The current, eighth-generation Chevy Malibu is by all means a good car. But if we had one word to describe it, we’d use the term average. Luckily, an all-new model is on its way in the 2016 Malibu. And that model will need to cease being an average midsize sedan. Here are the five things we would like to see Chevy address with the 2016 model. Call it a wish list, if you will.
1. Head-Turning, Passionate Design
Though the eighth-generation Malibu has an attractive and tasteful design, we’ll admit that the competitors are doing a better job at this. Namely, the Kia Optima, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and even the new Chrysler 200 are decidedly more modern, more sporty, luxurious, or are simply more head-turning to the average car buyer. And though design is highly subjective, we think The Bowtie can do a better job here with the 2016 Chevy Malibu.
Luckily, several GM executives have already gone on record in saying that the all-new Malibu will have some great styling, with vice president of Global Design at General Motors, Ed Welburn, saying the following:
“Malibu’s gorgeous styling is the result of a masterful understanding of proportions. The roofline has been stretched rearward giving a more sleek profile, while the front wheels have moved forward and front and rear overhangs have been reduced. Along with the sculpted body side, these cues help Malibu appear more dynamic and sophisticated.”
To that end, we’d also like to see Chevy install some classy LEDs in the front lighting clusters and offer some appearance packages for its new midsizer. For instance, The Bowtie can allow customers to customize their Malibu with a “luxury” appearance package that has more traditional chrome elements, or an RS appearance package (like on the Cruze and Camaro) that brings a more aggressive body, bigger wheels and tires, and even details such color (red, blue, yellow, etc.) brake calipers. The Kia Optima as great at doing the latter.
2. Premium Features
Today’s Malibu has some of the best cabin materials in its class. But it has truly been outgunned by rivals. The Kia Optima, for instance, offers heated and ventilated front seats while the Malibu’s are only heated; the Hyundai Sonata offers heated rear seats and a panaromic sunroof. The Malibu offers neither.
Adding those features along with others such as rear air vents plus advanced active safety technology would make the Malibu significantly more competitive in the class.
From what we can tell, Chevy will at least offer more active safety tech. But will it match rival offerings and make Malibu a true midsize sedan that consumers will actually want to buy, rather than just be ok with? We certainly hope so.
3. More Interior Room
Probably the biggest complaint about the eighth-gen Malibu has been the tight interior dimensions, especially in the rear seat. Heck, the compact and less expensive Cruze has nearly the same amount of space in the second row. The ninth-gen 2016 Malibu will aim to fix this with larger interior dimensions all around.
We’d also like to see a more refined design of such areas as the center console and passenger-side dashboard. The egg-like shape of the former pales in comparison to the sexy designs offered by the (once again) Kia Optima, Chrysler 200, and Ford Fusion.
4. All-Wheel Drive
Not everyone who wants all-wheel drive wants or needs a crossover. So offering all-wheel drive in the 2016 Malibu is a no-brainer to us, especially seeing that the E2XX platform upon which the car will be based is capable of it. And if that’s not enough of a reason, let’s consider the fact that the new, well-received Ford Fusion offers AWD as an option as well.
5. 9-Speed Auto Or Dual-Clutch Transmission
If interior room is the biggest criticism of the eighth-generation Malibu, then fuel economy is the second. It’s not dismal, but it’s by no means class-leading.
Besides cutting the vehicle’s weight (which has already been confirmed for the 2016 ‘Bu), one of the best ways to boost fuel economy is to incorporate a transmission that makes the most of what we expect to be a new range of engines. We’d like to see the 2016 Malibu transmission be a new 9-speed unit or an advanced dual-clutch setup as will be used on the second-generation Cruze. Both would improve fuel consumption and make better use of whatever engine is propelling the vehicle.
Everything Considered
The midsize sedan segment seems to be undergoing a transformation. If before, people bought a midsize car because it was the most practical, today they are buying cars in this class because they’re better and offer more than the compact offerings — more room, more features, more comfort, and more style, among other things.
In that light, Chevy can’t afford to screw this one up, or come out with a product that’s just “okay”. The 2016 Malibu needs to be the best car in its segment, without excuses or compromises. And improving these five things over the eighth-gen Malibu will make the 2016 Malibu class-leading in every sense of the word, and give Chevy the best chance to own the midsize sedan segment for the first time in nearly three decades.
