2013 Malibu Debuts as "ECO" For $25,995

Never let it be said that the General has lost its touch for whimsy. Other manufacturers may simply introduce a new mid-sized sedan… but where’s the fun in that? Far better to build both the old car and the new car at the same time, sell them side-by-side, and make sure customers can only buy the new one in a highly-specialized trim level. That way, all that pesky new-car fever is thoroughly dissipated and the public has completely lost interest by the time the mainstream models are available.

Without further ado, then, here’s your 2013 Malibu, available solely in “eAssist” form for the first half of 2012.

The new car will sell for $25,995 including destination and is projected to achieve fuel-economy ratings of 26city/38hwy. It’s claimed to be 130 pounds lighter than the standard model, which won’t be built until the summer. There are a few surprise-and-delights in the standard features list, including keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps, and a 7-inch touchscreen for the innovatively-named “Chevrolet MyLink”. Apparently “MyChevyTouch” was taken or something.

Chevrolet’s far from the first manufacturer to introduce a new model on a split-availability system, but normally it’s done for vehicles where there is an established, conservative buyer base which may prefer the older model. (The last two major F-Series introductions were examples of this, particularly the 1996/1997 run which saw very strong sales from the old truck.) The Camcord market doesn’t work this way. The Eco models will simply make the other Malibus on the showroom floor look like used cars, albeit used cars which are significantly more handsome than their successors. When the current Malibu was introduced, the old car was renamed “Classic” and sold exclusively to rental fleets. It wasn’t a super-brilliant idea, and it’s less so now.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Appearing in a rental fleet near you… next to a 2012 Malibu!