In December 2013, nine Chevrolet Malibu sedan owners in China competed in a consumer fuel saving challenge to determine who could get the best fuel economy results. To figure it out, competitors traveled 175.1 km from that Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center in Haikou (on Hainan Island, on the very southern end of China) to the Shenzhou Peninsula in Wanning (the south east side of the island).
The competition concluded December 21st and the champion came out with a respectable 4.9 liters/100 km (roughly 51.3 mpg), while the rest averaged 5.3 liters/100 km (44.38 mpg). Zhao felt the competition allowed each contestant to see first hand what the exact fuel economy of the Malibu is during a typical day of driving.
China’s annual fuel saving challenge began in 2009 to show how GM addresses the consumer’s demand for high fuel efficiency vehicles in the country. All of the Malibu sedans were equipped with a 2.4L SIDI intelligent direct injection engine.
Moving opposite to market trends.
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
Many automakers oppose right-to-repair laws citing cybersecurity concerns.
Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.