New from the rubberware up, the 2008 Malibu—it’s due in showrooms next fall—rides on the same GM Epsilon platform as Saturn’s new Aura and Pontiac’s G6 and, like the G6, features a choice of 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6, both of which will be available with six-speed automatics.
But the nice surprise here is the car’s striking styling—something we haven’t seen in a Malibu since, er, the ’64 original. And you’d better get used to that new, dual-port grille up front as it’s, supposedly, the bold new face of Chevy.
Ed Welburn’s design team has done a commendable job of giving the traditionally-invisible Malibu a much classier and, yes, cooler, set of duds. We like that new grille treatment, those over-sized headlights, the swept-back screen, and the high-waist, low-roof, wheels-out-to-the-corners stance.
There’s some nice detailing too, like the Nicole Richie–thin panel gaps, the way the wheels fill out the arches, and the classy use of chrome around the side windows. It certainly looks a lot richer than something that will likely kick-off in price from around 17 grand.
As you’d expect, the new Malibu has blossomed in size to reflect America’s ever-blossoming waistlines. Compared to its predecessor, this new version is more than three inches longer, half an inch wider, and six-inches longer in the wheelbase.
Inside, the new Chevy takes a big step up in both design and use of premium materials. Gone is the previous cliff-face fascia and Rubbermaid trim; instead there’s a striking, twin cockpit design with some classy two-tone trim options. Cocoa and Cashmere anyone?
Chevy has also loaded-up on safety features to reinforce the Malibu’s standing as a family fave. Standard fixtures will include side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted thorax bags, and anti-lock brakes. Stability control is available as an option.
Three models will be on offer; base LS, mid-range LT and gussied-up LTZ. Standard motivation is GM’s 164-hp 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, with the all-aluminum 3.6-liter 252-hp V-6 as an option.
We think it’s wise to offer a four-cylinder in this class (unlike the V-6–only Saturn Aura), as those models are significantly cheaper and offer large fuel-economy benefits. They, not surprisingly, out-sell V-6 models by a wide margin as well.
Opt for a four-cylinder LS or LT and the 2.4 comes with a four-speed auto. Spend the green on an LTZ 2.4 and you’ll get the new Hydra-Matic six-speed—the only four-cylinder/six-speed-auto combo in this segment. Go for the V-6 and the six-speed comes standard, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters just like those on the Aura.
Whether this all-new Malibu will have what it takes to extricate buyers from their beloved Camrys and Accords is probably unlikely, even with that Cocoa and Cashmere trim. All we know is that finally Chevy has, at least on paper, its strongest challenger yet.
Одно радует, что мускул кары вроде ничего хотят сделать.