After a two pic tease last week, the Chevrolet Malibu has been fully unveiled online ahead of its Shanghai world debut. Like the Cruze, the Malibu is now a global car intended for nearly 100 markets on six continents. This is a first for Chevy, as the Malibu was previously a domestic Camry/Accord fighter, while some overseas markets got the dreary Epica to do the same job.
The new Malibu features a global lineup of four-cylinder engines that “complements its European-inspired driving characteristics”. Of the range, they’re focusing on the new Ecotec 2.5-litre direct injection unit. This DOHC engine features “enhanced authority” continuously variable valve timing, variable-displacement oil pump and electronic thermostat that save fuel.
Said to deliver “V6-like performance”, the Ecotec is estimated to have 190 hp and 245 Nm, which is quite a bit more than a Mazda6 with the same displacement.
The engine has noise-reducing features such as a cast exhaust manifold, steel crank, low-noise timing chain and direct mount accessories. It’s mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic with features designed to enhance efficiency. They include changes to clutch controls and hardware that improves shift response and time. These enabled engineers to specify higher gearing to improve cruising efficiency while maintaining performance and driveability.
With a “body structure as stiff as any” in the midsize market (as Americans call this size of cars), the Malibu sits on MacPherson strut front and mutli-link rear suspensions. The steering is of the EPS variety with “variable-effort” function.
Large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, are expected to deliver segment-best stopping distance. Airbags will include side, knee, roof rail and second-row head/thorax ones.
In terms of appearance, there’s nothing really unexpected. The exterior features a prominent Chevy dual-port grille, projector HIDs and Camaro inspired LED dual-element taillamps. The smallest wheels are 17-inch items. Inside, the Malibu gets Chevy’s usual “dual cockpit” design and ice blue lighting, although the overall look doesn’t look very contemporary for a new car. The cabin is 113 litres larger than the previous model’s.
In the US, Malibu will come with Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package at launch. It builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio. There’s a six-inch deep storage area behind the seven-inch touch-screen that can flip open.
Selected US models also get electronically controlled integrated active aero shutters (lower air intakes are sealed when cooling isn’t needed) to improve aerodynamics (claimed to be segment best, Cd is near 0.28) and enhance fuel economy without sacrificing the exterior design.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
That’s one heckuva busy-looking centre stack!
That’s actually not bad..have seen worse centre stacks before
The car looks fantastic n the spec list is not bad either..if they bring this in n price it properly to rival the accord n camry it would be interesting
Every excuse for a button is there!
Agreed, but somehow it fits perfectly well with the rough-n-tumble American image I associate with the Malibu. It’s like how the Volt uses the same center stack, but manages to make it look like something out of Tron.
They’re trying this whole “drives like a Chevrolet, but looks like a Chevy” thing. So far, I think it’s working.
the front bumper look alike inspira, isn’t it?
lets hope naza can ckd this and sell it for a good dollar
lol camaro inspired butt
wonderful design L.O.V.E
What is it now a days with all this touch screen crap? I have found it to be almost dangerous to use while driving. Give me simple buttons please! All these useless high tech crap are just another reason cars nowadays are overpriced.
hehehe, and yet without it, a car get’s labeled out-dated or old by certain quarters out there..
Don’t get me wrong, I am not against moving with the times, but whatever tech manufacturers put in has got to be intuitive enough so as to not distract the driver.
Cheers :)
damn nice car…love the exterior design
Looks nice and the spec sheet is certainly not bad at all.A good effort from Chevy to actually compete in Asia.Don’t know from my source if DRB-Hicom has any plans to launch it here in the near future.Has the latest Camaro’s ass though..
When i was working and living in the U.S along time ago,the older generation Malibu’s from the 60″s were quite popular with hot rodders and the lowrider clans.Huge cars with equally huge big block V-8’s.Gas was dirt cheap and the roads were excellent.
I owned a 1969 Chevy Camaro Z-28 with a 427ci V-8 tuned by myself to produce 650 wheel HP on pump gas and also a 1967 Ford Mustang 390GT Fastback.Rowdy cars,full of attitude and they don’t quite like to go around corners fast which i duly sorted.I simply love them muscle cars.
This new offering from Chevy certainly retains it’s classic muscle look but with a modern twist.Good to see them still in the game,though without the trademark Detroit V-8 anymore.This ride also rebadged as a Vauxhall in the U.K,the Holden in Down Under and the Opel variant in Germany.Essentially,all these sister brabds are owned by GM.
A nice effort.Cheers.
front look got a little bit volvo design
Good looking car with very modern specification. This will sell well. I like the 5-spoked rims too. Good packaging.
Bring this car over here, i’ll gladly take this over a Civic or heck, a Camry.
wow sexy rear end , but hopefully none of those who buy it put bumblebee color scheme on it
wood trim on d steering wheel doesn’t work for me…..i think d wood trim is not needed at all….
Chevy brand has lost it’s glitters in Malaysia market.
Naza has wrongly priced the Cruze 1.8 above Forte 2.0. hope they would no repeat the same mistake with K5 & Malibu.
Too many choice in D-Segment now, Malibu wouldn’t make it.
Nice , but will not sell well in Malaysia bcos of brand name. It happened to Cruze now. haizzz.
It can potentially be a popular choice if the Chevy brand is managed properly by you know who’lar…
We gave them a try during the Optra era… but after that… sigh!!
The rear lights remind me of camaro.Nice.
Bring it in… like NOW!
Simply awesome and now i could say Perfect car all around.
Specs offer inside and out are simply Unbeatable.
Japan cars are simply basic cars in front American and European Cars
See when it will land in Malaysia and how much Rm.
Congrates Chevy
Muscular looking sedan without being over the top. It’s certainly interesting. Looking forward to seeing it on our shores.
awesome exterior….but shame on the interior.