The General Motors car group during the next auto show in New York in 2015 demonstrated the ninth generation Chevrolet Malibu. The model is very different from the previous version.
Despite the fact that the car went on sale in the same 2015, dealers in Russia will not offer it, as the brand’s marketers came to the conclusion that domestic car enthusiasts are not interested in this model.
Exterior
Being previously one of the varieties of the Chevrolet Chevelle, Malibu not only became a separate model, but also got a completely new body design in a new generation. The car is distinguished by an elongated front part and a raised hood. New narrower optics decorated with chrome elements and equipped with lenses. Between the headlights there is a radiator grill divided into two sections. The lower, large section is made in the shape of an octagon. The radiator grill has a chrome trim. In its lower part there are fog lights, the contour of which is distinguished by the shape of a bumper. There are also air intakes, the main task of which is to cool the front brake discs. A plastic insert at the bottom of the bumper acts as a splitter.
In the photo of the Chevrolet Malibu, the aggressive body design, which largely echoes the third BMW series, stands out. From the rear lights to the front door handles, the body is decorated with designer stamping lines, in the middle there are flowing lines passing into the front arch, while the lower part of the body is decorated with a deep stamping line. Muscle model give extended wheel arches. Narrow windows are decorated with massive chrome trim. The Malibu body profile stands out in the automotive stream for its visual characteristics.
Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a small luggage compartment lid, which in shape resembles that of a Mercedes CLS. The lid is also equipped with a small spoiler, which improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the car. Narrow-shaped optics with good filling: similar headlights were installed on the Chevrolet Cruze. The massive rear bumper at the bottom is equipped with plastic protection and neatly integrated hexagonal exhaust pipes.
Dimensions
The new generation of Chevrolet Malibu has the following sizes:
- The length of the body is 4922 mm.
- Width - 1854 mm.
- Height - 1465 mm.
- Wheelbase - 2829 mm.
Specifications Chevrolet Malibu
The range of power units is represented by three new engines, characterized by reliability and relatively low fuel consumption.
- The basic version is a hybrid engine that combines an electric motor and a 1.8-liter gasoline unit. The total capacity of the installation is 124 horsepower. Combined fuel consumption is only 5 liters per 100 kilometers. Riding an electric motor is not particularly dynamic and long: the charge lasts about 88 kilometers.
- The second unit of the line is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a capacity of 160 horsepower. In urban mode, fuel consumption is 9 liters, while on the highway - only 6 liters.
- The most powerful engine is a turbocharged sixteen-valve power unit with a capacity of 250 horsepower. In the urban cycle, the consumption is 11 liters, on the highway - 7 liters.
Owners of the Chevrolet Malibu in the reviews note a good dynamism of the engines of the line.
Transmission and chassis
Each of the engines of the proposed line of power units is equipped with a different type of transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is supplied with the first and second engines; the most powerful unit is equipped with an eight- or nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is installed on all Chevrolet Malibu trim levels. The technical characteristics of the chassis have remained unchanged: in the front are the standard MacPherson struts, in the back there is a multi-link system. The car body is made of high-strength steel, so it was possible to reduce its weight by 130 kilograms. The steering wheel is equipped with an electric booster, which greatly facilitates the control of the Chevrolet Malibu, the sedan's brake system is represented by powerful and efficient disc brakes.
Interior
The design of the new-generation Malibu salon has radically changed: its finish looks much more modern. High quality leather is mainly used for interior decoration, however, wooden inserts are used as decorative elements. Build quality is at a high level.
Front seats with leather upholstery and electric adjustment in eight directions. The seats have a comfortable fit and the presence of lateral support. The back row is also lined with leather and made in the form of a sofa, designed for three adult passengers and equipped with climate system deflectors and heating.
The steering wheel is leather, three-spoke, with a chrome insert and a large number of control keys, cruise control and a multimedia system. On the dashboard are analog sensors of the speedometer and tachometer, in the upper part there are sensors of oil temperature and fuel level. Each of the sensors is decorated with a thin and neat chrome trim. In the center is a large and informative on-board computer.
At the top of the center console is a display with a diagonal of 7 or 8 inches, depending on the selected configuration Chevrolet Malibu. The touch screen, however, is equipped with buttons for switching tracks and adjusting volume. A little lower is the alarm button and climate control unit with a large number of controls decorated with chrome trim.
The tunnel in the cabin is made entirely of wood, and in the initial part there is a niche for small things, behind it is a gearbox selector. On the right side are two cup holders with chrome trim again. Behind them is a comfortable armrest. The luggage compartment does not differ in special dimensions, but its volume is 447 liters.
The prices of the new generation of Malibu
The fifth generation Chevrolet Malibu is offered in five trim levels. The cost of the basic version of the car is 23 thousand dollars. Top-end equipment will cost the motorist 30 thousand dollars.
The basic equipment of Malibu includes the following equipment package:
- Ten airbags.
- Behavioral adjustment system provided that young children are in the cabin.
- Wireless charging system for mobile devices.
- Pedestrian recognition.
- Automatic braking in an emergency.
- LED optics.
- Separate climate control.
- Adaptive cruise control and other options.
General Motors auto concern, in fact, created a magnificent city sedan, featuring a wide range of functions and a high level of comfort. Despite the good technical characteristics, the Chevrolet Malibu does not differ in special dynamics, as a result of which it will not be of particular interest to young motorists. A huge minus is that the model is not implemented in Russia.
Advantages and disadvantages of a car
Most owners of the new generation Malibu model speak positively about the car. In principle, opinions are fairly objective, as are the distinguished advantages of the car:
- Bright, catchy appearance.
- Luxurious interior decoration.
- A rich package of options as standard.
- High quality used for finishing materials and assembly.
- Excellent economy and good acceleration dynamics.
- Comfortable and comfortable driver's seat.
Disadvantages of malibu
- Tall passengers will be uncomfortable in the back of the couch.
- Stiff suspension.
- Possible problems with the paintwork.
- Quick wear of brake discs.
Summary
GM is keeping pace with current automotive trends with the launch of the new generation Chevrolet Malibu. The model has an elegant and stylish exterior, thanks to which the car stands out in the general flow of cars. The salon is the quintessence of pronounced ergonomics, practicality, uncompromising comfort and high-quality finishing materials. Long trips will not bring discomfort to both the driver and passengers.
The Malibu sedan is equipped with powerful and dynamic power units that allow you to enjoy driving and are an alloy of GM's many years of experience in the field of engine building and innovative technologies. Chevrolet - a great car for those who prefer a fast and dynamic ride with maximum comfort. A huge advantage of the car is its affordable cost, but, unfortunately, it is not sold in Russia.