It’s electric! Well, half of its powertrain is — and it’s good for 32 mpg.
by Dan Weil
Chevrolet may be late to the hybrid race, but with the new Malibu Hybrid they’re ready to take their share of green-minded family-sedan shoppers.
The Malibu Hybrid starts life on the outside as a standard Malibu sedan. But instead of the more usual V-6 engine, there’s a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack. The Malibu’s mild-hybrid system improves mileage by shutting off the engine when the vehicle stops and enables early fuel shut-off during deceleration, leaving the car to run on its batteries. Computer wizardry and that big battery pack keeps all the systems running, including your heating and air conditioning. The system operates like the Honda Insight used to — it’s not capable of running on batteries alone, but the extra juice helps boost fuel economy, particularly in commuting.
The best mileage comparison is of course, against the non-hybrid four-cylinder Malibu. EPA estimated fuel economy using 2008 standards show the non-hybrid at 22/30 mpg, pretty good for a medium-sized car. With the mild-hybrid system, the Malibu improves to 24/32 mpg — not a huge boost, but then again, the Malibu Hybrid’s sticker price isn’t all that much higher than the gas-only car.
The hybrid system works nearly invisibly. Acceleration from a stop is smooth and, well efficient. Planting your foot on the accelerator inspires the Malibu to move at a decent pace; tapping on the brakes triggers the system to capture braking power and to use it to charge the batteries. Out on the highway, cruising speed is comfortable. Stealing glances at the dash, you begin to learn when the hybrid system is likely to charge the batteries, or provide a little power assistance to the four-cylinder motor.
Zipping down the California coast felt as breezy as the wind coming in off the ocean. I found the ride comfortable and pleasing. The Malibu’s ride is smooth while maintaining very good handling characteristics. Unlike Detroit cars of not so long ago, the Malibu can change lanes quickly without tumbling over itself.
Chevy has managed to take a simple design approach, add dashes of both elegance and attitude that translate well to a strong package. On the outside, Malibu looks well-tailored and it looks larger than the rival Camry and Accord, though it’s fractionally smaller in some ways. Inside, the interior design is pleasing and well-executed. The sweeping curves, multiple color tones, varied surface materials with just the right accents, somehow create a calming environment. That is all really good for big city driving environments.
Clearly a good family cruiser or commuter, our hometown Malibu’s overall design and excellent build quality competes very well against its rivals from across the Pacific. Winning the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit Auto Show was no mistake. This car is well put together, and destined to be on the list of the better cars to come from Detroit over the past few years.
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