Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu at a glance

The ninth-generation Malibu is a front-wheel-drive sedan with a transverse four-cylinder engine and a body using a large proportion of high-strength steel. Other Chevrolet models are in our Chevrolet catalogue, and the brand's story is told in Chevrolet's history. The Malibu's classic ancestor is the Chevrolet Chevelle SS.

History in brief

Ninth generation: design

The facelift made the Malibu look more powerful and, in places, sporty. The bonnet slopes down towards the road with a deep central recess and raised edges. The grille is split in two by a body line: a narrow upper section and a large trapezoidal lower section with horizontal bars. Slim headlights use LED or xenon units, and a central lower intake is flanked by brake-cooling slots and thin fog-lamp strips. The facelift added two new paint colours, and the sporty RS version received its own grille and dark wheels.

In profile, smooth transitions make the rear wings and doors look muscular; the oval mirrors are larger for better visibility, and the windows carry chrome trim. Ground clearance is 155 mm. Base cars ride on 16-inch steel wheels; the RS has 18-inch wheels. A small spoiler sits on the boot lid.

Interior and practicality

The cabin is uncluttered and trimmed in quality fabric, leather and metal. The large, thin-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel carries many buttons; two small analogue dials flank a large trip computer display. All seats are heated, and the front seats are electrically adjustable with good side support. An 8-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 screen sits between two vertical vents above a simple control panel. The tunnel has accessory sockets, the gear selector, drive-setting buttons and two small cupholders, and the armrest hides a large, coolable storage box.

Three adults fit in the back, with a fold-down armrest, but the sloping roof limits headroom for tall passengers. The boot holds 450 litres and almost triples with the rear seats folded; a spare wheel and tools sit under the floor.

Engines and transmissions

Depending on version, 0–100 km/h takes 6.7–8.6 seconds, top speed is 215–250 km/h and combined consumption is 7.6–8.7 l/100 km for the petrol versions; the hybrid uses under 5 l/100 km. There is no diesel. All versions are front-wheel drive.

Chassis and safety

The E2XX platform uses MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle, with passive dampers and anti-roll bars at both ends, electric power steering and disc brakes all round (ventilated at the front) with ABS and EBD.

Safety and assistance features include StabiliTrak stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring, an alarm, daytime running lights, a full set of airbags, cruise control, LATCH child-seat anchors, a rear camera, automatic emergency braking, a parking assistant, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beam and forward collision alert — although many active systems are not fitted to base versions. Base cars still get keyless entry, single-zone climate control, a six-speaker audio system and a 5-inch display; higher trims add LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a nine-speaker Bose system, the 8-inch MyLink system, leather, wireless charging, a 4.2-inch driver display and a heated steering wheel.

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners of recent Malibus like the attractive styling, a comfortable and practical cabin, the large boot, a free-revving engine, good sound insulation, strong performance and generous equipment. Criticisms include uneven panel gaps, a firm suspension and high fuel consumption with the automatic. Rivals include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5.