Chevrolet’s new Malibu jumps to the head of midsize class
It’s a tricky thing waxing enthusiastic about an affordable American midsize sedan. Yet that could all change with the introduction of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
Yes, you read that correctly. If Chevrolet can overcome the longtime blandness associated with the Malibu nameplate, it’s going to have a winner on its hands. This really is the best non-luxury midsize sedan on the market currently, and that’s coming from an admitted fan boy of the Dodge Charger in all its trim levels (but especially the V6 all-wheel-drive version).
Rare is the vehicle that has me thinking one minute after driving it, “This is a great car.’’ It fits the driver like a glove. Chevrolet has succeeded in creating a driver-oriented cockpit with intuitive controls in easy reach.
How well designed is this sedan? The driver’s side door grab curves towards you for an easier grip. It’s a small detail some might overlook, but once used will make you wonder why every car doesn’t have it. In a world of hard-touch surfaces, it’s nice to have a curve instead of a hard angle greeting your hand whenever you close the door.
You’re going to want to close that door a lot and drive the Malibu a lot. The model loaned to me by Chevrolet for review came equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo. It’s the perfect combination of docile around town and dominating on the highway.
It produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, yet it is rated by the EPA at 22 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. The city numbers were easily achieved. The highway numbers, not so much, because it’s just so tempting to jackrabbit accelerate this car.
The eight-speed automatic transmission helps facilitate crisp accelerations. The Malibu works effortlessly through the gears and there is no noticeable turbo lag.
However, performance is not the be all and end all. This Malibu handles well, in spite of a wheelbase that has been stretched 3.6 inches and its overall length extended 2.3 inches. (One no longer need feel cramped inside a Malibu.) The electric rack-and-pinion power steering was spot on in all situations.
Something really smart that Chevy did is borrow heavily from the recently redesigned Impala, the Malibu’s big brother. I liked the slim, sweeping headlights as well as the dual port grille. A little research helped me pin down why I like the exterior so much. Chevy has added three body-side creases that, cliché alert, make the Malibu look like it’s moving when standing still.
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The Malibu comes with all types of technology. It adds several new-to-Malibu safety technologies, including lane keep assist, front pedestrian braking, and low speed front automatic braking. Teen Driver technology also lets parents know how their young drivers piloted the car while not under adult supervision. It is available on LT and standard on Premier trims.
Just like any current midsize on the market, there is a wide range of prices. You can get a nicely equipped LS model with a 1.5-liter turbo, four cylinder engine for $23,995 all the way through to the Premier trim level with the 2.5-liter turbo starting at $31,795. (All prices are before $875 destination charge.) The Malibu stacks up well against competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu
THE BASICS
Price: base (with destination): $24,870. Fuel economy: 22 city/33 highway/26 combined. Drivetrain: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo. Body: midsize sedan.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 250 @ 5,300 rpm. Torque: 258 @ 1,700 rpm. Overall length: 193.8 in. Wheelbase: 111.4 in. Height: 57.7 in. Width: 73.0 in. Curb weight: 3,278 lbs.
THE GOOD
Where to begin? Both interior and exterior styling are home runs. The 2.0-liter turbo is a great engine and fairly fuel efficient. Plus, it all comes at a good price point.
THE BAD
It’s a small detail, but premium fuel is recommended for the 2.0-liter turbo engine. Your fuel economy will drop if you use the allowable regular unleaded.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Chevrolet describes the Malibu as a “contemporary Chevy.’’ In the past that would have meant it was a nice looking rental car. Now, it means something totally different. This is the instant leader in the affordable midsize class.
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