New York 2015: Chevrolet Malibu Revealed
Published: April 1st, 2015
Share
Well, it’s, uh…different.
The new ‘Bu loses 300 lbs, gains a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0T sticks around, with 250 hp, 258 torques and an 8-speed gearbox. Apparently, the new hybrid will be both quicker than the 1.5L engine while getting 45 mpg combined on the EPA test. And yes, there’s more rear legroom.
More by Derek Kreindler
Comments
Join the conversation
Just as with the Fusion, the Hybrid will be the one to get: loads of torque at all speeds, quiet operation, MPG that's excellent even if it falls 10 MPG short of EPA. No love for tiny turbos in big cars here. I briefly drove a 170 hp turbo Passat, and it's lack of off-idle torque made for some terrifying moments - almost got flattened by an oncoming semi when making a left turn onto the freeway in Texas. (It was later replaced by a V6 Passat, a much better choice.) And those VW turbos are 1.8 or 2.0 liters - imagine what a disaster a low-compression 1.5 liter 4 cylinder would be in a car this size until the turbo spools up.
Every time I look at this car, I like it better. I was highly skeptical at first. But I keep noticing a new shape or line on it every time I see it. I'm getting to be a big fan. And the 300 lbs difference: that takes it down to lightest in class in a flash. Along with what appears will be top in class rear legroom. And it will be highly praised for its nimble, excellent handling by reviewers. Consumers oughta like it too.