Yet Another Chevrolet Gem: 2013 Malibu

2013 Malibu

            This week’s blog update is about the all new, 2013 Chevy Malibu. Chevrolet is re-vamping its prized Malibu in early 2012 with aspirations to take on the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. This is not just a battle based out of America however; Chevrolet plans to sell the Malibu in 100 countries including 6 continents! This tells you that Chevrolet means business about their mid-size sedan. Let’s take a closer look at the new Malibu.

            The Malibu’s new body is based off of the Buick Regal and Opel Insignia, providing a sportier appeal, yet maintaining its class. I will note that the new Malibu is 4.5” shorter than the outgoing Malibu, but that does not necessarily mean there is less space inside. The interior room has actually increased by a little more than 3 cubic feet; this is possible because it’s now 2.7” wider. Relative to the 2012 Malibu, in the 2013 Malibu, there is an increase in hip and shoulder room which compensates for the slight loss of head and leg room. One of my favorite styling techniques GM and Chevy used on the exterior would have to be the tail lamps. Inspired by the Camaro, the four block tail lamps look sharp, sporty, and classy. 

            Let’s talk about the performance aspects of the new Malibu. Chevy made a bold and inspiring move with the Malibu’s engine, offering only 4 cylinder engines. The base engine will be a 2.4, 4 liter featuring eAssist (See LaCrosse blog update for information on eAssist). This engine will provide a generous 182HP. For the launch of the Malibu, this will be the only engine option, but halfway through 2012, Chevy will introduce a 2.5liter, 4 cylinder engine. Both engines will feature a six speed automatic transmission. Almost forgot to mention one of the most important parts, fuel economy: 26MPG city and 38MPG highway. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me. GM is sticking with their push towards great fuel economy and their sales are rising appropriately.

            Moving on to the vast interior features available. The Malibu comes equipped with standard options such as dual zone climate control, cruise control, auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity. My favorite standard feature would have to be the new 7” touch screen, “Chevrolet MyLink Touch Radio.” This is really a cool feature to have standard on the Malibu ECO. Through voice commands or touch control, you can control the radio, your Bluetooth connected cell phone, Pandora internet radio, CD’s, XM radio, and regular AM/FM radio. This is a really cool feature and I am ecstatic that Chevy has made it standard. Oh, and the screen folds up to reveal a convenient storage space for your phone! There are some optional features worth mentioning including: a navigation system with turn by turn navigation and a beautiful sunroof for those sunny cruising days.

            Chevy once again made the Malibu one of the safest rides on the road. With 8 airbags, yes I said 8 airbags, no miss-types there, the Malibu protects it’s passengers from every angle. Along with side and front airbags, Chevy added knee airbags for the front passengers. The Malibu’s wider wheelbase along with its steel cage, aids its strong body during collision. Like most GM vehicles, OnStar is also standard.

            Starting from 23k-25k, the 2013 Malibu is going to give the Camry and Accord a run for their money. I myself may look at the Malibu this spring when I begin new car shopping!