What do you look for in a midsize sedan? Style? Comfort? Performance? Fuel economy? How about a car that has it all? Let me introduce you to the all-new
Chevrolet Malibu.
This new
Malibu is a crowd pleaser. Let's begin with styling. I like
Malibu's strong athletic stance with elegant lines and bold proportions. Up front, you'll find a dual-port grille separated by the familiar Chevy bow-tie emblem. The new
Malibu is very attractive. I received many compliments from other motorists during my week-long test.
Malibu shares its platform with the new Saturn Aura, but it features unique styling inside and out. Slip inside the new
Malibu and you'll be greeted by a roomy and comfortable cabin.
Malibu easily accommodates five adults with plenty of head and legroom. The interior's attention to detail was a pleasant surprise to me as I was impressed with the overall cabin feel and abundance of premium materials.
The new
Malibu has greater storage, too, including a deep center console with a sliding cover that opens to accept larger items.
Also standard is an in-dash storage compartment on the instrument panel for sunglasses, CDs and other items. A household-style 110-volt AC power outlet is available, too.
The new
Malibu is offered in three well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ - all with standard head-curtain side airbags and front-seat thorax airbags, traction control, OnStar with remote diagnostics and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.
Both LS and LT models come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Optional in LT and standard in LTZ models is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.4-liter is rated at 169 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. The V-6 is rated at 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Both engines run on regular unleaded fuel.
The four-cylinder helps the
Malibu deliver a respectable 22/30 mpg and provides adequate acceleration. Those wanting more ponies will likely be more than satisfied with the power provided by the V-6.