Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Despite a general waning of HEV, PHEV and EV sales due to lower pump prices in most parts of Canada, I’d like to think the new Malibu Hybrid is playing a significant role in the mid-size model’s upwardly trending numbers, although its charged particle assistance likely has more to do with a positive green light being shined on the enduring nameplate than particularly high sales volumes. This is, after all, is the first Malibu Hybrid that can drive on electricity alone, its modified powertrain
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Look as long as you want and you won’t find a second “fuel” door for an SAE J1772 connector plug, as the modification mentioned a moment ago refers to this model’s non-plug-in status, the new Malibu Hybrid a regular HEV utilizing the Voltec two-motor hybrid system albeit combining it with a 300-cc larger 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and smaller trunk-mounted 80-cell 1.5 kWh air-cooled lithium-ion battery pack. The internal combustion portion of the pairing produces 124 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque, but mixing in
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Before you get all pumped up about the hybrid’s 17 lb-ft advantage over the top-line conventionally powered Malibu Premier’s 260 lb-ft of twist, I’ve driven both and the 2.0-litre turbocharged car’s 250 horsepower makes for a lot more zing off the line and everywhere else, but this said you shouldn’t feel hard done by if relegated to this eco variant, especially when it comes to fuel economy.
At a sale price of $1.129 per litre, the lowest I’ve seen in my part of the country since winter of last year, the pump clicked off at a mere $16, and that was after a very busy week of driving. After doing the usual calculations my weeklong average
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
That’s best-in-class efficiency by the way, the new 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid said to be good for 5.6 L/100km combined city/highway, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid not quite as thrifty at 5.6 or 5.8, depending on trim, the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid also trim dependent albeit not as stingy anyway at 5.9 or 6.0, and the Kia Optima Hybrid least efficient with trim respective numbers equaling 6.3 and 6.5 L/100km. The Malibu Hybrid even beats the smaller compact Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid’s 5.3 L/100km combined rating.
A
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
I should also mention the powertrain is the first in Chevy’s lineup to use Exhaust Gas
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The Malibu Hybrid transitions from 100-percent electric to mixed mode almost imperceptibly, although that’s with the windows up. At idle with the windows lowered it sounded like a spaceship, and no I didn’t notice this while tuning in Coast to Coast AM or Midnight in the Desert during the wee hours (get well Art). The eerie note might be the electric motor or an EV-mode pedestrian warning tone, Chevy’s press material doesn’t say, but nevertheless it soon melded with the surrounding white noise of city life and was mostly forgotten throughout the rest of the week. I truly wondered about my sanity when I started hearing the sound of a moped out my side window, mind you. Once again with the windows down I could hear a distinct scooter engine-like buzzing sound that wound up when gaining speed and then tapered off when slowing down. Being a big F1 fan I’ve learned hybrids aren’t always the best way to make
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
This in mind the Malibu can be had with “Teen Driver”, a feature that automatically activates safety features while also managing speed warnings, radio volume limits, and more, plus it provides a driving habit history. I’m certainly glad this wasn’t available when I was 16.
Those
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
My car’s audio was upgraded to a nine-speaker Bose system that produced superb sound, while standard satellite radio provided endless coverage of the U.S. election,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Even though it’s a hybrid with a fairly large battery (allowing the EV range and fuel economy mentioned earlier) you still get the convenience of standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks that expand a somewhat abbreviated 328-litre (11.6 cubic-foot) trunk via a narrow bulkhead passageway. Hey, as long as I can load in my family’s skis, the Malibu gets my seal of approval.
OK,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
My tester had every conceivable option, starting with a Convenience and Technology package featuring remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the colour multi-info display and larger eight-inch infotainment touchscreen noted earlier, wireless device charging, a USB port in the centre console, and a 120-volt household-style power outlet, whereas the Leather and Convenience package added gorgeous saddle brown leather upholstery, six-way power for the front passenger, heatable front cushions, and the Bose audio upgrade mentioned before. Other options included metal-finish pedals, accurate navigation and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Additionally, the Driver
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
All other trims get a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, by the way, while the Malibu is the highest ranked mid-size car in J.D. Power’s latest 2016 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Chevrolet brand also doing well with a second-place rating for full-line mainstream volume brands (GM’s SUV/truck brand, GMC, otherwise took second). Chevy ranked fifth in the same third party analytical firm’s 2016 Initial Quality Study, albeit the Malibu wasn’t recognized in its segment,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
At least the new Malibu looks like its larger sibling, a good thing in my books. Its wheelbase doesn’t quite stretch to the bigger sedan’s dimensions, but Malibu nevertheless delivers more comfortable rear seating with increased legroom, another reason why it’s selling so well compared to its much maligned predecessor. If you’re in the market for a mid-size family sedan, and about half as many Canadians per capita are in comparison to our friends to the south, the Malibu is a good bet, and thanks to this electrified version’s fabulous fuel economy it’s probably worth its slightly elevated price of entry.
That
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The Malibu Hybrid is an ideal combination of the mid-size HEV segment’s best attributes, and therefore demands a closer look.
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