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

Jack Baruth
by Jack Baruth

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!

Jack Baruth
Jack Baruth

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  • 22_RE_Speedwagon 22_RE_Speedwagon on Nov 22, 2011

    Now that you mention it, I *think* I saw one of these yesterday behind some velvet ropes at the SF auto show. Feel free to dry hump the ZR1 but hands off the Malibu!

    • Tifighter Tifighter on Nov 22, 2011

      Yeah, it is at the SF show. Hard to remember though, right?

  • Kita Ikki Kita Ikki on Nov 22, 2011

    The 43/39 MPG 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE lists for $25,900. $95 less than the 26/38 MPG "e-Assist" Malibu.

    • See 1 previous
    • Tekdemon Tekdemon on Nov 23, 2011

      @dan1malk You're looking at pics of a top of the line Malibu not the base price Malibu ECO. And that "wood" pattern in the Malibu looks like dog poop in person, I have no idea who decided that that would be a good pattern to go with-it doesn't look like wood in the small pics on the internet and up close it looks like someone tried to draw wood grain with a marker. Also seriously GM cut it out with the stupid rubberized textures everywhere like the roll-up cover on the center console (behind the shifter)-the last thing I want in my interior is a super sticky rubbery material to suck up every last spec of dust available.

  • Joe This is called a man in the middle attack and has been around for years. You can fall for this in a Starbucks as easily as when you’re charging your car. Nothing new here…
  • AZFelix Hilux technical, preferably with a swivel mount.
  • ToolGuy This is the kind of thing you get when you give people faster internet.
  • ToolGuy North America is already the greatest country on the planet, and I have learned to be careful about what I wish for in terms of making changes. I mean, if Greenland wants to buy JDM vehicles, isn't that for the Danes to decide?
  • ToolGuy Once again my home did not catch on fire and my fire extinguisher(s) stayed in the closet, unused. I guess I threw my money away on fire extinguishers.(And by fire extinguishers I mean nuclear missiles.)
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