NEW FOR 2015: - Standard OnStar 4G LTE with WiFi hotspot - New colours: Iridescent Pearl, Butte Red, Sable, Autumn Bronze Following last year’s redesign, there are no major changes to Chevrolet’s Malibu midsize sedan other than a few new colours and an upgrade to the latest version of OnStar’s telematics system that provides 4G LTE and an integrated WiFi hotspot. Another redesign will arrive early next year, with a dramatic new exterior and interior, plus a new full-hybrid powertrain option. Chevrolet’s efforts to update the Malibu have given it a fresher looking interior, and while there’s marginally more room for rear-seat passengers than before, it’s still on the small side for the segment. At least it’s a comfortable car up front; the Impala-like ride soaks up the miles with ease and the cabin is near-silent at highway speeds. Safety is a Malibu strong suit with available blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision warning. The Malibu comes with a choice of two engines, both of which include an idle-stop function: a base 2.5L four-cylinder and a 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder shared in common with the hot Buick Regal GS. With 259 hp and an impressive 295 lb-ft of torque, the turbo ‘Bu is something of an unexpected sleeper. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission on offer. Malibu is offered in LS, LT (1LT, 2LT, 3LT) and LTZ (1LZ and 2LZ) trims. LS includes climate control, cruise control, trip computer, oil-life monitor, tire pressure monitor, remote keyless entry, OnStar, two 12-volt power outlets, tilt and telescoping steering column, illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows with express down, four-way manual two-way power driver’s seat, four-way adjustable passenger’s seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, sliding armrest, alarm, automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors with integrated turn signals, tire inflation kit, and a six-speaker stereo system with AM/FM/CD/MP3, and Bluetooth handsfree phone. Key options include compact spare tire, rear park assist, remote starter, block heater. 1LT adds projector beam headlights, carpeted floor mats, interior ambient lighting, premium cloth upholstery, MyLink infotainment system with seven-inch display, CD player, Bluetooth audio, USB port, satellite radio. Key options include the Power Convenience Package which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body colour side mouldings, cargo convenience net, reverse camera, remote starter, auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power driver’s seat, power driver lumbar seat, and integrated garage door opener; 1LT Sun and Convenience Package which adds Power Convenience Package and a power sunroof. Key standalone options include a compact spare tire, power sunroof, and a block heater. 2LT and 3LT models feature the 2.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged motors respectively. Equipment levels build on 1LT with dual exhaust, remote starter, fog lights, compact spare tire, 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar adjuster, MyLink infotainment system. The Advanced Safety Package adds forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Leather Package adds leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Electronics and Entertainment Package adds body-colour side moulding, cargo net, reverse camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, nine-speaker Pioneer audio system, 120-volt power outlet, integrated garage door opener. Key options include navigation, power sunroof, and a block heater. 2LZ and 3LZ models feature the 2.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged motors respectively. Equipment levels build on the equivalent LT models and add standard dual exhaust tips, chrome door handles, HID headlamps, reverse camera, sunroof, proximity key with push-button start, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, express up and down power windows, heated front seats, leather upholstery, memory driver’s seat and mirrors, eight-way power front passenger seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment, nine-speaker Pioneer audio system, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring system, rear-cross traffic alert, 120-volt power outlet, and integrated garage door opener. 3LZ models also include 19-inch alloy wheels. Key options include navigation and a block heater.
