2013 Chevrolet Malibu - Going Global, 38 MPG Eco Model

  • Thread starter Thread starter YSSMAN
  • 30 comments
  • 3,467 views
YSSMAN

YSSMAN

Super-Cool Since 2013
Premium
Messages
21,286
United States
GR-MI-USA
Messages
YSSMAN
Messages
YSSMAN


2013 Chevrolet Malibu - Going Global, Built in the USA​


Fresh off the debut, Chevrolet has officially unveiled their new 2013 Malibu. Based on the Epsilon-II structure beneath the well-reviewed Opel Insignia and Buick Regal, Chevrolet is looking to dominate over 100 markets with their new, global sedan. Although initial details are limited due in part to the officially official unveiling in New York on Wednesday, this is what we know so far from Shanghai...

* New 2.5L direct-injection four-cylinder engine, 190 BHP
* All-new six-speed automatic available on all trim levels
* Likely to be most aerodynamic vehicle in the segment aside from the already slippery Chevrolet Volt
* Highway MPG is supposed to be "well above 30 MPG"
* The Camaro was a strong inspiration for the car, inside and out. Strong rear panels, quad square tail lamps, dual gauges clusters inside
* The Malibu will be the first GM product to receive the new digital, touch-screen radio/multimedia system

It sounds like we're going to be able to expect the typical LS, LT and LTZ trim levels here. It also sounds as though GM is looking to do a Cruze-like Eco model, but that will likely be shown at a later date. No word on a V6, but if it is going like the Regal, it would be a safe bet to see it be four-cylinder-only for now. Although, there is still a lingering rumor that the car would get a V6 and an optional AWD system.

Well, there is this too...

Chevrolet Malibu Eco - 38 MPG
​


So, that's 38 MPG. Nearly as much as a standard Cruze, which nets right around 40 MPG. It has the trick eAssist technology underneath, a mild-hybrid setup that doesn't dramatically increase weight or cut performance. Just as a reference, the Ford Fusion Hybrid nets 42 MPG. No word on pricing, unfortunately.

=-=-=-=-=-=​

Although the car looks pretty typical, if anything a slight evolution of the current style, it is a pretty outstanding vehicle considering the competition. Going out to over 100 markets means that Chevrolet had to put in a lot of work to make it acceptable for everyone, and my guess is that they will have quite a bit of success with it just as they did with the Cruze. I'd love to see a Malibu SS with the Insignia OPC running gear beneath it, but I don't think it'll happen. A man can dream...
 
Last edited:
This is like the car version of an Infiniti QX56. Looks awful up front but gets better as you head for the rear. Not that moms and dads will care, but the front sticks with the fact that Chevy doesn't make very nice looking fronts.

No V6? How's it going to compete with the higher end models of the Fusion, Altima, or Mazda6? (Although it could pull a Hyundai and turbocharge it)
 
I think it looks absolutely neat, GM corporative grill is starting to work on some models. The Old Malibu was boring to look at, this one is much more interesting.

And look at the interior:
006-2013-chevrolet-malibu-ltz.jpg


It does need a V6 option to face the excellent Ford Fusion though.
 
Looks nice. Hope the feel is as good.
As for the MPG claim of "well over 30". I won't hold my breath. I still remember the Equinox and the claimed 32mpg highway.
 
Cale
The optional engine will be the new generation 2.0T
Click to expand...

Probably. If not, it will be the 3.6L V6 that comes in almost everything. The problem is that the 2.0T in the Regal is not enough juice to keep it exciting, but the 3.6L should be par for the course... About 300 BHP. Offer that with AWD, they could have a big winner. Only the Fusion would be able to match it in the segment, however, I'm not sure what the uptake on that would be.
 
From some angles I think it looks fantastic. Others it looks pretty meh. This one makes it look like they put some Chevy stickers on a Camry like in NASCAR.

345bqxc.jpg


Hood and headlights are the exact same shape.
 
It looks like a Ford Taurus and at least I know what my next rental car will look like.

I do think it's a step up from the current Malibu so I do give GM props for bettering their product instead of making it worse. Although I'll have to drive one to know for sure because Chrysler some how managed to make the Sebring just as bad but look better with the 200C.
 
I like the front and the rear but the side is boring in my opinion... That interior is neat though!

I hope this is actually good because I think the Cruze is such a big forward to them.
 
Hideous and not very appealing to me. That interior just looks bleh and you KNOW it will feel like a wheelie bin special. I will take almost any other mid-sizer over this.
 
eSZee
Looks nice. Hope the feel is as good.
As for the MPG claim of "well over 30". I won't hold my breath. I still remember the Equinox and the claimed 32mpg highway.
Click to expand...

The current Malibu with the 2.4 and 6spd auto returns real world hwy numbers around 36-38mpg.
 
Joey D
I do think it's a step up from the current Malibu so I do give GM props for bettering their product instead of making it worse. Although I'll have to drive one to know for sure because Chrysler some how managed to make the Sebring just as bad but look better with the 200C.
Click to expand...

Funny thing about the 200C is that it is apparently a "decent" car now. I can confirm the interior is a lot better than even I had expected, and I wouldn't be completely against owning one. That being said, with Chevrolet going global with the Malibu, and Ford doing the same with the Fusion/Mondeo, the market is going to get pretty interesting here in the US. Really, it all depends on what Honda and Toyota do with the Accord and Camry. I feel like both moved significantly downmarket in this latest round... Perhaps the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima would change it?
 
