It’s been rumored that a diesel engine is in store for the Chevy Malibu. But the 2019 Malibu refresh came and went, and a diesel engine was nowhere to be seen. Even so, that doesn’t mean that we should abandon hope on a Malibu Diesel, since new information suggests that such a model is currently in development.
New photos obtained exclusively by GM Authority show a Chevy Malibu Diesel prototype undergoing testing in South Korea. The vehicle features a yellow DIESEL label above the infotainment system screen along with black camo in the front and rear.
The GM Authority Take
These shots should serve as good confirmation as any that a diesel mill is coming to the Chevy Malibu.
Though it’s unknown what engine will power the vehicle, we are not aware of GM having any diesel motors outside the 1.6L I-4 LH7 to shoehorn under the hood. In the Chevy Cruze Diesel, the motor is mated to the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission. The combination is rated at 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, as well as 31 mpg city and 47 mpg highway for the Cruze Diesel sedan, and 30 mpg city and 45 mpg highway for the Cruze Diesel hatch.
Expect the Malibu Diesel to join the lineup in the very near future, either for the 2019 model year or for the mid-2019 model year, as a 2019i model.
Hat tip to GM Authority reader Wu.
About Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan sold in most markets where Chevrolet has a business presence. It is currently the brand’s second-largest sedan in the U.S. and Canada, slotting above the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic and compact Chevrolet Cruze but under the full-size Chevrolet Impala.
The current, ninth-generation model was introduced in 2016. It rides on the GM E2 platform shared with the Buick Regal, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Holden Commodore NG, and the Cadillac XT4.
The 2019 model year represents the fourth year of production of the ninth-gen Malibu, for which the vehicle received a midcycle enhancement, otherwise known as a facelift or refresh consisting of revised exterior styling, a new RS trim level, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for L, LS, LT and RS models, a new infotainment system, and a new 8-inch reconfigurable driver information center (DIC), among a other new features.
The Chevrolet Malibu is produced across the following three GM plants globally:
- GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, USA – supplying the Americas
- GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea – supplying Eurasia
- Shanghai GMÂ Jinqiao North in China (GM China) – supplying China
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Comments
South Korea is like most of Europe as they’re a diesel society and it makes sense to test the Chevrolet Malibu Diesel prototype there as selling how it’ll be capable of 40+ mpg would make it competitive with other diesel vehicles in the country.
With that said, I wonder what the odds are that this powertrain could also show up in the USofA too.
Doesn’t GM still have the 2.0 liter from the first gen Cruze Diesel? I feel that would be much more appropriate for the Malibu than the 1.6.
They do, and it’s archaic. The 1.6L is used in the insignia in Europe and it makes a bit more power there, while being an efficiency champion. Don’t hold your breath for the 2.0, especially since this Malibu is light as a feather.
I guess if they could tune the 1.6 to Insignia-spec levels they could use it.
Holden has a 2.0lt diesel (RPO code LFS) in the new Commodore, which is the platform mate to the Malibu.
I can’t see why they wouldn’t use that engine.
The Chevy Equinox also has a Diesel engine option.
Get this ! June 2018 sales of expensive vehicles imported to Korea . Mercedes 6248 , BMW 4196 , Audi 1282 , Ford/Lincoln 1109 Cadillac 142 . Overall sales by manufacturer : Hyundai 59,494 , Kia 46,000 , Ssangong 9,684 , GM 9,529 (add Caddy sales of 142 m/l . GM beat on the workers to lower wages , almost closed the Plant , because of unprofitable business . I think GM should be beat on for selling crappy designs , must be crappy cause GM sold approx. 16% of Hyundai’s sales….unreal ! It isn’t the workers in my opinion , GM top Management including Barra should be fined 500,000. each for poor performance . . Whenever there are problems with a company , you start at the TOP , not the bottom ! Cadillac to me is a joke with 2% of Mercedes sales , Ford/Lincoln sells 1,100 , Caddie 142 . The Germans sold 11,726 of their expensive models in June 2018
Who says MB and BMW sales nothing but the most expensive models?. GM in SK sells Chevy, Buick, Caddy where MB and BMW sells MB and BMW. Don’t think a Benz cargo van or a stripper 2-Series screams Europe’s excellence.
I’m the owner of an 06′ Malibu LT, and I have to say I love my car. However, I’d like to be the GUINEA pig and the first to try the new Malibu diesel if given the chance ?. What you think GM? Are you willing to give me a chance to get the trial testimony out?
GM kept the GM Powertrain development center in Torino, Italy, to develop newer and more efficient diesel engines.
Expect more
GM can use the 2.0 diesel of the Insigna and the first gen Cruze rate at 165 hp and a biTurbo diesel in the Insigna rated at 195 hp I think that could be awesome.
GM has new diesels coming from in house. Much like the 3l I6 in the new 2019 1/2 Silverado and Sierra. The 1.6 diesel in the Cruze and Equinox GM gets(buys)from Holden.