[Number 3]

Here is the deficiency with the Malibu.

Wheelbase is the shortest in the class. And typical of most GM cars, rear seat room is worse. GM has had a problem for years in this regard.

Also what is hurting the Malibu is mass. It is several hundred pounds more than the Altima. So it handles a little less crips and accelertes a little less quick.

Note the Malibu 2 inches shorter in rear seat leg room than the competition.

Soooooo other than tweaking front seat backs and rear seat cushions these are not things that coud be easily changed in an "emergency refresh".

Malibu needs to lose 200 pounds (boy does THAT sound familiar) and gain wheelbase.