Here’s to hoping they deliver when the 2016 Malibu premiers at the 2015 New York International Auto Show this April.
Comments
#1 Done
#2 Will see some
#3 Done
#4 Not so sure as this will be a Buick trait and will play better in their price segment as they can do a better AWD vs. slapping a cheaper one in a Chevy just to say it has it. Also consider how many AWD cars are really sold. Even here in the snow belt they are not a common sight.
#5 You will get more gears not sure if you will get the 9 speed out of the box but it may make it. As for Duel Clutch again price point. This is a Chevy who’s point is value leader. Also you have to factor not just the added cost but the added weight. This is a Malibu not an Audi A6. Chevy is a price point car and you have to factor in how much someone will pay for a Malibu. Anyone could build a Malibu with AWD Haldex, Duel Clutch and even a Twin Turbo engine but will they pay $49K for it? Also where does this put the Impala if you juke up the price here.
The segment the Chevy is in is a segment of compromise. What you add in you have to take away else where. You can load it up on features but you have to cheapen it else where and this is where Kia falls short. You don’t see a lot of old Kia cars in the Midwest as they fall apart. Things like high strength steel and other non visual items are not cheap but pay off in better MPG and other things people will enjoy too but you need to market it so they know where the money is.
Also do not underestimate the non Duel clutch as like in the Corvette. GM will have a world class tranny here and will do it I expect with out the Duel Clutch.
That’s makes total sense Scott, I always thought that the reason you don’t see a lot of older Kia’s is because they were selling less than 300k units in the U.S. 10 years ago.
Scott’s reasoning regarding Kia is slightly flawed and doesn’t take into account the whole picture.
The reason you don’t see Kias today is because they made crap 10 years ago. Few people bought their cars then. But Kia is a totally different animal today. Their current rate of conquesting and growth will see the “how many do you see on the streets” change over the next 10 years. The same goes for customer satisfaction.
Now, the cars they’re today making still don’t measure up to Chevys when it comes to driving dynamics and suspension, but make no mistake about it — Kia is neck in neck with Chevy and everyone else it comes to perceived quality, feature availability, and value. In fact, Kias today offer more features than comparable Chevys. That’s what I hope will change starting with this Malibu.
I was being sarcastic if no one caught that. On a side note I think AWD is a must option.
Scott, you make a significant amount of assumptions here.
#4. This has nothing to do with cost to GM/Chevy, since it’s a customer-pay option. Time and time again, consumers have demonstrated that they are willing to pay for AWD.
“Also consider how many AWD cars are really sold. Even here in the snow belt they are not a common sight.”
This is a self-fulfilling prophesy. The only two cars in the maintream midsize segment that have or offer AWD are the Subaru Legacy and Ford Fusion, respectively. If Chevy builds AWD, they will come.
Offering AWD as an option on the Malibu has the potential to increase Malibu sales by 10-20%. Meanwhile, this kind of an option increases ATPs and drives conquest customers who are currently driving Fords and Subarus, or crossovers.
It’s a win-win-win for everyone.
5. “This is a Chevy who’s point is value leader.”
Is Ford’s point also to be a value leader? How about VW’s? Mazda? All 3 offer dual-clutches in their midsize sedan offerings. Sorry to say, but the point of view you present here is outdated. DCTs are a reality for mainstream (non-luxury) segments today.
Have you considered that the next-gen Cruze has a dual-clutch in China, and chances are it will make its way this way to North America? The numbers of economics of scale make this possible.
Weight and packaging are non-starters when it comes to low-power applications. They only start to weigh more when you get into the high-power segments like performance cars.
“The segment the Chevy is in is a segment of compromise”
Not if you charge extra for specific features, and let consumers pick and choose. Have a look at the Fusion: 1.6T, AWD, and very good equipment (leather, power seats, etc.) all for under $30k, which is the segment sweetspot. Good levels of equipment are more than doable at a more than competitive price and margin.
As for the Impala, it will continue being larger and more luxurious, while having a higher starting price. The midsize segment is bread and butter.
No point in telling him. He simply cannot understand why it would be wise to offer AWD on a Malibu. I already tried. It boggles my mind how no Chevy car offers AWD.
Its because they havent figured out a way to offer it without stepping on Buick’s toes yet. Im sure its coming though. Entry-level brands are becoming obsolete. As mainstream brands offer more options (AWD Malibu, Impala>Lacrosse), and premium brands start offering more entry-level vehicles (CLA-class, 2-series, A3, Cadillac says ones in the works) brands like buick become pointless to the average consumer.
