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First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
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By Todd Lassa
September 16, 2011

In Motor Trend's September cover story on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Mark Moussa said that the latest car on GM's Epsilon II platform would split the ride-handing trade-off between the Opel Insignia (stiffer) and Buick Regal (softer). Although limited first drives on a company's own proving grounds never tell the full story of how good or bad a new model is, a limited first drive at GM's Milford Proving Grounds has Moussa's back.

Chevrolet offered us only the Eco version of this new Malibu, since the non-eAssist 2.5-liter four isn't ready yet. Like the Buick Regal and LaCrosse eAssist models, the 2.4-liter Ecotec four's eAssist replaces the alternator with a 15-kW motor generator connected to a 115-volt lithium-ion powerpack tucked behind the rear seat, eating up some trunk space and producing regenerative braking. Chevy expects the EPA will give it a healthy 26/38 city/highway mpg estimate when it's tested later.

Full review and plenty of real-world photos at the link.