The test car was quiet, the suspension was firm without being harsh and handling was precise.
By Frank S. Washington
DETROIT, MI – I’ve always felt that the strength of Chevrolet models has been the amount of equipment you got for a relatively low price. The new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco that I test drove did not disrupt that belief.
However, the newest iteration of the longest running nameplate on the market has added one more character trait. Well, make that two: the first one is that the car looked really good.
For the record, the Malibu was a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan. Although it was a midsize sedan, my test vehicle looked bigger. It was spacious with slick curves, flat surfaces and sharp angles. But it all fit together well.
My test car was quiet, the suspension was firm without being harsh and handling was precise. In a word, my 2013 Malibu Eco felt like a much more expensive car than its $29,380 sticker would suggest.
The car’s stance was wider than the model it replaced. The shoulders were higher, there was an integrated rear spoiler and the wheel base was shorter. My Malibu looked more athletic and more muscular. The word that came to mind was heftier, it just looked stronger that the Malibu it replaced.
A larger Chevrolet bow-tie badge adorned its signature dual port grille. My Malibu had an active shutter system that automatically closed airflow through the lower intake opening when least needed. The system enhanced aerodynamic performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it.
That sort of technology is part of the second trait that made my Malibu special which is, eh, technology. The “Eco” in my test car’s nameplate was Chevy-speak for eAssist. As the company’s chief engineer for eAssist said the system provides “electric boost to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration” and it helps the transmission operate more efficiently during grade driving which was not an issue around here.
The engine also stopped and then restarted when I came to a complete halt and then lifted my foot off the brake. The electric motor was powered by a lithium-ion battery that was charged by the car’s regenerative braking system.
The electric motor was mounted to Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine and operated in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through a revised engine belt-drive system. The engine generated 182 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. It was mated t a six speed transmission.
This powertrain gave the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco an EPA rating of 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. For a midsize sedan that weighed 3,600 lbs that was outstanding.
But there was more. My test vehicle was chock full of creature comforts. It had satellite radio and MyLink which allowed me to channel some of my Smartphone apps like Pandora internet radio though the car’s audio system via chord or Bluetooth.
The car enabled hands free operation of my Smartphone as well as OnStar’s phone and turn-by-turn navigation. There was a backup camera, heated front seats and power door locks with extended range that allowed me to make sure I had locked the door from the second floor track of L.A. Fitness.
One of the characteristics about Chevrolet’s as well as all GM vehicles is that I can turn off the day-time running lights. I’m glad the 2013 version of the Malibu retained that feature. My test car had the $1,300 optional leather package that included skinned seat trim, front passenger power seat and heated front seats.
And maybe the coolest thing of all was the ambient ice blue interior lightinh, the piping that edged the seats and heated outside mirrors. One yellow caution light was the center stack. Though nicely done, the industry is moving towards horizontal instrument layouts. Depending on how fast it gets there, the Malibu’s interior could look outdated before its time.
I hope that Chevy’s interior engineers and designers are working on a new instrument layout as I write this. Other than that caution, they’ve made a very good midsize family sedan even better for 2013.
Frank S. Washington is managing partner/editor of AboutThatCar.com.
This was printed in the July 29, 2012 – August 11, 2012 Edition