At least thats my guess/opinion, although id be sad to see another brand discontinued.
Well the 2016 Malibu will have AWD, just saw the sneak peek video. Finally GM is making things happen! Its not gonna step on nobodys toes. This mid size segment is arguably the most important segment in the industry. Which do you need to sell better? Malibu, Regal, Lacrosse, or Impala? Ima go with the Bu.
I do not disagree that it would be nice to offer but I do disagree that you have no concept of how difficult it is to package all this to a price people will pay before they move on to the next level model of another brand.
If it will happen it will happen with the new model but even then it is not a make or break feature as this car competes mostly with the Camry or Accord.
Sorry your pick and choose theory is bunk. You add things to a car it adds to the sticker price and once a Malibu hit a specific price people move on. They may pay the price but you get too high they will say lets just pay a little more for an Audi or even an ATS.
To keep the sticker down you have to take way from other parts of the car with cheaper things. Case in point. Kia Belt Drive cams that need replaced 65K-75K miles or risk catastrophic engine failure. You should also change the water pump as it will fail before the next belt change too and it has to be removed anyways.
Chevy Chain drive that generally last the life of the car. You may have to replace the tensioner etc. but relatively maintenance free. Often the quality is more than skin deep. This is why many GM cars 10 years ago that were crap too are still on the roads. The interior may have gone to hell but the bodies have not fully rotted out and the engines and transmission last for every. So don’t give me the Kia was crap cop out.
By the way Chevy is considered by GM as the value and performance division. That is their call not mine. As for Ford it has to be everything to everyone. A Taurus needs to be everything from an Airport rental, to a Taxi, A family car or even a Luxury and performance car. Why because Ford only has a wounded Lincoln they salvaged at the last minute to do anything else with. Every Ford has to be a Swiss Army knife and it hurts them in the long run. GM will get Buick moved up soon to where they can fill out their own space and give Chevy more room moving forward.
Every marketing guy in GM wish your world existed but it is a fantasy and much harder than you make it out to be. There are limits on what people will pay and only so much space between the Impala and Buick at this point. This may change moving forward but right now you have to play the cars you hold.
Cost analysis is so deep even on the 5th gen Camaro it was researched how important the smell of leather seats was to buyers. It cost money and if money was spent there it would have to come from other options to keep the pricing in check.
I wish everyone could sit down with some GM and auto company people to really hear how things work on the other side and realize how difficult it is to build and market a car even with out interference from within your own company.
You act like AWD adds like 10k to the price of the car. 2 to 3k is about right. you should still be able to get a nicely optioned Bu with AWD for around 30k.
If AWD is offered it would be offered with the LTZ package and the Top Turbo engine. This car stickers nearer $35K in FWD only.
The new car will be more expensive and I agree $2K-3K for AWD would be about right. So it would be over $35K for AWD by the time it hit market.
You really think they would offer AWD on a base Coupe? LOL!
Things like this are packaged on upper models to make them more profitable and pay back the development cost associated since they make up such a small slice of production.
GM first needs to get this car right and make it the FWD Midsize class leader before they worry about the 10% segments. Get the car right and then go for the fringe.
Scott I love how you play off changing a timing chain tensioner like its a walk in the park .. It’s a pretty big job, I’ve done one on a 2.2 sunfire. You have to move a lot in a FWD car and your pretty much working through the wheel well with the engine on a jack with no motor mounts. You act like GM’s never made a interference engine. Plus your complaining about changing a water pump? I cain’t think of anybody I know with a 3.8 or 3.4 GM that’s hasn’t replaced lower intake gaskets. Plus my in laws grand am with 55 000km not miles, needed all new break line to pass Ontario’s safty test.
GM probably sold like 4 million more cars then Kia did 10 years ago, but I’m sure water pumps and timing chains are the reason you don’t see many Kia’s on the road. Plus if I had engine failure at 75k I would bring it in for warranty.
Ps I don’t own a Kia and probably never will, my cousin had one for 10 years and it was a solid car.
Never said GM was perfect but generally they are more cost effective to repair.
Hell I have changed many things on GM cars. I had to jack the engine up and remove the mount to put the belt on my Supercharger on the SSEI but I could do it and it was about a half Hour job.
