Chevrolet released details of the new Malibu Eco’s most important, and most advanced, fuel saving features to tell us how they managed to create a non-hybrid, mid-size family sedan that is capable of an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway fuel economy. On the top of the list we have GM’s highly-acclaimed eAssist system and Electric Power-assist Steering.

The EPS system in the Chevrolet Malibu Eco helps to improve fuel economy by up to 2.5 percent compared to conventional hydraulic steering systems. In this system the steering has no hydraulic pump connected to the engine, draining its power even when you don’t need it.The electric system has one major drawback though and that’s the lack of feel. While that can be a concern in a sports car, it doesn’t really matter in a family saloon like the Malibu.

Chevy reckons this thing can help customers save approximately 12 gallons annually, or about 120 gallons in a 10-year life. At $4 per gallon, that saves about $50 per year or $500 in 10 years.

The other fuel saving feature is the eAssist, which again utilizes electricity in order to improve fuel efficiency. This system is basically the same as what you may know as KERS, a sort of kinetic energy recovery system that generates electricity while braking or decelerating.

The electricity saved by this is then consumed by other systems, like the electric power assist steering. “There is no silver bullet for improving fuel efficiency,” Chevy reminds us. It’s the combination of small things that make a big difference.