The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is just a solid sedan; it’s a comfortable ride, has great technology and makes a great “sports truck” for hauling all of my kids’ baseball equipment. Even more important, the allnew Malibu earned a five-star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Malibu is Chevy’s first midsize sedan designed and engineered for sale around the world. It has an expressive design, advanced technologies, ride performance and fuel-efficient powertrains. Chevy says it eventually will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents.
In North America, Malibu is available in three trim levels — LS, LT and LTZ, along with the Malibu Eco, which uses fuel saving eAssist technology to achieve an EPAestimated fuel economy of 25/37 mpg. An all-new, fuel-efficient and powerful Ecotec 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a next-generation six-speed transmission leads Malibu’s powertrain lineup. It’s rated at 197 hp and 191 pounds-feet of torque. Also available is a new Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo, rated at 259 hp and 260 pounds-feet of torque.
The Malibu Eco is a hybrid that uses power stored in an air cooled, lithium-ion battery to provide an electrical boost in various driving situations. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through regenerative braking, which provides electricity to charge the battery. The eAssist system is mated to an Ecotec 2.4- liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Malibu carries design cues from sister vehicles Camaro and Corvette. It has an aerodynamic exterior that enhances fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise through the use of such features as low-rollingresistance 17-inch Goodyear tires mounted on lightweight aluminum wheels and active grille shutters that automatically close airflow through the lower opening when air intake is least needed. The shutters are standard on Eco and LS models, as well as the 3LT trim.
With a wider stance, broad shoulders and an integrated rear spoiler, Malibu has a more aggressive appearance. Other exterior design elements include Chevrolet’s dualport grille, projector-beam headlamps, larger Chevrolet bow-tie badges front and rear and new Camaro-inspired dual-element taillights. Malibu LTZ adds LED taillights, chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets, 18-inch alloy wheels and available highintensity discharge headlamps.
On the inside, Malibu has an all-new dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be among the quietest in the midsize segment New Chevrolet MyLink connectivity seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio.
New safety features and
technologies include 10 standard air bags, ultra-highstrength steel, lane departure warning/forward collision warning and rearview camera system.
Pricing on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $22,390 to $30,165.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com
