Five Things We Like About The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
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Chevrolet has graced us with its totally-redesigned 2016 Malibu, which has been received by much fanfare at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. We’ve had a chance to mull over the new design, the reworked interior and the updated powertrains, and have compiled five things we quite like about the new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
1. The Fuel Economy
As much as we love our small-block V8s and LS power, we also understand fuel economy is one of the most important aspects buyers look at today. That being said, both engines offered on the new Chevrolet Malibu feature forced induction, and see healthy increases in fuel economy. The new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine sees 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, besting the car’s biggest competitors. The 2.0-liter turbo sees a reduction in fuel economy, but trades it for a healthy dose of power and torque, with 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
2. The Reworked Center Stack
The previous Chevrolet Malibu‘s interior wasn’t the most pleasant cockpit to stare at, if we’re being honest. Sure, it checked off the basic necessities and features, but it was apparent the design was missing pizazz and direction. That has changed with the 2016 Malibu, which we like very much. Ditching the maze of buttons is a new tablet-looking screen, which arrives in either seven, or eight inch, variations depending on trim. But don’t fret analog lovers, Chevrolet has made a clear distinction between the climate controls, controlled with real buttons and knobs, and the infotainment system. Although many of the infotainment functions are found via touchscreen, the essential buttons retain an analog option, too.
3. There’s A True Hybrid Model
As much as Chevrolet wanted us to think the previous Chevrolet Malibu Eco was a hybrid contender, it was not. Plain and simple. This time around, they’ve appeased those who want to go green in offering a true hybrid powertrain with the 2016 Malibu. And at 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway, Chevrolet is quick to tout their model overshadows hybrid offerings from Ford, Toyota and Hyundai. Well played.
4. An Eight-Speed Automatic Is Optional
Optional on the 2.0-liter turbo, that is. Although Chevrolet decided to mate the volume 1.5-liter four-banger to a tried-and-true six-speed unit, we’re glad to see innovation moving forward with the Malibu, which makes for the first front-wheel drive vehicle from General Motors to receive an eight-speed unit. This transmission, paired with the 2.0-turbo, seems like an excellent alternative to a V6 option.
5. The Design Feels Finished
The previous Malibu looked, alright. Again, it checked off many of the boxes to make the car a passable product in the lineup. And it showed. It showed in terms of impressions, and more importantly, sales. This time, we think this design feels whole, and well thought out. It doesn’t feel like corners were cut, and ideas were rushed. Instead, we have an elegant exterior design look and well thought interior. If this is where bread and butter Chevrolet design is headed, it’s not a bad direction at all.
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The design feels “whole” , alright – a whole lotta grillework that’s in your face. Just staring at that
group of “modern art” grillwork and fake grillework makes me scratch my head. Those who
claim it’s a dead-wringer for Impala only have a point when looking at the taillights and trunk.
One thing that stands out is how humongous this car is! We know present Malibu’s back seat
was an embarrassment in contrast to ‘the competitors in this segment. But to go so much
overboard to make Malibu a huge car is a strange move, indeed. The interior is an improvement
but looks like it got the gen2 Volt’s center screen and dash design ( with a whole lot more padding ).
This thing is one big grille design refresh away from a moderately good seller. The one shining
light here is the hybrid. Using Volt componentry was a smart move. Surely the hybrid will sell
fairly well based solely on it’s good MPG numbers alone. A car this size with mileage like that
is an impressive feat.
My main problem with the new Malibu isn’t its size , the lengthening was necessary to meet the competition in this segment , the problem is that the look mirrors the new Impala , which has had a rather poor response in the marketplace . It appears , also that it takes on the very popular Ford Fusion . Ford is about third place in the sales race and with the new Ferrari type one piece grill , it is a winner as is the handling/drivetrain . Will this Malibu take over third or second place in the market ? I would hope so but first year blues seem to permeate GM products , in my opinion . Components , drivetrain issues for the first year just don’t seem to be getting any better . Two or three years down the road and the answer may be quite different . The problem here is that the competition will be into its next gen product , and then ??
I would have preferred Chevy to take on the Camry , Honda , Nissan who own this segment in North America . In defence of the new Malibu , however , it now fits GM’s concept of where the mid size shrinking marketplace for cars is headed !
Hey Sean, the article states that “the 2.0-liter turbo sees a reduction in fuel economy, but trades it for a healthy dose of power and torque, with 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.”
The 2.0t I4 engine sacrifices power and torque for fuel economy. It only makes 250HP and 258LB-FT in this variant, but achieves 22 mpg City and 32 mpg Highway.
The 1.5t I4 and 2.0t I4 engines were a dumb move on GM’s part. Their power to efficiency rates are quite low. 160HP and 250HP will not be enough power to move the Malibu. Not to mention that 27 City / 37 Highway and 22 City / 32 Highway are hardly class leading. I was expecting at least 30 City and 42 Highway for the smaller engine and 24 City and 34 Highway for the larger engine. Both engines should have the 8 Speed Automatic, Intake Variable Valve Lift, and Stop/Start. I would have really liked the new LGX 3.6L V6 with 300HP and 270LB-FT.
Perhaps the underpowered 1.5t I4 is a move to promote more hybrid sales and the underpowered 2.0t I4 is because of a potential performance variant coming to replace the SS…