2014 Chevy Malibu: Here It Is
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Following a lukewarm reception of the completely re-engineered and re-designed 2013 Chevy Malibu, General Motors has just pulled the wraps off the updated 2014 Malibu at a media event in Detroit this morning.
The comprehensive message is that the vehicle has been improved and re-calibrated across the board, with updated styling, a roomier and more refined interior, revised powertrains, and suspension enhancements.
The enhancements include:
- Revised front-end appearance
- Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room
- Redesigned center console
- New 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway – a 5-percent improvement in city mileage and 3-percent greater highway efficiency
- Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand
- Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience
- New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features
“We made changes within 18 months, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to make the Malibu the best car it can be,” said Ken Kelzer, executive chief engineer, global full-size and midsize cars. “The 2014 Malibu has been engineered to deliver more precise ride and handling that is on par with more expensive sports sedans.”
The 2014 Malibu goes on sale this fall.
Exterior Design
The most noticeable difference for the 2014 Chevy Malibu is the exterior design, which has received a noteworthy update. Chevy says that the front-end design is influenced by the all-new 2014 Impala, thereby creating a more cohesive look across Chevrolet’s sedan lineup.
The front-end design changes feature a new and more prominent lower grill, a hood that extends down and over the leading edge of a narrow upper grille, while the grille openings (with black a black grille texture) are wider and accented with chrome.
Interior Design
First and foremost: yes, the 2014 Malibu’s cabin features redesigned seats that result in greater rear-seat space and greater comfort — thereby addressing what has possibly been the biggest complaint of the 2013 model. The front seatbacks are shaped to improve rear-seat knee room, while the rear seat cushions feature new sculpting and revised cushion material to allow passengers to sit deeper in the seats.
Designers trimmed roughly half an inch from the front of the rear seat cushion to increase comfort behind passengers’ legs.
Outside of the changes to the seats, the 2014 Malibu features a redesigned center console with a longer armrest for greater comfort. There’s also a pair of cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.
Improved Powertrains
The 2014 Malibu has a new base engine in the all-new four-cylinder Ecotec 2.5L DOHC with direct injection and Intake Valve Lift Control. The four-banger’s variable intake valve actuation enhances efficiency and helps lower emissions, while also enhancing low-rpm torque for a greater feeling of power at lower speeds. When the iVLC system operates in low-lift mode, the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand. The system switches to high-lift mode at higher speeds or under heavy loads, providing the full output capability of the engine.
In addition, the 2.5L has start/stop technology that shuts down the engine to save fuel when the vehicle stops momentarily (such as at stoplights), contributing to an estimated 5-percent increase in city fuel economy. The engine automatically starts again when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake. An auxiliary battery powers electric accessories such as the climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.
The new 2.5L is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower (145 kW) and 186 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm). Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts also enhance the feeling of performance while delivering greater refinement.
The 2014 Malibu’s optional 2.0L Ecotec turbo engine continues to make 259 horsepower (193 kW), but it now delivers nearly 14 percent more torque than its predecessor — an SAE-certified at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). The increase is the result of new engine calibration and tuning, making the Malibu 2.0L turbo’s torque the best in the segment. In fact, the 2.0L turbo in the 2014 Malibu delivers more torque than competing six-cylinder-engines, resulting in a stronger feeling of acceleration from a stop and a greater feeling of power on demand in almost all driving conditions.
Refined Chassis
The 2014 Malibu features chassis and suspension updates inspired by the all-new 2014 Impala, contributing to a more refined driving experience.
Possibly the most notable update to the refreshed Malibu’s suspension are rebound springs that are internal to the struts, enabling more refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride while improving body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning. This helps keep the wheels planted, contributing to a more precise, controlled feel — especially while cornering.
In addition, electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering is standard and not only saves fuel, but enables nearly effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds. Engineers revised higher-effort calibrations of the 2014 Malibu to improve the overall steering feel. Meanwhile, the brake system has been re-calibrated to make for a more confident feel.
Additional chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.
Enhanced Safety
The 2014 Malibu offers new Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features, adding to the vehicle’s 10 standard air bags and already-strong 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the New Car Assessment Program from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of which are the highest ratings possible.
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I really didnt see what was the problem with the old one. It seems to me that a lot of people are very critical when it comes to gm for whatever reason. Yet they give ford and toyota a pass and praise there cars for being very generic looking. What is it with ford copying ashton martins grill on all there cars? If you look at all of chevys lineup they all look different from one another and thats the way it should be. My name isnt chevyman for nothing… go chevy lol
Not quite sure about this design. It’s a refresh for sure but it looks a bit confused. Not quite Impala-Traverse style, not quite SS style, not quite Cruze style, not quite Sonic-Spark style….
Where is Chevy going with this?
The new Impala will eat this Malibu’s lunch, just like the Verano eats the Regal’s lunch !!
I like it, but I was hoping for more of an Impala nose. The Interior changes look good too. Also, the increase in gas mileage is welcome as well. Now comes the dilemma, at some point the new Malibu or a Cruze, but that is all new in a year also.
WOW! looks like GM has got it’s grove back styling wise. Dare i say it? Are we about to have a modern run of segment dominating styling with the 2013 and newer GM products?
I’ve actually been impressed with every new model dropped this year. I am So glad they didn’t ape the Impala’s gorgeous grill and create yet another sibling rivaling situation with the Malibu and the Impala appearing to overlap one another in price, looks and size – like with previous GM models.
This Malibu refresh is a success! GM has once again managed to bring another very attractive sedan to past! Even though the looks were the least of its problems…..I just hope the rest of the car lives up to those stunning good looks!
needs AWD option, and grey leather option on the LTZ, otherwise beautiful. I thought the 2013 was awesome, this new fron t end looks way more aggressive, I love it.
Hi, the change of Chevy Malibu is, very good! Design dynamic and, Fresh. The suspension retuned of car ,need less rolling-swaying, problem of American cars of years 80, 90. Springs more stiffer and shocks medium stiffer.
Powered engine L4 2.0 turbo 295ft is torque amazing =engine V8.! Oh no!!!! Wow! And low consumed gasoline.
Topic of colors the new Butte Red is beautiful need dark Red, the Ashen Grey is elegant , miss Taupe Gray. Color Brown?
Just watched a YouTube video of the live reveal of the 2014 Malibu where it was dubbed “The new face of Chevrolet”, Those of us that think it has SS in the look may be right. On a side note maybe it is what we should have expected not the other rendering, thus the new Cruze currently under camo tarps might possibly be a lot like the new ‘bu and SS. Just a thought to throw out there.
So which version will be the Holden Malibu? 2013 or 2014?
I think they should have an 8 speed auto with DSC (Slapstick) and a 6 speed manual. AWD should be an option. As for engines, possibly:
A 1.1L Twin Turbo I4 with 176HP and 220LBS-FT. TQ. 26 mpg City / 38 mpg Hwy / 31 Combined
A 2.5L I4 eAssist with 202HP and 181LBS-FT. TQ 27 mpg City / 40 mpg Hwy / 33 Combined
A 2.8L Turbo V6 with 300HP and 295LBS-FT. TQ. {[(SIDI, VVT, “DOD”, and DOHC)]} 24 mpg City / 32 mpg Hwy / 27 Combined
A Hybrid Plug In/2-Mode 2.2L Turbo Diesel I4 187 HP/320 TQ. 36 mpg City / 49 mpg Hwy / 41 Combined