If the fuel-efficient Eco version is an indication, the 2013 Chevy Malibu will follow in the brand's newfound tradition of comfort, quietness and composure.
With the redesign of its Malibu midsize sedan for the 2013 model year, Chevrolet is close to coming full circle. The 2008 Malibu redesign proved that the quintessential American brand knew how to build a competitive car, and the company has since fleshed out its lineup with the Camaro sports car and Cruze compact — both hot sellers — the Volt plug-in hybrid and a new Sonic subcompact. All of these models have continued the viable-product offensive, leaving behind the era of offensive products. Only the full-size Impala and, to a lesser extent, the Corvette have yet to be dragged into the 21st century.
Why did Chevy launch such an important new model in a version that's likely to be its least popular? Because GM CEO Daniel Akerson didn't want to wait while the Hyundai Sonata continues snatching market share, the recently redesigned Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat solidify their toehold, and a rebaked Ford Fusion is just about ready to pop out of the oven. I don't blame him.
As for the Eco, well, it was the first one ready; its drivetrain is essentially shared with the Buick Regal eAssist, though the Malibu doesn't get the eAssist name. After the Eco's spring launch, an all-new 2.5-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, both four-cylinders, will follow later in 2012. A V-6 is not planned.
The Eco employs a mild hybrid system that's closest in principle to Honda's technology in that the electric motor-generator is always in motion with the gas engine, in this case a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and is teamed with a more conventional transmission. The eAssist battery and motor-generator are much smaller, though, as is the resulting mileage gain. Chevy estimates city/highway mileage at 25/37 mpg.
Because the Eco starts at $25,235 and will ultimately represent relatively low volume, I'll lead off with the shared characteristics before closing with a drivetrain evaluation.
Exterior & Styling
At 191.3 inches in length, the 2013 Malibu is just a half inch shorter than the 2012 but is almost 3 inches wider, which pays dividends inside. One yellow flag is the wheelbase decreased 4.5 inches from the previous generation, a change that seldom benefits a car's looks, cabin space or ride quality.
Upon the Cruze's debut, I foresaw trouble for the plain sedan in a class with the stylish Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra, but throngs of buyers have proved me wrong. There's always room for a modest but inoffensive design, and the Malibu is better than modest and, by most accounts, inoffensive. The affordable midsize sedan class isn't known for cutting-edge styling, though cars like the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata definitely stand out, and the soon-to-be-released Ford Fusion redesign is expected to follow in the Focus' edgy footsteps.
We expressed our uncertainty about the Malibu's styling — particularly its rear end — at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. It definitely looks better out in the wild than it did in captivity.
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