Timing belts on most imports are generally not cheap and not something you would tackle in the garage.
All I can say is all the folks who bout Hyundai’s now Kia too have sent them on their way as they got tired of the issues and the cost involved keeping them on the road. I am also talking about cars sold in the last 5 years.
Also I have heard the horror story’s from the dealers. The frame rust issues where they dealers were directed to hit the sub frames on the cars to loosen the rust. Blow it out and spray it with wax? Way bars falling off from bad welds and other issues like brakes freezing up regularly at 15K miles and only getting lube.
The fact is most imports in the rust belt get beat to death, rust out and become to the point too expensive to repair unless you do it yourself.
FYI GM makes a lot of interference engines I never said they didn’t. You just don’t see many that have eaten all the valves as you do on many belt run imports that people do not change the belts on. Many a Hyundai or even Honda will eat a belt at 120,000 miles and not be worth the engine. On a GM car a tensioner may go or cam position sensor that generally go at 100,000 and they replace them as the engine is still functioning and did not need to be replaced. While not easy to replace the tensioner and labor did not exceed the value of the car.
By the way if the belt fails over the recommended miles as indicated by the MFG there is no warranty. Dealer service managers hate telling that one as people are not happy to hear that.
To get back on topic while it would be nice to add AWD and Duel Clutches etc. these things will not make or break the Malibu.
The keys to this segment are style, comfort, ride, value, safety and most important the price. You win in these areas you can take a lead here in this segment but you will still have to earn it. Even as good as the Ford is it still not the top dog. Loyalties in this segment are hard to challenge even with Honda and Toyota having issues.
it’s got a very good GM products become only better and more quality. GM has to destroy his rivals not to fight on the inside.
As it stands, Optima, Accord and Mazda 6 are, for different reasons, the industry mid-sized benchmarks. Loyalties aside, each of these vehicles brings something unique to the table creating an enticing value proposition. The seventh gen Malibu did this! Motor Trend called it “a super Accord”, but the current generation took in every (visable) area three steps back.
GM must get Malibu right and this means producting a car matching Fusion and surpassing Camary. Even though mid sized sales are down, they still represent a brand, acting as a sort of halo minus the fun. Chevy must also be careful not to copy cat here (Chrysler 200 is a beautiful COPY & therefore will never top.sales charts).
I really hope this Malibu uses the Impala grill but with LCD lighting. I also want iconic Chevrolet character lines used to seperate Malibu from the pack.
I’d like to see it take the crown as the most American car as far as content. That would make it stand out against its rivals and provide a halo effect for all GM. Tired of Toyota and Ford having the crown. I think that with the bailout many Americans would expect this and reward this.
Not a fan of the split grille design from the 90’s. The Impala front end is just gorgeous. I’m not sure why Chevrolet didn’t go that route. Maybe they’ll make it work somehow but I’ve never seen their truck grille design really work on their cars. Aside from that, this car needs serious class and styling mojo. I hope it delivers! I’m in love with the Audi’esque profile. I love Audi and BMW. I’d like to see a panoramic roof.
Chris is right on the money. AWD is a must as an option. A Buick thing? So a potential Chevrolet customer gets the shaft? What if they don’t want a Buick? All that backwards thinking is doing and has done is run off Chevrolet customers to places like Ford, Kia and the rest. It’s been proven time after time that if Chevrolet gets the goods, people pay for them. Many option Chevrolet’s to higher price points than Cadillac’s when given the opportunity. GM needs to quit running off potential Chevrolet buyers over nonsense like lack of AWD (especially in winter climates) or lack of high end interior trims/options. If people want Buick’s, let them buy Buick’s. If people want to pay for Chevrolet’s instead, take the money. I’d much prefer a high end Chevrolet myself. No need to further damage Chevrolet’s mainstream car/cuv options just to protect Buick. Let them stand on their own.
Agreed. The car should get Impala grill. But these idiots have other ideas.
Someone finally sees the light. GM needs to stop being so arrogant about stepping on it’s own toes, there are other competitors besides itself. How many customers are really shopping Chevy vs Buick or Chevy vs GMC? And if that is the case then GM needs to recognize the customers they already have won vs the customers that buy other manufactures. GM needs stop strong arming there loyal customers with deleted options.
