Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu offers suave interiors keeping in line with its name and segment. The most striking feature inside the cabin is the ice blue colored ambient lighting that runs across the dash and gives a breath of fresh air to the vehicle. The dash also has curves on the passengers side that makes it appear very smooth and flowing. The next thing that attracts is the 7 inch touchscreen control display on the center console that can also be used as an entertainment system. The steering wheel as such is the traditional 3 spoked Chevrolet steering which embeds audio, and hands-free calling features. The dials behind the display are designed uniquely and have two separate columns for two information units. The color of the interior is calming and pretty soothing to the eyes as well.

Interior Comfort:

The interiors of the Malibu has many comfort features like 7 inch touchscreen display that serves as the monitor for the rear parking camera and also as a source of entertainment. Below that is a compartment for storing your sunglasses. The AC vents are within the lines of the dash and offers proper cooling of the cabin. The steering gets mounted controls for the sound system as well as for telephone reception. One more button on the steering is the auto cruise button that enables the cruise control of the car. The seats are comfortable and the front seat gets bucket seats which offer ample thigh and lumbar support. It also has automatic climate control to maintain ambient temperature. Other features to enhance comfort are remote ignition, push start button and head light washers.

Interior Measurements:

The interiors of the Malibu are spacious and offer ample room for 5 passengers, with 3 on the rear seat sitting comfortably. The boot space is also a very sumptuous 462 litres which is sufficient for day to day requirements.

Stereo and Accessories:

The 7 inch touch screen display of the Malibu is an underlining feature of the car. It offers a great source of infotainment and comes with a Chevrolet My link Radio and a sound system compatible with AM/FM, AUX, USB, CD/DVD and Bluetooth. The output comes from a 6 speaker sound system. There is also a smart-phone integration function that integrates your phone with the audio system of the car.

The exteriors of the Malibu are kept elegant and nothing fancy has been rendered to the design. The front grille has been kept the same as classic Chevrolet, black along with chrome outlining. The headlamps also looks elementary and serves its purpose efficiently with its tunnel detection technology. The round fog lamps as such are also not extravagant. The hood and the side panel of the car are kept classic and all these features combined, gives the car a classic and imperial feel. To add to the luxury, the windows are also outlined with chrome that looks pleasant and the chrome door handles underlines the elegance. The rear lamps are distinct with a shape of two separate boxes and looks appealing. The overall length of Chevrolet Malibu gives it a nice elongated feel which is always a plus point for a luxury sedan. According to the official website, some aspects have also been inspired from the Camaro and it indeed is evident in the simplicity of its looks. Other additions embedded on the exterior are the side indicators mounted on the wing mirrors that has increased visibility and the rear parking assist camera situated on the rear bumper that is also very functional. The broad rear of the Malibu also imparts it a muscular street presence without compromising its elegance. Chevrolet Malibu is launched in Malaysia under 4 colors which are Red, Black, White and Silver.

Exterior Measurement:

The L x W x H exterior measurements of the Malibu are 4865mm x 1855mm x 1465mm respectively which are considerably long for a mid sized sedan. The hood of the Malibu is also pretty elongated. The wheelbase, determining the cabin space is also embedded with more than decent dimensions measuring 2737mm with a front track of 1583 mm and a 2mm broader rear track of 1585 mm.

Wheels:

To complete the chassis, Chevrolet Malibu is appointed with big 18-inch alloy wheels with V spokes. As such, the standard tyres on the Malibu measure 245/45 R18.

Chevrolet Malibu delivers an efficient mileage clocking 12.8 kmpl which is pretty appreciable for a 2.4-litre engine churning out 165 hp maximum power output. It comes with a big fuel tank of 76 litres leaving you with ample fuel for long journeys. The ECOTEC engine also ensures minimum emissions from the engine.

The Malibu comes equipped with a 2.4-litre DOHC (Double Over Head Cam) ECOTEC engine that churns out a great 165 hp maximum power output at 5,800 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring 225Nm at 4,600 rpm. These numbers ensure that apart from the luxury, the Malibu also has some amount of sportiness in its soul. Complimenting this engine configuration is a 6 speed automatic transmission that could also be changed to the manual mode if you want to do the shifting yourself. The technology is named Driver Shift Control. The ECOTEC badge on the engine implies that this engine maintains fuel efficiency and minimizes emissions from the vehicle.

Power:

The Malibu has ample power under its hood. The 2.4-litre DOHC ECOTEC engine churns out 165 horse power at 5800 rpm and a max torque of 225Nm at 4600 rpm. These numbers are commendable for an entry-level luxury car like Malibu.

Acceleration:

Chevrolet Malibu offers a speedy 206 kmph which is impressive and a 0-100 kmph acceleration in just about 9.6 seconds. This enhanced speed count of Chevrolet Malibu is credits to the Intake Valve Lift Control system which operates in a low-lift mode such that engine pumps out only the amount of air which is needed for driver's requirement. This results in exceeding fuel economy and greater performance at lower speeds.

The brakes on the Malibu are 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS on all 4 wheels. The "StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Brake Assist" ensures that the ride is stable even at high speed turns and cornering while braking. The front chassis on Chevrolet Malibu appoints McPherson Strut suspension while multi-link torsion beam suspension is sported on the rear.

Safety and Security:

On the safety front Chevrolet Malibu comes equipped with 4 frontal and thorax side-impact for driver and front passenger. There is also ABS and StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System along with Brake assist that keeps the car in the same track in which it is traveling and not letting it discourse especially on turns. The tyre pressure monitor system also ensures right amount of tyre pressure to prevent tyre skidding and maintaining proper grip on the road. For security there are power programmable door locks along with child safety locks on the rear seats and a Theft Deterrent System to secure the car.