For 2009, Chevrolet is releasing a slightly revised Malibu hybrid that boasts improved fuel economy without adding much to the sticker price. Last year Chevy unveiled the redesigned Malibu which bears little resemblance to the appliance-like models of the past few years. Although the new Malibu is still built on the same platform as the previous version, the body and the interior are completely new. The exterior styling is modern, distinctive, and more stylish than anything else in a Chevy showroom. The interior design is similarly well executed—a flowing instrument panel features gauges and controls that are easy to decipher and use. Most interior plastics have a rich graining and are soft to the touch. Available only as a sedan, the Malibu rides on the long-wheelbase version of GM’s front-wheel-drive Epsilon platform. The long, 112.3-inch wheelbase gives the Malibu a spacious back seat with plenty of legroom.
For its fuel-sipping hybrid model, Chevy starts with the Malibu’s four-cylinder engine and adds electric assistance and a stop/start system. The stop/start system works by shutting off the gasoline engine when the car is stopped. To restart, all the driver has to do is lift off the brake pedal, and the electric motor/generator brings the gasoline engine to life. Chevy claims the electric motor can offer some assistance to the gasoline engine in full-throttle situations, but the Malibu’s system is what is known as a “mild” hybrid, as the electric motor can’t move the car down the road on its own. Some of the Malibu hybrid’s competition have more-sophisticated hybrid systems that can propel the car on electric power alone, but an upside of the GM system is that it doesn’t cost as much money.
There’s no need to plug in the Malibu hybrid, as the car automatically charges its battery pack by recapturing the energy from deceleration or braking. If not enough energy is returned to the battery pack, the gasoline engine will work to charge the battery pack. In hybrid models, the DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 164 horsepower and comes exclusively with a four-speed automatic. The EPA estimates fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 34 highway; for comparison purposes, a four-cylinder Malibu with a six-speed automatic boasts EPA numbers of 22 city and 33 highway.
Granted, the Malibu Hybrid's four-kilowatt electric motor/generator can actually move the car on its own up to a dizzying 3 mph, but that's essentially useless in terms of increasing fuel economy. To put it into perspective, the Camry Hybrid's 30-kilowatt unit can propel it up to 30 mph.
Furthermore, the Malibu Hybrid's performance isn't as good as real hybrids. When maximum power is called for, its electric motor assists the gas engine, but the added boost is minimal as it adds a mere 5 horsepower to the cause. That doesn't compare too favorably to the Toyota, whose muscular electric motor kicks in an additional 40 horses when needed. Another bummer is that the Malibu Hybrid's overall fuel economy rates just a few mpg better than the standard four-cylinder Malibu.
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 164 hp
Max Horsepower: 6400 rpm Torque: 159 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 5000 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 40.4 ft.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 26 mpg / 34 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 416 mi. / 544 mi.
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