with cassette (LS) to an AM/FM/CD unit with four speakers and an automatic control that adjusts the volume level to match your vehicle speed. |
