2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5-Liter First Drives

[CP1]

MT

The range-topping LTZ trim level, which includes lane depart warning and collision avoidance, offers Buick-overlap interior plushness and quality though some of the chromed plastic parts, especially around the gearshift and power window controls, stand out for the wrong reasons in an otherwise elegant interior. The non-eAssist Malibus are distinguished from the Eco models by the wheels and taillamps. Ecos have rectangular backup lights at the bottom of the taillamp lenses, while the others have square backup lights in the center of the taillamps.

Handling at Milford felt like a nice compromise between ride and handling, with good body control and moderate understeer. There’s a bit too much front-rear rebound coming off of big road dips, though. In the real world, some sharp bumps in the road made the Malibu’s chassis feel a bit stiff for a midsize family sedan, giving up some comfort for handling. We’ll need a full instrument test to sort this out.

Taylor’s story noted that the other big criticism is that the 2013 Malibu has a tight rear seat. Motor Trend, for one, has warned Chevrolet about its sedan strategy. The Cruze that’s been out a couple of years is on the large side of the compact category and the new Malibu’s wheelbase is shorter than the old model’s. That said, the Malibu’s back seat is sufficiently roomy. It’s wider, and there’s good knee room, though Chevy achieved this by raising the rear seat, which means headroom for a sub-six footer is marginal and his/her knees will be slightly up in the air. It’s no airy, roomy Volkswagen Passat/

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz224xkPdiG


C&D

Drive it straight down the road, however, and things are fairly pleasant. Its ride is smooth, and the car seems to prefer highway work. In that recent six-way comparo, the Malibu Eco’s interior was the quietest at a 70-mph cruise, and that doesn’t seem to have changed here. The 2.5-liter is remarkably hushed under normal circumstances, using disturbance-minimizing components such as a low-noise timing chain and direct-mounted accessories. And it all works, right up until you push the long pedal to the floor and watch the tach pass 4000 rpm. At that point, the drone of every four-cylinder you’ve ever flogged washes over you.

The interior of the Malibu—like those of other new GM products—shows a conscious effort to deliver style and improved material quality. There’s a certain similarity to an Ikea showroom—shapes, sizes, and colors that are unique and unexpected. But unlike most Ikea furniture, the driver’s seat in the Malibu actually is comfortable.

But other aspects of the interior let the Malibu down. Chevy’s dual-cockpit approach can make front occupants feel isolated and restricted. A reduction in wheelbase from the last generation sees rear legroom decrease by 0.8 inch; knee- and shoulder room see notable gains, but a lack of space for your stems makes the back seat feel cramped on anything longer than a quick jaunt.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...-drive-reviews



As expected, not the "gloom and doom" of the Malibu Eco reviews (altho there are a no. of Eco reviews which like it quite a bit), but we'll see if this is enough as the competition gets even tougher in the coming months.

[Numbersix]

The reduction in wheelbase is puzzling. I don't get why they would have made the cabin smaller than the outgoing car. What is this supposed to compete with if the interior package doesn't rival the new Fusion, Camry, etc?

Seems like an odd miss from the 'new' GM.

[CP1]

^ That's what happens when one goes to a "one-world" global model.

It's the same situation for the Ford Focus and Fiesta, altho it seems to be a lesser issue for the new Fusion/Mondeo.

[IsraelGT]

As expected, not the "gloom and doom" of the Malibu Eco reviews (altho there are a no. of Eco reviews which like it quite a bit), but we'll see if this is enough as the competition gets even tougher in the coming months.

I don't know doesn't sound so good for Chevy

In certain aspects, and for undiscerning buyers, the Malibu 2.5 can satisfy. It’s quiet in everyday use and offers decent power, but its handling doesn’t inspire driver confidence and the interior packaging is disappointing. Substituting a different engine does not address most of the issues that pushed the Malibu Eco down the scorecard in its comparison test. Unfortunately, fixing the Malibu’s shortcomings will take more than a stack of coasters

[RollingInDubs]

I don't know doesn't sound so good for Chevy

I have yet to see a new Malibu anywhere in my town, which is exceptionally odd considering that domestics run this joint. To me, that is a major red flag because if you can't find buyers for it in the Unionized Rust Belt, then the car must really not be all that great.

[whitejeep1989]

I have yet to see a new Malibu anywhere in my town, which is exceptionally odd considering that domestics run this joint. To me, that is a major red flag because if you can't find buyers for it in the Unionized Rust Belt, then the car must really not be all that great.

The new Malibu is currently being squeezed by the old model (which remains on sale until the 2013 model ramps up full production) and the Impala. Both 2012 sedans are being offered at generous discounts. It is conceivable that someone walking into their local Chevy store, especially in the midwest, will likely go for the sedan that represents the biggest value. The 2012 Impala is hard to beat, in that regard.

[deftonesfan867]

does C&D want a drivers car?

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

does C&D want a drivers car?

Yeap, that's it.

A reduction in wheelbase from the last generation sees rear legroom decrease by 0.8 inch; knee- and shoulder room see notable gains, but a lack of space for your stems makes the back seat feel cramped on anything longer than a quick jaunt.

[classicjetta]

I want to like this car, but with sub-Optima fuel economy and the small back seat According to the reviews, it will Altimately have a problem taking on the Crown of the midsize class.