In less than two weeks after Chevrolet pulled the sheet off the refreshed 2014 Malibu that will be specific to the North American market, Holden unveils their version of the Malibu, which is specific to the Australian market. Yet despite the unique front grille, the interior is the same layout as the outgoing 2013 Malibu, just with the steering wheel on the wrong side.
Other than being right-hand-drive, other differentiating features of the Holden Malibu include specific right-hand-drive oriented tires, currently utilized by the VF SV6 and SS Commodore models. The suspension was also specifically calibrated for the region, and there will be an optional 2.0-liter diesel I4 engine to compliment a 2.4L gasoline four-cylinder.
Certainly not as sexy as the launch of the new Holden VF Commodore, but chances are high that this volume-oriented Malibu will outsell the rear-wheel-drive flagship, as it targets a larger market segment, and starts at $28,490 AUD.
Comments
Just two days ago, on June 13, I wrote in the comments on “2014 Opel-Vauxhall Insignia Revealed” this:
“The current platform Epsilon II is already quite global, being the basis for the Insignia (= Buick Regal), the Buick Lacrosse, the Chevrolet Malibu and Impala, and the Cadillay XTS. Not to forget the stillborn 2010 Saab 9-5.
Just Holden twins of the Chevy Malibu and Impala are still missing.”
Reality moves fast…
Just so we’re on the same page… we’ve known about the Holden Malibu since July of 2012:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/07/this-is-the-holden-malibu/
That P.O.S. will never outsell Commodore. If read any Aussie media it’s already had plenty of negative reviews. There’s heaps of better competition in this mid sized market
The Good: WAY WAY WAY Better than the Epica it replaced.
The Bad: Everything is sub-par vs competitors. It will never outsell the market leading Camry and it’s big cousin in the Commodore or even others in its market like the Mazda 6 etc.
“Everything is sub-par vs competitors.”
Without researching specifics, it’s doubtful that the Camry (and likely other segment contenders) can handle as well as the Malibu… or are as safe.
And when the new 2.5L Ecotec lands in the car, few (if any) will have as healthy of a power-fuel economy balance, as well.
I’m sure I can dig up several other areas in which the Malibu comes out ahead of the competition… if for nothing else but to be contrarian.
That said, there’s an all-new model on the way — as scott said.
Woops, didn’t intend to say “everything” is sub-par. I was typing colloquially and exaggerated how much of the Malibu is sub-par. However, there is still a lot that is sub-par.
As for fuel economy, it’s one of the worst in its class. A Commodore (bigger, more powerful) and better equipped) is only a tad more thirstier making the Commodore worth buying over a Malibu. The Malibu is quiet on Aussie roads but handling is good and bad.
I have read quite a few Aussie motoring publications’ reviews and they all seem to point out it is a generation behind.
Regardless of whether or not it is better on paper than its competitors, at the end of the day, it all comes down to whether it will sell or not. The Camry’s reputation is second to none. The Mazda 6 follows closely behind. The 6’s styling, features and I-Eloop technology trump the Malibu and Camry beats it as well. I don’t see the Malibu selling and with the small amount of car sales in the Australian market, you can sell in the average range in your own class, because that won’t cut it. Cars need to sell in the average to above range overall and only the top in their class tend to sell in that overall range.
@zerofive and Holden4Life:
Never say never.
Just a good advice from my part for a life without too many disappointments.
I am not sure why people compare this to the Commodore as it is not a competitor for it.
This car is to deal with the increase of the Asian cars in OZ and nothing more. It is dated as it was a car done pre chapter 11 and will be replaced much sooner than you expect.
The new VF Commodore has better value and can take on the Asians (and Euros) itself and so a lot of people and journalists are making the comparison because its worth buying a Commodore over the Malibu. Not to mention the resale value and rate of the Commodore is through the roof.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/235338/holden-malibu-review/
If you look on facebook, you’ll see not too many Aussies have given it a warm welcome. There are also Americans telling us to not buy it. It’s better than the Epica so I would say it will sell slightly better than what the Epica did.