What many of us were expecting in the design of a MCE 2014 Chevrolet Malibu was something highly comparable to the new Impala. Instead, we get something with a far more unique take, and a significant departure from the 2012-2013 model it’s replacing.
In person, as we witnessed first-hand this morning in a press conference featuring none other than GM North American President Mark Reuss and the car’s engineering team, the 2014 Malibu’s design does indeed have a sense of drama to its looks. Granted, it’s no Corvette Stingray, but the new Malibu might have that little something-something to get picky buyers in the door, the likes of which are eyeing the highly attractive Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, and the like. Though you may completely disagree. Which begs the question; is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu hot, or not?
Comments
Its the best looking car in its segment in my opinion. Optima looks ok but the rest are very generic.
I like it. It looks a lot better in live shots and HIDs. Here’s a link:
http://m.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/2014-chevy-malibu-photos-impressions-reveal/?icid=autoblog_dl_article
I like it much better now.
I am ok even with the back though I wish they would contrast the vast amount of red with some bezel or other color. It just is too much red. A black bezel would tone it down and not be hard to implement.
Wow! Nice, turned out to be some nice subtle changes to an already attractive car. I have criticized GM for the last few years for fading (except for the trucks and Cadillac), but this is nice all around. Just one problem – no V6. Some of us are not taken in by the whole global warming nonsense and can still think for ourselves. Too bad we can’t buy a hot affordable car that’s not “thought-policed” into the nanny-state line-up of cars. Sure the turbo is quick, but there’s more to it than that. Smooth feel and sound still matters, and the mileage wouldn’t make that much difference. Just gotta wait til after January 2017 I guess.
The engine choice has nothing to do with climate change so maybe you can’t think for yourself after all?
Had GM felt a V6 would sell without harming Impala sales, we would have it.
As for hot or not, I say warm. Personally, I loved the 2008-12 model with its high waist line and premium vibe. Also, I liked the larger size of Epsilon 1 platform. VW and other carmakers make NA only mid sized sedans do to America’s need for space. Even the Mazda 6 has a longer wheel base.
I was hoping for an Impala grill but, without a hood redesign, we get a new vision of the cross barred bow tie.
Optima looks more American and Mazda6 is a auto-sex fantacy.
The best looking car in the midsize segment. And now it seems to be the most interesting as well.
Not. Especially not after looking at the new pics on the other page.
Other than the Ford none of the cars in this class are what I would call drop dead glorious. Most a are plain and some like the Hyundai/Kia clones are just goofy.
The Malibu is in the mix here and it is up to GM to get people to check it out and understand it is not as messed up as some like to make it. All the cars in this class are pretty equal and the only real issue on the Bu was rear seat room that has been addressed. The styling flows better now and if they price it right with option Packages they will do fine.
The greatest error was to into this car with the Eco package first. It was not as good of a package as the Cruze and it was a very much plain looking car. You into a new car you do like Ford and put the Platinum model out front and the others fill out the line up behind it. You want attention you show people the best you have first not the most mundane.
What this vehicle and the Impala are establishing is a strong Chevy brand identity. The 2013 is still striking when seen on the road and I believe was just beginning to be noticed and purchased. These improvements are going to establish this vehicle as a leader in this segment it may not break sales records but will set up for the next generation to do so. The real competitors here are the Fusion and Accord in my mind and I think Chevy is right to make a statement with this vehicle. Who cares about the bland Camry, Yawn… 5 years from now we will all be talking about what a joke the new Camry was when introduced last year and how its lack of presence destroyed peoples interests and how the consumer moved on to vehicles with stronger presence on the road and more excitement when driving. At the end of the day the Cruze can draw in the people wanting a cleaner looking car, this vehicle and the Impala will drive the Chevy design language and draw in the consumer wanting a more pronounced and refined vehicle. I think we will see the benefits of this vehicle on down the road as its strong road presence will be promoting the brand for years to come.
Veloster Turbo, Golf GTI, Mini Cooper S-these are FWD cars that bring up excitement. Malibu? Just as much excitement as the new Corvette, LOL. GM has a serious problem with keeping up with the competition, including Ford. On the bright side, this new Malibu should be a great seller-in China, through the same dealerships that sell out all Buicks among the Chinese. This new Malibu is just as stale as anything that GM produces these days.
I agree that GM has falled behind Ford in establishing a clear design language for Chevy. They have lost a chance with this ho hum offering.
I disagree about Corvette, which should be its own marque, and the rest of the GM line up.
Caddy is anything but bland and Buick is perfecting soft luxury.
The fat bar across the grill is so dated and unnecessary as is the massive front end . GM seems to feel a strong presence here is important , rather than the whole package . The competition in this segment offers cars that appear small on the outside but spacious inside . The malibu reverses this smart design by going the other way , the inside actually feels smaller . Larger corner posts and side pillars , higher trunk line , bulbous front vend . Will it be successful ? , Certainly , it will do as I think Ackerson’s comment suggested , “it will do reasonably well , it’s in a tough market segment . Will it set a new standard for this market segment , NO , but it will fit in and do respectably well . GM’s heritage is secure !
Bought the 2014 Malibu LTZ and love it. Love the power for a family sedan and enough room for a family of 4, 2 small children. Style wise I don’t mind it, got the spoiler and in diamond white with tinted windows it really gets looks. Most people actually have no idea what kind of a car it is till they see the name plates.
On trips from Dallas to Houston and back averaging 28 mpg, but on ole I 45 you are doing about 90 so mileage could be better.
Like I say, I love it.