NEW FOR 2016:
- All-new model.
Malibu, is that you? Chevy’s mainstream sedan has emerged for 2016 a very different beast. Shapely and aggressive in all the right ways, it’s unlike any Malibu before, and easily banishes memories of slab-sided and bland past efforts.
Although its fastback-like profile bears an uncanny resemblance to the Audi A7, the Malibu is a proper sedan. The sloping roofline shouldn’t concern buyers too much – rear-seat headroom is generous. As for legroom, one of the outgoing model’s shortcomings, the new car will happily accommodate leggy occupants. Particular attention has been paid to the interior quality; it’s nicely finished, especially higher trim grades.
Chevrolet has paid particular attention to the Malibu’s driving dynamics. Improvements to the steering and suspension make it effortless to drive over great distances, and the ride is comfortable and controlled. A move to GM’s brand new E2 platform sees some 300 lbs shed in the process, making this one of the lightest models in the segment. There’s also plenty of tech – 10 standard airbags, parking assist, automatic high beams, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, and a new Big Brother-ish Teen Driver function that allows parents to monitor their kids’ driving.
The Malibu is offered with three powertrains, all of which have four cylinders. The base engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which develops 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The uplevel trim uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, carried over from the last generation. Power and torque check in at 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, down from 259 hp and 295 lb-ft, but it drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Returning to the Malibu lineup is a Hybrid powertrain, though this time it’s a proper full hybrid that can drive the vehicle on electricity alone. It uses a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine paired to dual electric motors – a similar layout to Chevy’s Volt.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in L, LS, LT, Premier, and Hybrid trims.
The outgoing Malibu continues to be offered for 2016 as the Malibu Limited.
Malibu L includes 16-inch steel wheels with covers, black antenna, body coloured door handles, solar tinted glass, acoustic windshield and front windows, power exterior mirrors with black caps, compact spare tire, speed-sensitive intermittent wipers, air conditioning with pollen filter, cruise control, carpeted floor mats, trip computer, tire pressure monitoring system, proximity key with push-button start, power locks, dual 12-volt power outlets, tilt and telescoping steering column, dual vanity mirrors with sun visor extension, power windows with auto-down for all windows, cloth upholstery, six-way manually adjustable front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat with centre armrest and cupholders, six-speaker audio system, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, and OnStar.
Malibu LS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, reverse camera, exterior temperature display, compass, 7.0-inch MyLink display audio system with USB port, aux-in jack, Apple CarPlay, and OnStar with 4G LTE and WiFi hotspot.
Key options include cargo tray and trunk organizer, alternate finish mirror caps, splash guards, chrome or body-colour grille, sport metal-finish pedals, and remote start.
Malibu LT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colour antenna, LED daytime running lights, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals in body colour, overhead console, ambient interior lighting, rear reading lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows with driver’s auto up/down, power eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and satellite radio.
Convenience & Technology Package adds remote starter, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 120-volt power outlet, colour trip computer display, 8.0-inch MyLink display audio system, wireless device charging, console USB port, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Driver Confidence Package adds low-speed autonomous emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, following distance indicator, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert.
Leather and Convenience Package adds heated front seats, six-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support, leather upholstery, and nine-speaker Bose premium audio system.
True North Edition Package adds panoramic sunroof, garage door opener, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Key options include navigation, aluminum pedals, power sunroof, cargo tray and trunk organizer, alternate finish mirror caps, splash guards, chrome or body-colour grille, and sport metal-finish pedals.
Malibu Premier adds 19-inch wheels, 2.0 turbocharged engine, dual exhaust with polished tips, remote starter, chrome door handles, LED tail lights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 120-volt power outlet, colour trip computer display, dual-zone climate control, 8.0-inch MyLink display audio system, navigation, wireless device charging, console USB port, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metal scuff plates, heated steering wheel, trunk mat, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory, and nine-speaker Bose audio system.
Driver Confidence Package adds low-speed autonomous emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, following distance indicator, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert.
Driver Confidence Package II adds full-range radar cruise control, full-range autonomous emergency braking, semi-automatic parking assist, and electronic parking brake.
Key options include aluminum pedals, power sunroof, cargo tray and trunk organizer, alternate finish mirror caps, splash guards, chrome or body-colour grille, and sport metal-finish pedals.
Malibu Hybrid builds on LT trim level and adds hybrid powertrain, electronic parking brake, tire inflation kit, dual-zone climate control.
Convenience & Technology Package adds remote starter, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 120-volt power outlet, colour trip computer display, 8.0-inch MyLink display audio system, wireless device charging, console USB port, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Driver Confidence Package adds low-speed autonomous emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, following distance indicator, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert.
Leather and Convenience Package adds heated front seats, six-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support, leather upholstery, and nine-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Key options include navigation, aluminum pedals, power sunroof, cargo tray and trunk organizer, alternate finish mirror caps, splash guards, chrome or body-colour grille, and sport metal-finish pedals.
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