Lest say a customer is shopping for an AWD sedan, comparing Buick vs a Subaru, but doesn’t care for the styling of the Buick, but really digs the sinister styling of chevys, but AWD is a must for him so he settles for the Subaru. That’s a lost sale for GM and a customer that didn’t get exactly what they wanted. Its not about awd but rather settling for something because you can’t have the options and the styling cues in the same car.
P.S.
I am patiently waiting for them to bring us the Trailblazer. I am a big off road enthusiast and a bigger GM fan. I don’t want a jeep(dodge), Tahoes are way to wide to go down the trails, no one makes a lift kit for a Equinox, H3s have too small of windows that cause motion sickness on bumpy roads (Land Rovers have big windows with stadium seating to eliminate it, there is a science to it). And the Colorado has too long of a wheelbase that shortens the break-over-angle (max is 110 inches with 105 inches being solid). I’m excited GM said they are going to make an off road vehicle, but I don’t want to have to settle for a Generically Made Chevy. Make your GMC Hummer, just make my Chevy too with the same components and equipment.
Some very good points, agree completely with points 1-3. Point #4 on AWD, if Malibu gets it then Impala needs to get it ASAP. Can’t have one car lower in the hierarchy have AWD when the Impala doesn’t. But if they were both to get it then that would be fantastic. Point #5 about the 9 speed/DCT is interesting to say the least but again my previous point that the Impala only has a 6 speed. Upgrade the Impala and let the options like AWD and different transmission trickle down.
But at the same time, I can also see the case to be made for the Malibu to stand out. The Malibu lost a lot of ground with this generation, and the segment leaders are not just a little ahead, they are a good leap ahead in my opinion. So while I wouldn’t necessarily like for the Malibu to have more premium features than the Impala, it would make sense to add those premium features to make it really stand out in the ultra competitive mid size segment.
My hope for the Malibu is that it is class leading in every way. The Malubu should do every thing the Competition does and do it better and offer everything they offer and more.
I agree with the class leading statement. This will be a test of GM’S focus and execution . Can they correct the current models shortcomings?
Can they leapfrog the class leaders in the quantifiable areas of space, efficiency and driving dynamics ?
Can they make the styling evocative and appealing enough to bring back customers to the brand that left in droves with current model?
I like what I can make out of the styling and I hope the rest of the vehicle lives up to the expectation.
I sure hope so. You only get so many chances to get it right. This has got to be the one.
So the Chevy website got a refreshed design and under the vehicles tab, there is an upcoming option. A lot of space to the left and to the right of the 2016 Volt and the 2016 Equinox.
The public won’t have forgotten Malibu’s disfunction , the best selling 2012 followed by incredibly dumb chopping off about 4 inches of wheelbase and the dismal sales thereafter . Instead of 5 things I’d suggest three , convert the Malibu into a five door CUV to take on the great selling Edge . The small footprint 2012 Impala to feature one piece grill , side scallop , revised dash , and updated engines(include the V6) ,still a fleet and owner favorite ! The 2014 Impala to become a more performance sedan , , a coupe and hot police vehicle !!
1) good luck. modern automotive design has concentrated far too much on gimmicks rather than weight/performance/aero. Exhibition #1: Corvette, the flagship of GM, has overcomplicated tack-on crap on every body panel. Too many angular trinket-laden machines, very few clean muscular designs to be found these days.
2) premium features MUST BE OPTIONAL ONLY. Some of us are sick of paying a premium for junk that is unreliable and that we don’t want.
3) Agreed that interiors should always be efficient as possible, but within category limits. Interior room should be appropriate to the vehicle size, instead of constantly pushing external sizes bigger and bigger, then suddenly having a reset chopping dimensions back to where it all started. Watching a model bloat into the next size category with each generation is sad. The Mazda Miata is the one model I can think of that has kept itself true to its origins.
4) AWD is a good option, but not a priority.
5) yes, that’s where all cars seem to be headed. the list of quality cars with a manual transmission continues to dwindle. shame.
now here’s what i want:
1) variants on the same chassis: wagon and coupe. An El Camino configuration would be super attractive if Chevy could get it right.
2) about 3 powertrain options for each variant offering A. economy (4 banger/dual clutch), B. comfort (hybridized or AWD perhaps, with more power and range), and then C. performance (V6 and manual transmission option)
3) innovate by removing mass instead of adding feature count
4) benchmark BMW handling and achieve it for once. There’s no reason to be afraid of RWD.
5) abandon chrome and plastic junk, put your money into better fundamental materials.