As promised, Chevrolet took the covers off an all-new Malibu sedan at the New York Auto Show, revealing sharp new looks, a whole host of new tech features, and a hybrid variant, which is a first for this model. Chevrolet Malibu has always been an easy car to criticize. This time around though, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Right off the bat you notice the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is determined to be a better car. It offers 100mm longer wheelbase than before, and yet it is 300lbs (136 kg) lighter than the current model. The car also looks pretty good, boasting Chevy’s new front grille, some mean-looking headlights, and a square jaw and broad shoulders.
It is in terms of technology though that the new Chevrolet Malibu really shines. With this mid-size, affordable sedan you get some high-end feature such as OnStar 4G LTE in-vehicle connectivity as well as available wireless phone charging, 10 standard air bags, with available features such as Forward Collision Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a new Teen Drive feature which keeps an eye on your kids, very efficient new powertrains.
Speaking of powertrains, 2016 Chevrolet Malibu comes with an all-new Ecotec 1.5L turbo engine with fuel-saving stop/start technology and 160 horsepower; a 2.0L turbo with an 8-speed transmission good for 250 hp; and a Hybrid consisting of a 1.8L four-cylinder engine mated to a two-motor drive unit borrowed from Volt, featuring Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery system and good for 180 horsepower.
“Midsize customers tell us they want great fuel economy, connected technologies, wrapped in a gorgeous exterior. This is exactly what the 2016 Malibu was engineered to do,” said Jesse Ortega, Malibu chief engineer.
