Chevrolet’s Malibu jumps into a sea of redesigned midsize sedans for 2013, but it has been done so well that it should be able to hold its own — and even stand out — among its key competitors.
The fuel-efficient Malibu Eco model arrived first, in April, and this fall, the rest of the models joined the lineup.
Malibu prices range from $22,390 for the base LS model to $30,165 for the top-of-the-line 2LTZ version with a turbo engine — the model tested for this report.
Both the 3LT and 2LTZ come with the truly fun turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine — the first turbo ever in a stock Malibu.
General Motors doesn’t offer a V-6 engine option in the 2013 Malibu, but after a few turns behind the wheel of the turbo-equipped model, my reaction was, “Who cares?” This engine offers the zip of a V-6, but the fuel economy of a four.
With the standard six-speed automatic transmission, the Malibu with the turbo is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city/30 highway. This engine cranks out 259 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, compared with 197 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque for the 2.5-liter normally aspirated base Malibu four-cylinder.
Chevy also offers the more fuel efficient Eco model, which comes with General Motors’ new eAssist mild-hybrid system, designed to boost fuel economy significantly over that of the previous generation’s four-cylinder engine. EPA ratings are 25 mpg city/37 highway.
The mild-hybrid system uses a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack to power a 15-horsepower electric motor built into the car’s six-speed automatic transmission. The motor is intended primarily to boost acceleration at highway speeds.
The eAssist system has the same automatic stop/start technology found in full hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, which cuts off the gasoline engine when the car comes to a stop.
The engine restarts automatically and quite smoothly when the gas pedal is pushed. But while the car is sitting still the engine remains off, saving gas.
Cutting off the engine during stops helps push up the Malibu Eco’s mileage in the city, while the electric motor gets most of the credit for the car’s good highway rating. The electric motor helps give the four-cylinder engine the feel of a V-6, but with much better fuel economy.
Eco design features that are intended to help increase fuel economy include lightweight components and systems such as an aluminum hood and rear bumper beam, and low-mass carpet and dash mat, taking 130 pounds out of the car. Goodyear low-rolling-resistance 17-inch tires are included as well. They reduce friction on the road, which gives a slight increase in fuel economy.
Last year, the Malibu was Chevy’s third-best-selling model, behind the Silverado pickup and the new Cruze compact.