New York 2015: Chevrolet Malibu Revealed

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Well, it’s, uh…different.

The new ‘Bu loses 300 lbs, gains a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0T sticks around, with 250 hp, 258 torques and an 8-speed gearbox. Apparently, the new hybrid will be both quicker than the 1.5L engine while getting 45 mpg combined on the EPA test. And yes, there’s more rear legroom.





Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • HotPotato HotPotato on Apr 04, 2015

    Just as with the Fusion, the Hybrid will be the one to get: loads of torque at all speeds, quiet operation, MPG that's excellent even if it falls 10 MPG short of EPA. No love for tiny turbos in big cars here. I briefly drove a 170 hp turbo Passat, and it's lack of off-idle torque made for some terrifying moments - almost got flattened by an oncoming semi when making a left turn onto the freeway in Texas. (It was later replaced by a V6 Passat, a much better choice.) And those VW turbos are 1.8 or 2.0 liters - imagine what a disaster a low-compression 1.5 liter 4 cylinder would be in a car this size until the turbo spools up.

  • Amca Amca on Apr 14, 2015

    Every time I look at this car, I like it better. I was highly skeptical at first. But I keep noticing a new shape or line on it every time I see it. I'm getting to be a big fan. And the 300 lbs difference: that takes it down to lightest in class in a flash. Along with what appears will be top in class rear legroom. And it will be highly praised for its nimble, excellent handling by reviewers. Consumers oughta like it too.

  • GregLocock That's a bodge, not a solution. Your diff now has bits of broken off metal floating around in it.
  • The Oracle Well, we’re 3-4 years in with the Telluride and right around the time the long term durability issues start to really take hold. This is sad.
  • CoastieLenn No idea why, but nothing about a 4Runner excites me post-2004. To me, they're peak "try-hard", even above the Wrangler and Gladiator.
  • AZFelix A well earned anniversary.Can they also attend to the Mach-E?
  • Jalop1991 The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged due to suspected improper assembly by the supplier. Over time, partial engagement can cause damage to the intermediate shaft splines. Damaged shaft splines may result in unintended vehicle movement while in Park if the parking brake is not engagedGee, my Chrysler van automatically engages the parking brake when we put it in Park. Do you mean to tell me that the idjits at Kia, and the idjit buyers, couldn't figure out wanting this in THEIR MOST EXPENSIVE VEHICLE????
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