Outside of the battle on fuel economy, safety, and in-car technology that has become the battleground of the automotive industry over the last several years, other technology features are becoming important parts for certain consumer segments. Take, for instance, the ability to lock/unlock and start a car while never taking the key out of your pocket, also known as passive entry and push-button start.
The 2013 Chevy Malibu offers a four-door passive entry system that makes use of four small buttons that allow the driver to unlock the driver’s door with a single press and all four doors and the trunk with two presses — rounding out to the convenience of the midsize sedan.
The system, which was first only available on high-end luxury cars, uses the Malibu’s closed-loop wireless communication system, thereby verifying that the proper key fob is within acceptable range (of about three feet). Each fob is unique to its vehicle, so there is “practically no chance of false unlocks” according to General Motors.
“Available passive entry on all of the doors was a feature we wanted to offer our Malibu customers,” said Phil Carlisle, Chevrolet Malibu product manager. “It’s small things like this that can go a long way in making everyday use of your vehicle easier.”
A single press of the button on the driver’s door handle unlocks the driver’s door. Engineers decided against automatically unlocking the door upon the key fob holder approaching the vehicle since the tactile-based approach provided better functionality and increased control.
“This system truly keeps the driver in full control of the car,” said Ron Asmar, lead engineer for vehicle access. “We investigated fully passive systems where the key fob would automatically unlock the door when a person was within a certain distance, and decided against it. We wanted to make sure that the system prevented the car from unlocking just because the person and fob were close to it, such as when walking through the garage to take the garbage out.”
The passive entry system is available on the top-of-the-line Malibu LTZ as part of the LTZ Premium Package — a $1,000 option that also includes High-Intensity (HID) Discharge headlamps and driver memory seat and outside mirrors. However, the LTZ Premium Package currently requires the addition of both the Electronics and Entertainment Package ($1,900) and the Advanced Safety Package ($395) — thereby making the passive entry system a $3,295 feature. For reference, here is what each of the two required packages contain:
Electronics and Entertainment Package – $1,900
- Universal Home Remote
- Pioneer premium 9-speaker system
- 120-volt power outlet
- Rear Vision Camera
Advanced Safety Package – $395
- Forward Collision Alert – continually monitors the distance between you and the driver ahead; based on the proximity of the vehicle and your speed, a warning sound will alert you to a possible collision.
- Lane Departure Warning – a warning sound will alert the driver if the vehicle begins to cross a detected lane without signaling; an indicator light also flashes in the gauge cluster.
The 2013 Malibu is Chevy’s first global midsize sedan that’s sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Even though it possess many desirable and attractive qualities, such as being the first 2013 midsize car to earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and being selected as a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, the vehicle launched to heavy criticism from the mainstream and automotive media. General Motors is working on refreshing the vehicle, which should see increased rear seat legroom and other improvements for the 2014 Malibu.
The GM Authority Take
We are big fans of passive entry and push-button start, but Chevy’s (rather asinine) configuration requirements for the 2013 Malibu — namely, the necessity to equip the car with three packages that all add up to over $3,000 — has us scratching our heads. Our recommendation to The General would be to give the range-topping LTZ the feature as standard equipment… and to stop nickel-and-diming its customers for features competitors (Hyundai Sonata SE and up) offer standard.
Comments
At least it comes with a remote starter. That’s $940 on an 2014 Impala LT
At least it’s standard on the 1LTZ… but you’re right — what’s up with remote start not being standard on the 2LT? That has usually been the case as far as I’m aware.
Surprised you did not say it was a $25,000 feature since you have to buy the car to get it.
Well, the car is a given… The packages — not so much.
Totally agree with the comment on standard equipment on Chevy trim levels. LS/LT/LTZ should be Good/Better/Best. Instead we get levels of equipment within levels that complicate and confuse. There are really two LS versions (base and with the PCR package), several LT versions (1LT, 1LT w/PCN convenience package, 2LT base, 2LT with PCU electronics package, 3LT (same as 2LT plus the 2.0 Turbo) also available with and without the PCU, plus two Eco versions offering there own package levels, and then the two LTZs; 1LZ 2.5 naturally aspirated and 2LZ 2.0 turbo, each available with or without the PCU electronics and PCX luxury packages. This is way too many variations. Add in colors and trims and the possible combinations have to outstrip the actual numbers of Malibus produced by several times.
Although there certainly needs to be some allowance for regional differences (ie heated seats, engine block heaters, sunroofs) KISS should be the goal. Three or four trim levels that are logical steps up, and don’t overlap in price as manhyh do now. At this GM has failed miserably with the 2013 Malibu, along with many other models.
Bob, wow no joke my head is spinning after reading your post… And you know people are cross shopping this vehicle, if they are even remotly confused about options then its automatic they go to the competition… The 2013 BU intro has been a total disaster…
This has got to be about GM and its dealers making the experience seemless and straght forward. I remember asking some friends why they bought a Lexus and a Acura… Both commented that when they walked in they felt they new exactly what they were getting for there money on top of the assumption of quality. The Lexus owners wheel bearings went out at 105,000miles and the dealer wanted 4grand to fix. The Acura owners tranny pooped out at 120,000…
I am beginning to wonder if the same “Emperor’s Clothes” marketers are at work on both the Silverado/Sierra and the Malibu. These guys are selling stuff that are not cutting edge or new and trying to pass them off as such. They are making a mess of the Malibu, a car that lifted Chevy design with its previous iteration. Though an attractive car in essence (from some angles even more so than the previous model), it is being destroyed by a set of amateur marketing strategies. Enough already!
When are HIDs going to finally be a stand-alone, dealer installed option for every vehicle? On top of looking awesome, they are really also a safety feature and provide much better light.
I was told by Chevrolet service that to set up the functions in my 2015 Malibu LTZ using the accessory position just get in, foot off brake, and push the Push to Start. When I do i get a constant chime . How do i mute this chime
I have passive locking and love the concept. Unfortunately I have found situations where it fails 100% of the time. I contacted GM… they said it was designed that way…??? BULL!
Why won’t GM just step up and admit the defect, fix it and provide an even better vehicle and passive locking system?