2008 Chevrolet MalibuWith gas prices being stable but high, green is the old, new buzz word in the auto industry. And while manufacturers are on the quest for the fuel solution Holy Grail that ends our dependence on gasoline, many technologies such as fuel cells and plug-ins are still several years away from mass consumption.
In the meantime, manufacturers are not only bettering hybrid technologies but also fine-tuning engines and transmissions to get the most power with the best fuel economy.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Less is more with LTZ
Engine: Ecotec 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder
Horsepower: 169
Torque: 160 pound-feet
Wheelbase: 112.3 inches
Length: 191.8 inches
Height: 57.1 inches
Width: 70.3 inches
MPG (city/hwy): 22/32
Base price: $27,745
As tested: $27,995
One of the best examples of the power vs. economy equation is the new Chevrolet Malibu with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the six-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers 169 horsepower, which feels more like something in the 200-horsepower range, demonstrating how far the four-cylinder engine has come.
Whether I was traversing highway or city streets, engine noise was barely audible within the cabin. In fact, at a stop, it was only when I rolled down my window that I could hear the whisper of the engine. Chalk up one for the quality of the engine and another for the materials reducing noise vibration harshness. Even during hard acceleration, engine noise was remarkably quiet for a four-cylinder engine.
The addition of the six-speed transmission to the lineup in the spring is what balances the power equation, bumping up the highway mpgs by 2. So, with city/highway mileage of 22/32 mpg, this new engine/transmission combo approaches the mileage of the Malibu Hybrid (24/32).
This new transmission is a zero-cost option on the 2008 LTZ trim level, and in addition to the engine/transmission combo, the fuel-sipping 4 Cylinder Spring Package ($0) includes electric power steering and 17-inch wheels. For 2009, the engine/transmission combo becomes standard on the 2LT trim level and optional on 1LT trim level.
During the test period, I did mostly city, stop-and-go driving and averaged 22.4 mpg. I thought this was pretty good considering my lead-footed tendencies. The smooth transmission had a lot to do with it.
Since its entry into the market last fall, the 2008 Malibu has been the darling of the automotive world, making Car & Driver’s 2008 10 Best Cars list and winning awards like the 2008 North American Car of the Year. From fuel economy to design to pricing, it’s easy to see how this car captured its audience.
General Motors gets zinged over and over for its blah interiors. But the Malibu thankfully breaks the mold. The well-crafted two-tone interior is dramatically different and speaks of an upscale vehicle.
The well-appointed test vehicle was an LTZ model and came equipped with the standard leather seats in the Cocoa/Cashmere combination. I liked the muted tones, and the two colors worked quite well together. The Ebony/Brick interior I’ve seen on other Malibus is stunning but probably a bit brash for my tastes. The brushed silver accents nicely complemented the wood trim on the test vehicle. And even the standard GM audio interface looked attractive housed on the elegantly styled center stack.
The exterior design is just another area where the Malibu excels. Some vehicles are cute, some are sexy, and some are pretty. The Malibu is solidly handsome with the bold grille, blocky taillights and brushed gold bowtie emblems. This is a midsize sedan that works as a family car but can also chauffer people you’d like to impress.
It’s hard to believe the base price is just $20,550. To step up to the 1LT trim level and standard items like stability control, steering wheel audio controls, you’re looking at a base price of $21,835. The 2LT trim level adds features like a remote vehicle starter and power-adjustable pedals, starting at $23,690. The top-of-the-line LTZ model jumps up to a base price of $27,745 but includes a bevy of high-end features like a 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine, heated leather seats, 18-inch wheels, taillights with LED illumination and automatic climate control.
The LTZ test vehicle included the 4 Cylinder Spring Package ($0) as well as the Rear Power Package ($250), bringing the as-tested price up to $27,995.
Because the LTZ trim level is so well-equipped, the test vehicle had pretty much everything I could possibly want on it. In fact, other than an engine block heater ($75), the only other option the vehicle could have had was the power sunroof ($800).
The ride and handling of the Malibu was responsive but not quite sporty. It did well with quick maneuvers, and the turning radius is pretty standard for a midsize sedan. I also had a really good driving position, utilizing the eight-way power adjustable seats and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. From the position of gauges and controls to excellent lumbar support, I found the Malibu to be very comfortable for both quick trips and long commutes.
This is the second time I’ve had the chance to drive the new Malibu, and this latest test only solidified my original opinion: I really like this car. It actually has some personality, and the price is affordable. Though the Malibu isn’t a rock star sports car, it is a phenomenal sedan with the power punch, fuel economy and good looks thrown in on the side.
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