Review:
The Malibu ECO is a mild hybrid version of Chevrolet’s new Malibu midsize sedan
that is intended to be an efficient yet affordable alternative to full
hybrids. The Malibu ECO takes a new approach for the segment that it
competes in, offering middle ground fuel economy and middle ground
pricing.
The Malibu Eco is offered
with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color
choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four
equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium
Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation.
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU ECO SPECIFICATIONS:
Overview
| Model: | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan |
| Body style / driveline: | 4-door, 5-passenger front-engine transaxle (front-drive) |
| Construction: | steel body-frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel and trunk lid |
| Global vehicle class: | midsize sedan |
| Manufacturing locations: | Fairfax, Kansas and Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan |
| Key competitors: | Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord |
Engines
| Type: | Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 VVT DI w/eAssist | Ecotec 2.5L DOHC I-4 VVT DI |
| Application: | Malibu Eco | Malibu LS, LT, LTZ |
| Displacement (cu. in. / cc): | 145.4 / 2384 | 152.5 / 2499 |
| Bore & stroke (in. / mm): | 3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98 | 3.46 x 3.97 / 88 x 101 |
| Block material: | lost foam cast aluminum | lost foam cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: | lost foam cast aluminum | lost foam cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | dual overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous cam phaser intake and exhaust | dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing |
| Valve lifters: | hydraulic roller finger follower | hydraulic roller finger follower |
| Ignition system: | coil-on-plug | coil-on-plug |
| Fuel delivery: | high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control | high-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control |
| Compression ratio: | 11.2:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 182 / 134 @ 6200 rpm (est.) | 197 / 147 @ 6300 (SAE certified) |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): | 172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm | 191 / 259 @ 4400 (SAE certified) |
| Recommended fuel: | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Max. engine speed (fuel cut-off): | 7000 rpm | 7000 rpm |
| Emissions controls: | SAI System, PZEV-capable, close-coupled, catalytic converter, variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system | SAI system, PZEV-capable, close-coupled, catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system |
| Additional features: | extended-life spark plugs extended-life coolant | extended-life spark plugs extended-life coolant |
| GM-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy / combined): | 25 / 37 / 29 | TBD |
Transmission
| Type: | Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic |
| Gear ratios: (:1): | |
| First: | 4.58 |
| Second: | 2.96 |
| Third: | 1.91 |
| Fourth: | 1.45 |
| Fifth: | 1.00 |
| Sixth: | 0.75 |
| Reverse: | 2.84 |
| Final drive ratio (:1): | 2.64 |
Electric Drive System
| Type: | Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic |
| Gear ratios: (:1): | |
| First: | 4.58 |
| Second: | 2.96 |
| Third: | 1.91 |
| Fourth: | 1.45 |
| Fifth: | 1.00 |
| Sixth: | 0.75 |
| Reverse: | 2.84 |
| Final drive ratio (:1): | 2.64 |
Chassis/Suspension
| Front: | independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings |
| Rear: | four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar |
| Traction control: | all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention |
| Steering type: | rack-mounted electric rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock: | 2.68 |
| Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters): | 37.4 / 11.4 |
| Steering ratio: | 15.2:1 |
Brakes
| Type: | four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC) |
| Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm): | 11.7 / 297 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper |
| Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm): | 11.5 / 292 solid; single-piston, aluminum caliper |
Wheels/Tires
| Wheel size and type: | 17 x 8.5-inch aluminum |
| Tires: | P225/55R17 low-rolling resistance |
Dimensions
Exterior
| Wheelbase (in / mm) : | 107.8 / 2738 |
| Overall length (in / mm): | 191.5 / 4865 |
| Overall width (in / mm): | 73 / 1854 |
| Overall height (in / mm): | 57.6 / 1462 |
| Front track (in / mm): | 62.2 / 1579 |
| Rear track (in / mm): | 62 / 1575 |
| Coefficient of drag (cD): | .30 (Eco) .29 (LS) |
Interior
| Seating capacity (front / rear): | 2 / 3 |
| Headroom (in / mm): | 39.0 / 991 (front) 37.5 / 953 (rear) |
| Legroom (in / mm): | 42.1 / 1069 (front) 36.8 / 935 (rear) |
| Shoulder room (in / mm): | 57.5 / 1461 (front) 57.1 / 1450 (rear) |
| Hip room (in / mm): | 55.0 / 1397 (front) 54.3 / 1380 (rear) |
| EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) : | 100.3 / 2837 |
| EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): | 116.5 / 3299 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / L): | 13.2 / 374 – Eco 16.3 / 462 – LS, LT, LTZ |
Performance
| 0-60 mph (seconds): | 8.7 (GM-estimated) |
| 60-0 mph braking (ft. / m): | 134 / 41 (GM-estimated) |
Capacities
| Fuel tank (gal / L): | 15.8 / 59.9 |
| Engine oil (qt / L): | 2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7 |
| Cooling system (qt / L): | 2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7 |
| Curb weight (lbs / kg): | 3620 / 1642 |
More Features:
This handsome hybrid makes big promises for the rest of the Malibu lineup.
