2016 Chevrolet Malibu: The Midsize Sedan Strikes Back

Although the market is currently very favourable to SUVs of all kinds, the midsize sedan segment is still a popular one. In the United States alone, two million of these cars are sold every year.

In that category, Chevrolet’s been offering the Malibu for quite a while now, and although it has a history and a long-standing name that could attract buyers, sales in recent years haven’t been very significant with retail consumers. On the other hand, fleet sales with rental agencies and government services are still very high. That’s why only a few years after receiving a full redesign, and 18 months after a facelift, the eight-generation Malibu was replaced.

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Say hello to the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, generation number nine.

Drawing attention

When the 2016 Malibu was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, many people were charmed by its silhouette. Its rounded nose, slim headlights and minimalist front grille make for a muscular look, while a few curves on its flanks add a dynamic touch. The sloping roofline gives the impression that it’s a fastback with a hatch, but the Malibu boasts a real trunk. During the launch, several of my colleagues even compared the roof’s design to the Audi A7’s, which is quite a compliment for the Malibu!

Inside, Chevrolet is trying to make us forget its past efforts. The dashboard serves up fluid curves, while the leather in upscale trims – above the LS, actually – is of good quality. Even if engineers covered up frequently touched surfaces (door panels, armrests, centre console, etc.), other areas are made up of hard plastic. I think this type of material is no longer justified in a “premium” car.

The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system is back, which features seven- and eight-inch touchscreens, according to trim level.

Parental surveillance

To set itself apart from the competition, Chevrolet installed a host of new technologies in the 2016 Malibu. One of them is Teen Driver, which allows parents to monitor their kids’ driving habits. Several functions can be activated though the touchscreen, such as preventing the audio system from working until the seat belts are buckled, or even limiting maximum audio volume, activate a warning alarm if the vehicle reaches a certain speed, etc.

Once the teenager gets back home, the system can be easily accessed to check out potentially incriminating info such as distance traveled, top speed and more. Parents, be warned though: this system can also be used by your kids to demonstrate how responsibly they’ve been driving.

An engine for everyone

Three powertrains are offered in the 2016 Malibu. The old 2.5-litre four-cylinder base engine has been replaced by a 1.5-litre unit; while it may seem laughable for a car of this size, the magic of turbocharging helps it deliver 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Since the Malibu has always offered an optional engine for those desiring more performance, Chevrolet left the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine on the options list. It develops 250 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Finally, a new hybrid variant is available. Using the Volt’s electrical system and a 1.8-litre engine, this Malibu slots itself between base and range-topping versions in terms of performance. With a claimed 0-to-100 km/h sprint accomplished in less than eight seconds, it’s easily capable of merging into traffic, and the manufacturer announced an average consumption of 5.0 L/100 km.

A surprising drive

Our test of the Malibu started behind the wheel of a version equipped with the 1.5L engine. While I initially questioned the relevance of such a small motor in a midsize sedan, I was surprised by its torque; around town, power will never be an issue, although the engine does run out of breath on country roads. However, as very few Malibu owners drive with the same level of enthusiasm as automotive journalists, I’m convinced this powertrain will satisfy the majority of midsize shoppers; Chevrolet expects 75% of 2016 Malibu buyers will choose this engine. It includes automatic start/stop that can’t be deactivated, but its operation is among the most seamless in the industry, and we must be paying close attention to hear or feel it during restart.

As expected, the 2.0L version has a lot more gusto. Its 250 horses are more than enough for swift launches between red lights, and it’s connected to an eight-speed automatic – pretty much the same one found in the Corvette and the Silverado – which always keeps engine revs to a minimum.

Finally, the hybrid version deserves one of the best compliments I can give to this type of powertrain: it drives just as well as the car’s other engines. The electric module fluidly alternates between its two drive modes, while the 1.8L engine rescues the electric motor during harder acceleration. And there are no fussy controls for electric propulsion neophytes; we simply need to press the engine start button, nudge the lever in D position and drive away.

Competitive, finally

While the base L trim level starts at $23,495, General Motors expects the LS grade ($25,995) to be the most popular choice. The LT ($26,995) and Premier ($33,795) trims will suit those who desire more luxury features. Note that only the Premier variant comes with the 2.0L engine, and only the LT and Premier trims can be selected with the hybrid powertrain.

If the Malibu played a figuration role in the last few years, Chevrolet seems determined to remind the population that they are also selling a midsize sedan. If buyers are willing to give this redesigned model a chance, the 2016 Malibu has what it takes to become a segment leader once again.