MotorTrend First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

FenwickHockey65 · 09-16-2011, 11:30 PM

First Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
Link to Article

By Todd Lassa
September 16, 2011

Quote:

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.

COPO_Chevy · 09-16-2011, 11:48 PM

Interesting read and looks to me like another stealer car from GM.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 09-16-2011, 11:55 PM

That looks so good. And I especially love the rear end...

Such a natural progression from the current model's design.

TOMS1SS · 09-17-2011, 12:44 AM

Good for the Malibu, looks solid. Sad that its beating out the naturally aspirated Sonics so soundly on EPA ratings though.

JusticePete · 09-17-2011, 12:55 AM

GM's hot streak continues!

*DGthe3* · 09-17-2011, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOMS1SS

Good for the Malibu, looks solid. Sad that its beating out the naturally aspirated Sonics so soundly on EPA ratings though.

When did they announce the fuel economy for the NA Sonic? They released the numbers for the 1.4L turbo today (29/40) which, if my math is correct, is better than their estimates for the Malibu Hybr ... err ... 'Eco'

FenwickHockey65 · 09-17-2011, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGthe3

When did they announce the fuel economy for the NA Sonic? They released the numbers for the 1.4L turbo today (29/40) which, if my math is correct, is better than their estimates for the Malibu Hybr ... err ... 'Eco'

The 1.8L does 35 MPG highway.

TheCaptain · 09-17-2011, 07:10 AM

That is one good looking car!

09-16-2011, 11:55 PM	#3
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,873 View My Garage	That looks so good. And I especially love the rear end... Such a natural progression from the current model's design. __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

09-17-2011, 12:44 AM	#4
TOMS1SS Drives: NA Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NA Posts: 12,126 View My Garage	Good for the Malibu, looks solid. Sad that its beating out the naturally aspirated Sonics so soundly on EPA ratings though. __________________ El funcionario señor de los desiertos de Mojave y Sonora.

09-17-2011, 07:10 AM	#8
TheCaptain N7 Spectre Drives: 14 ATS Performance 3.6L AWD Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 2,732 View My Garage	That is one good looking car! __________________

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09-16-2011, 11:48 PM	#2
COPO_Chevy Drives: 2015 Malibu 1LT; '87 Grand Prix LE Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chilton, Wisconsin Posts: 480	Interesting read and looks to me like another stealer car from GM.

09-17-2011, 12:55 AM	#5
JusticePete Drives: Camaro Justice Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 20,171	GM's hot streak continues!