Chevy’s
mid-size Malibu is all-new for 2013, joining the Buick Regal on the
global Epsilon II platform. Loyal readers of Car and Driver may remember
that our John Phillips briefly drove and generally liked a 2013 Malibu
prototype earlier this year. We recently traveled to Texas to see if our
early impressions would hold up following a few more miles in
real-world conditions.
“We once again drove the Eco model, which is powered by the combo of a direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 15-hp electric motor. This will be the only powertrain available at launch, with two other (unassisted) engines joining the lineup later. The first will be GM’s new 2.5-liter four-banger, which will make about 190 hp and arrive next summer. A turbocharged four-cylinder, likely one of the 2.0-liter units offered in the Regal, will follow. Chevrolet isn’t saying yet when that engine will appear, or how much power to expect. The 2.0 makes 220 hp in the Regal Turbo and 270 in the Regal GS. We say the Malibu’s version needs closer to 270 to differentiate it from the 2.5 and to better compete with the sixes in the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat—not to mention the 274-hp turbo four in the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.”
“We once again drove the Eco model, which is powered by the combo of a direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 15-hp electric motor. This will be the only powertrain available at launch, with two other (unassisted) engines joining the lineup later. The first will be GM’s new 2.5-liter four-banger, which will make about 190 hp and arrive next summer. A turbocharged four-cylinder, likely one of the 2.0-liter units offered in the Regal, will follow. Chevrolet isn’t saying yet when that engine will appear, or how much power to expect. The 2.0 makes 220 hp in the Regal Turbo and 270 in the Regal GS. We say the Malibu’s version needs closer to 270 to differentiate it from the 2.5 and to better compete with the sixes in the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat—not to mention the 274-hp turbo four in the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.”
Eco-specific
features include an aluminum hood, an aluminum rear bumper beam, and
lighter carpet and dash-mat materials. According to Chevy, these
measures save approximately 130 pounds. An active shutter in the grille
and smooth underbody panels reduce drag, although they could appear on
other models as well, as Chevy won’t say they’re Eco-only pieces.
Seamless, Not Stirring
Acceleration
is adequate, but passing is a plan-ahead affair. Even with our lead
feet, though, a day of mixed highway and two-lane driving yielded an
indicated 29 mpg, which exactly matches the figure we logged in a
mild-hybrid Malibu we compared against the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry
hybrids. (Being full hybrids, all three competitors bested the Malibu
in mileage.) Chevy expects the EPA estimates will be in the neighborhood
of 25 mpg city and 37 highway, better than the old hybrid by 3 mpg in
both categories.
The grainy roads of
central Texas provided ample opportunity to gauge steering feel, which
we previously noted was somewhat lacking. But with the firm suspension,
we were able to carry decent speed through corners. Thanks to the
acoustic glass, as well as sound-insulating material injected virtually
everywhere the eye can’t see, the 2013 Malibu is extremely quiet inside.
Even the windshield wipers operate in virtual silence.
Chevy
pulled 4.5 inches out of the Malibu’s wheelbase, meaning that rear-seat
legroom takes a hit. And with a cushion boasting all the loving
contours of a park bench, comfort back there is nothing to brag about,
either. (The upcoming 2014 Impala should better cater to rear-seat
riders.) It might not be bigger, but the space is vastly more pleasant
than the current car’s interior, especially up front. Soft-touch
materials and painstaking design details abound. And for those times
when cargo overflows the trunk, the small size of the hybrid’s battery
allows for a split-folding rear seatback and a slim cargo pass-through,
features often lost to bulkier (although far more potent) battery packs.
Plenty of Content
For
$25,995 (roughly $1800 more than the 2012 Malibu LT), the Malibu Eco
comes standard with 225/55-17 low-rolling-resistance tires, heated
mirrors, “ice blue” ambient lighting, a bevy of airbags including driver
and front-passenger knee bags, and OnStar. All Eco models include
Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system, featuring a seven-inch touchscreen
(it motors up to reveal a handy storage bin), capacitive-touch controls,
and the ability to pair with mobile devices for additional functions.
Four
major equipment packages will be offered. The Power Convenience package
features remote start, a power driver’s seat, a rearview camera, an
auto-dimming mirror, and a universal garage-door opener. The Premium
Audio package adds a nine-speaker Pioneer audio system, fog lamps, and a
leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. The Leather package
builds on those with leather seats (heated in front) and a power
passenger seat. Heated front seats are also a part of the Navigation
package, which—strangely—adds an auto-up driver’s window. And nav, of course.
The
rest of the Malibu’s trim levels, the LS, the LT, and the dressy LTZ,
will be phased in along with the 2.5-liter engine starting next summer.
If can make its most-fuel-efficient model this pleasant, it bodes well
for the rest of the lineup.
“The
all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu made its global debut recently, with
simultaneous introductions in the United States and China – two of the
nearly 100 countries on six continents where it will be sold.”
Chevrolet will launch its new hybrid
car Chevrolet Malibu Eco in first quater of next year and the price
of Chevrolet Malibu Eco will be under $26,000. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco can take you up to 580 highway miles on one tank of gas.
0 comments:
Post a Comment