One of the problems with the fifth-phase Malibu was its style: modern and balanced, but not nearly as attractive as Ford Fusion or Hyundai Sonata. However, since it already followed the design language of that time, Chevrolet had to rethink its strategy. The solution came from two big sources. The most obvious one was analyzing what the rivals were offering, while the other came from a simple look at the rest of its own lineup: since Impala’s current iteration turned out to be quite successful, why not take inspiration from it? This decision accounts for most of Malibu’s new design features, but there were two other sources as well. One is the simple peer pressure, which forced the maker to adopt a four-door coupé profile, and the other is its own current design language.
Chevrolet’s main intention was to take Malibu away from company fleets, so it was important to invest in a sportier silhouette. The entire sheetmetal adopted more muscular shapes, with a higher waistline and multiple creases which even show a hint of Camaro. There are also big wheels in tight arches, sleek headlights, very wide main grilles, and a rear end which doesn’t rely on old-fashioned items such as that chrome line between the lights. Instead of making its predecessor look just old, the new Malibu makes it – along with some direct rivals – look boring. Chevrolet has finally designed a sedan attractive enough to fight Kia Optima, Mazda6, Toyota Camry and the aforementioned duo, but without copying one or another: one can say it joins the best of each one.
Such changes also brought new dimensions. The wheelbase was stretched by 3.6”, while the overall length grew by just 2.3”. The width remained the same, but since the whole side profile is lower, the final result is a more dramatic look. The new roofline does eliminate a little headroom, but it would be too hard for the company to forget all those complaints about the outgoing car’s back-seat room: the new architecture brought extra 1.3” for those people’s legs, and a headliner which gets thinner at the units equipped with the sunroof. As a cherry on the top, the new dashboard adopted a wraparound design which looks more sophisticated while being actually simpler. The central console is smaller, and there are less different materials and textures used simultaneously.
Since GM wanted to work with a clean slate, Malibu’s platform is also new. The aging Epsilon II was replaced by the all-new E2, which was responsible for those room increases as well as weight savings which Chevrolet claims to surpass 300 pounds. Nevertheless, the equipment list has become bigger than ever: you’ll find ten airbags, all the electronic safety systems used in nowadays (it offers more than ten of them) and, for the first time ever, a password-protected Teen Driver feature: your kids’ driving it can be preceeded by setting speed and sound volume limits, and succeeded by checking some statistics of their ride. Besides, the MyLink system was updated with faster processor, built-in 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, and either a 7” or an 8” touchscreen.
Those equipments will be divided into four trim levels: L, LS, LT and Premier, which replaces LTZ. Regarding the powertrain, the base engine is now a turbocharged 1.5-liter: since it’s an Ecotec, it uses start/stop, direct injection and several other technologies to reach 160 hp and 184 lb-ft, always with six automatic speeds. Lower figures than the outgoing 2.5’s, but so is the weight, so fuel consumption could only do the same; there are no official figures yet, though. The turbocharged 2.0-liter remains as the optional unit, but it was downgraded to 250 hp and 258 lb-ft and always uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Since enabling it to offer AWD would require stronger components, and there wouldn’t be satisfactory demand, the company just opted to stick with front-wheel-drive.
However, Malibu’s biggest powertrain feature is another one: the hybrid version, for the first time. After learning a lot with Volt, specially with its second generation, Chevrolet was able to make a real competitor for this category. This time, the model uses a gasoline-burner 1.8, with four cylinders and direct injection, and two electric motors, in order to deliver 182 hp. The 80-cell, lithium-ion battery accounts for 1.5 kWh and can be recharged by regenerative braking and a system which takes energy from exhaust gases. The company estimates a combined consumption of 47 mpg, and boasts a electric-only mode for the first time, limited to 55 mph. After being officially presented during this year’s New York Auto Show, this car will go on sale in the end of the year.