Chevrolet is going to be a busy brand in the foreseeable future. Not only has the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro been spied with a refresh, the brand has a new generation of Chevrolet Silverado coming and potentially a reborn Blazer mid-size crossover.
But, today, we have spy shots of Chevrolet’s mid-size sedan and it’s been spotted with quite a bit of camouflage. The current Chevrolet Malibu, introduced for the 2016 model year, has been on sale since 2015 and will likely see a refresh in mid-2018 to keep the family sedan updated against inbound competition from Kia, Hyundai and Toyota.
While the camo suggests major reworkings to the exterior, it may not be the case. Unlike the previous-generation of Malibu, which underwent an emergency refresh, the current Malibu is quite good. Therefore, any changes will likely be subtle on the outside. No cladding was present inside, which leads us to believe the interior of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu will be kept largely the same, too.
The 2017 Malibu recently received GM’s new 9-speed automatic so it’s unclear if additional mechanical changes will take place with the updated Malibu.
As for Chevrolet’s other family sedan, the 2018 Impala, it goes unchanged stylistically but receives restructured content and new features. Though, it will be added as a police pursuit vehicle option in the near future.
Spy shots: Motor1
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AWD would be the most welcome addition. Sedans are losing popularity, especially in snow states where AWD is becoming more and more wanted by drivers and available by other competitors.
AWD, an SS with athe 3.6 LF3 of the ATS/V or why not dreaming a V8 engine...
Hoping for a refresh to the front and rear fascias. Just my personal opinion but I just don't like the appearance, especially on the non premium trim. The overhangs are too much as well.
Agree with David on the AWD comment.
Why would you claim there to by spyshots, but not attach them to this article...?
Click on "Motor 1".
AWD is all fine and well but just how much will you pay?
The odds are AWD would only be on the top model that is already $35k+.
Then to do SS would require AWD and more power that would add to the price. In the End you are talking about a $40k plus Malibu.
While it is a great idea the reality is it begins to get into the Buick price range.
Then you are back to the old days of division overlap.
The reality is the Malibu is a value leader priced family car. It is not a BMW fighter and not even a Acura challenger.
You over price it no one will buy it. Heck The Regal GS is struggling now as it is.
This is just going to be a mild refresh and it will move the nose styling more like the Nox so I would not get too excited.
In my opinion Chevrolet has to build a strong brand image. An SS would not be a hot selling car, but a sport mid size family car. Chevrolet needs it to show its know how and atract more customers.
Remember the Celebrity Eurosport? $300 option -- a little bit of unique trim (think red inserts in the body side moldings, different wheels and probably tires, maybe F41 sport suspension) -- added $1000 to the residual.
A mild sport version of the Malibu would broaden its appeal.....a few exterior items, maybe some unique trim items inside (bucket seats with sport cloth, etc.) to make it less bland and more sporty.
I would highly suggest the following things for the 2019 Malibu revamp in addition to the front and rear changes-
1) More power for the tepid 1.5T. It should be making at least 170-175 HP or more
2) 9 speed std or at least offered as an option on the 1.5T
3) Offer the Cruze sourced 1.6T diesel with the 9 speed
4) Lose the L model that nobody wants or buys
5) Lower the LS models price by a thousand and give the customers an option package with 8 way power seat, remote start, more interior color choices and a few more safety features that are restricted to the LT and Premier
6) Sport model to add some spice with at least the 2.0T engine with 275 HP and 295 torque
7) better more flexible options content on all trim levels.
8) A separate sunroof option that isn't tied to the 19" rims on the Premier
9) More interior and exterior color choices on lower trim levels
10) new spicier alloy wheels on the LS and LT trims
I'm pretty much fine with what the malibu is right now for the most part. But I kind of wish they would give the lt trim the 2.0t again. But to not step on ss nameplate but give a little more bite to actually want to step up to the premier trim is make it a little more sporty around corners. I'm fine with the whole power rating. Beings that the camaro 2.0t is just a little quicker than the Malibu 2.0t and 9 spd combo. Heck the fusion sport is barely faster than the Malibu premier. The sport package the Malibu has I feel it doesn't do it justice.