YSSMAN
Funny thing about the 200C is that it is apparently a "decent" car now.
Click to expand...

I agree. Fully loaded with nav and V6 it's $26K! Pretty impressive value. It was a genuinely nice place to be on the inside.
 
My experience with the Malibu has been in rental trims only. It is nice to look at, and as good to drive as you would expect a car in the segment to drive. In short, it was boring, but adequate. It had good enough looks that you would never be embarrassed to own one, but wouldn't aspire to. This one is just ugly. The rear end especially. I do not get how most people are calling the rear end the best part.
 
How is "over 30mpg" hard to achieve/believe? My dad's 99 V6 Taurus used to get a little over 30mpg all the time, though its seeing its age and just getting about 27 these days. My Civic does 28-30mpg with a less than economy-minded drivetrain. My 87 MR2 gets 28mpg without its top gear.

It seems to me that 30mpg should be pretty standard for anything that isn't an SUV-thing.
 
The last fill up in the Focus and I got 30 on the nose. I about crapped my pants. That was my last hurrah in that car too, as the girl has finally started using it as her DD. 20 bucks says she doesn't get more than 25.

Off topic edit*...I see no reason why the Malibu can't get 30. 30 isn't tough. (For most cars.) I can squeak 28 out of a tank in the Volvo. And that has 32 addtional drive wheels, 1 additional cylinder, 1 extra turbo, lots of extra horsepower and a bit more weight. Yeah, 30 shouldn't be an issue for a 4cyl FWD mid sizer.

Edit number 2** No, my car does not have 17 axles and 34 driven wheels.
 
Last edited:
I couldn't get 30mpg in my SVT Focus if you PAID me. I've never got more than 23-24 that I can remember. :lol:
 
The first couple fill-ups I was convinced I had a fuel leak. I've at least been consistant at 27 though. I guess it's the 2 additional doors that must hurt your economy. :lol:
 
I currently own a 2003 Malibu for the past month and the most I got so far is 24.5MPG with it's 3.1L V6. The car is decent to drive compared to my 2002 Escort.

Though this Malibu reminds me of the Chevy Cruze when I see the front and the taillights don't really seem like they were meant to be there. I do prefer the 2003 radio deck compared to this but it's liveable due to the fact that the buttons are large enough for you to manage the radio without looking at it. I bet there is not much to complain about since it's price is nice.
 
It looks pretty good - I'd have to see it in person to decide whether or not I like the current one more, but it'll definitely be competitive wherever it's marketed! Hooray for Chevy continuing the GM revival! I like it!

Glad to see American cars are finally starting to gain international traction... cars like the current and new Malibu, the CTS, Cruze etc. are a major step in the right direction!
 
nick09
I currently own a 2003 Malibu for the past month and the most I got so far is 24.5MPG with it's 3.1L V6. The car is decent to drive compared to my 2002 Escort.

Though this Malibu reminds me of the Chevy Cruze when I see the front and the taillights don't really seem like they were meant to be there. I do prefer the 2003 radio deck compared to this but it's liveable due to the fact that the buttons are large enough for you to manage the radio without looking at it. I bet there is not much to complain about since it's price is nice.
Click to expand...

I never knew the Malibu continued to use the 3.1. Its the same platform as my Grand Am GT, and that used the 3.4L. I NEVER got over 25mpg in that car. Terrible mileage if I didn't get out on the highway.
 
Well, there is this too...

Chevrolet Malibu Eco - 38 MPG
​


So, that's 38 MPG. Nearly as much as a standard Cruze, which nets right around 40 MPG. It has the trick eAssist technology underneath, a mild-hybrid setup that doesn't dramatically increase weight or cut performance. Just as a reference, the Ford Fusion Hybrid nets 42 MPG. No word on pricing, unfortunately.
 
I wonder why it's using the old 2.4? Surely they could fit the eAssist onto the supposedly more efficient 2.5?
 
I'm not sure. My guess is because they already have it matched with the 2.4L system, and it's already going underneath the eAssist LaCrosse. Less engineering saves money I suppose?
 
its cool if it really goes global and keeps the name malibu , there aint much of huge diffrence between the cruze and it tho ye its a little bigger otherwise not a HUGE diffrence i think it the cruze will still out sell it over seas + over here we we still got the big boy impala
 
crooky369
Are these things still rebadged Daewoo's?
Click to expand...

I think they are an American built car only. Cruze is slightly smaller and probably won't be as high tech/luxury. Cruze is built at multiple sites around the world.
 
YSSMAN
I'm not sure. My guess is because they already have it matched with the 2.4L system, and it's already going underneath the eAssist LaCrosse. Less engineering saves money I suppose?
Click to expand...
Why change it if it works? 38mpg is totally competitive right now so re-engineering would be a waste. It also takes time.

I'm less interested in highway consumption than city consumption that is where hybrids excel. That is where mild hybrids fail to provide excellent benefits. And that is the reason I would still choose the Fusion hybrid, even if it wasn't as big, nice, or even more expensive.

For clarification, the Fusion gets its 40+ number in the city. The Malibu gets high 26s on a good day. Based on the fact that most cars get pretty darn good mileage on the highway, and that most of your wasted gas happens in the city, improved city mileage should be your goal. Damn those 5 minute red lights, damn them to hell.
 

Latest Posts

Back