Think quick: what’s a feature on the 2013 Chevy Malibu that seems to have been overlooked by the press and the enthusiasts? To me, it’s the center display — the one between the speedometer and tachometer — which has ditched the monochrome scheme in favor of a full color gamut.
This isn’t the first GM model to have a color driver’s information display, since the 2010 (and newer) Buick LaCrosse already sports the beautiful (and much more useful) color screen. In fact, even Caddy’s bread-and-butter CTS range ain’t got the color info display. The Malibu, however, is the first Chevrolet (not counting the Volt’s all-digital color unit) to have the color screen.
Surprisingly, the LaCrosse’s smaller cousin and Malibu’s analogous brother — the Buick Regal — still sports the monochrome monitor. And seeing that Buick is a luxury brand (or at least it’s trying to become one), is it that far of a stretch to imagine that Regal receiving the color display sometime soon? You tell me in the comments!
PS: the Malibu we saw in New York was the top-of-the-line LTZ trim — so we’re not sure whether the color driver’s info display is reserved for higher-end models. We’ve put in a message to our contacts at GM and will update this very article once we hear back.
If you haven’t yet, check out our first impressions of the all-new Malibu’s interior from the New York International Auto Show:
Comments
I think if the system in the 2013 malibu has this center color screen along with the all new high resolution screen with my link or intellink nav which will be on 2012 buicks except for the enclave it would be logical for gm to have this system bundled in lets say the top trim like the 2012 regal gs that will be released this fall since buick is suppose to be a luxury brand now.To a consumer just by getting in one of these 2013 malibu’s the interior alone looks light years and more thought of than the regal I am hoping gm is considering this because what happens when a consumer cross shops a malibu and a regal or lacrosse , I am betting they would lean towards the malibu and correct me if i am wrong doesn’t this malibu have a rear cam also this is all confusing too me ??????????? Bestow your knowledge upon me Mr. luft 🙂
Well, I hope that the color display in the gauge cluster becomes a default feature across all Buicks and Cadillacs — since they are the premium/luxury products. As far as the Malibu goes, I’m not sure if the color screen will be reserved for the top-of-the-line LTZ or 2LT trim levels… we’ll see. I don’t think the Chevy MyLink (high-res color touchscreen in the center stack) is related to the fact that there is the MyLink system and color display in the center… but we’ll see.
As far as the Regal is concerned — I agree that its interior seems to be behind that of the Malibu. Let’s hope we get some updates soon, although I’m not sure what they could change on there — since it’s pretty much a great interior (it’s just that the Malibu’s cabin is so much more modern). Here’s what I would do: all of GM’s luxury products going forward, including Buick and Caddy, should have a color touch screen standard — with navigation as an optional software layer on top of that screen.
And as far as differentiation goes, I think the Regal (and LaCrosse) should offer completely different driving dynamics than their Chevy counterparts — Malibu and future Impala. Whether this involves a much softer (Lexus-like) ride or a much more sporty one, I’m not sure. But the difference in ride/handling, exterior styling, superior cabin materials, better warranty, more luxurious dealer experience/service, as well as the appeal of a luxury brand/image should be more than enough to propel Buick into the luxury sphere — with prices to match.
Will Gm ever give u guy’s a job as a consultant because u hit it dead on. I didn’t realize that the caddy’s didn’t have the color center screen, but doesn’t the srx have some kind of color screen in the center gauge . Although the the regals interior is nice you just can’t notice how the malibu’s inertior is much more superior than it’s counter part it just looks a lot more richer ,upscale and even “premium” for a chevy .There is one more thing to note in speaking of the regal just like u mentioned there isn’t much more they can do to the regal its a stop gap vehicle, a re-branded insignia ,because as far as the malibu goes there should (like u mentioned) be a feature or “features” that differentiate the regal or buicks and this case because im telling u when this malibu hits show rooms next year it will make some of these buicks seem dated I personally don’t know what gm can add to these vehicles to make them that more special. DO U AGREE?
Yeah, totally agree with you on that one. It’s one thing to have the car designed from the groud-up — like the Malibu — in the last few years. But the Insignia/Regal was designed in 2006 — since it began production in 2008! So its interior should feel a bit dated — since its design is about three years old.
This really reminds me of the issue Lexus was facing when the current Camry came out. Its interior was much better than the outdated Lexus ES330 even though the Lexus was almost $10,000 more! Then planets re-aligned and the new ES350 came out with a much better interior that was worth the higher price. At the time, I spoke to a Toyota/Lexus executive who said that they’re not worried about Lexus buyers opting for the cheaper Camry since those customers wouldn’t even consider a Toyota due to the image a Lexus exudes.
We’ll see what happens here — but I really hope Buick finds its footing. We get that it wants to be the more “approachable” luxury brand. But I’m not sure whether that refers to its design or price… judging by the new Malibu, it will have a difficult time convincing buyers to spend more for less (of everything — features, power, style, design, etc.).
PS: you’re right — the SRX is the only Caddy with the color display between the speedo and tach.
Lexus can afford to charge for a more expensive camry just on the brand name and reputation where on the flip side buick is desperately trying to have that “IT’S A LEXUS” rep.I agree with you 100 percent I wouldn’t think twice on buying a fully loaded 2013 malibu over a regal or lacrosse ,especially for the money consumers are being more tight pocket these days when they are shopping in this segment.I hate to say this but just look at the new sonata I can’t begin to tell u how many mid-aged women and men i see driving those ugly little cars(CHEAP).I always ask what made u purchase this car I am curious I am an auto enthusiast there reply ?For the value and features u can’t beat it .
I agree with the faux wood comment. I’m in the 30-something age group, and when I see faux or real wood in a car I go ewwww! It’s close to a deal breaker to me. Give me nice metals or even plastics, but no wood!
Wow, I never noticed that- but it’s a very nice touch. I was reading about the other features on the Johnny Londoff Chevrolet blog and it looks like it’s really pushing the envelope for a car that isn’t marketed as luxury.