GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu

The eighth-generation Chevrolet Malibu doesn't come out in the Unites States before Spring 2012, moments after the Super Bowl season, but here in South Korea, the new Chevrolet Malibu gets it first before most countries because now, this Chevrolet Malibu is now a global executive midsize sedan.

2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu

2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu

The exterior design was heavily inspired from the Camaro to provide sporty character cues to this executive midsize sedan that gives a commanding presence to the owners. Exterior details include the trademark dual-port grille, HID headlamps, Camaro-inspired rear lamps, 1465mm of height, 4865mm of length, 1855mm of overall width, and 2737mm of wheelbase.

2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu interior

The interior is all marvelous thanks to its new dual cockpit design that provides the new Malibu to its premium level of appreciation. The meters were heavily inspired from the Camaro too and there is a new seven-inch touch-screen navigation system with a hidden six-inch deep storage area behind it to provide USB connectivity and storage for something else. The seats on the new Malibu provides the best-in-class comfort for five people and this is an excellent innovation for GM Korea to create a proper midsize sedan with a proper interior comfort.

Because the Chevrolet Malibu uses the Epsilon platform lifted from the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, it provides European engineering and improved aerodynamics to give this car a sportscar-like feeling on the Korean roads. For the Korean-spec Malibu, it is available in two engine types such as the 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines. The 2.0L ECOTEC engine provides 141ps / 6,200rpm of power, 18.8kg-m / 4,600 rpm of torque, and 12.4km/L of fuel economy. The 2.4L ECTOEC engine provides 170ps / 5,800rpm of power, 23.0kg-m / 4,600rpm of torque, and 11.8km/L of fuel economy. Both of these engines are mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Manual Mode.

The new Malibu provides the best safety features such as Lane Departure Warning System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Cruise Control, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist System, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, reinforced body, and active headrests. The Chevy Care 357 has your back.

Available in nine exterior colors such as Moulin Rouge Red, Poseidon Blue, Pure White, Carbon Flash Black, White Pearl, Smokey Gray, Switchblade Silver, Daydream Beige, and Placid Gray.

My comment:
What I like about the Korean-spec Malibu is its Camaro cue design, European engineering, impressive interior, and value for money for the fastest selling brand in Korea. What I don't like about the Korean-spec Malibu is that there is no hybrid or turbo GDI versions which the Hyundai Sonata/i45 and the Kia K5/Optima had. Anyway, this could be a good fighter to the Renault-Samsung SM5 though. Because this was made in Bupyeong, South Korea, I think there's a chance we can see the new Malibu arriving in the Philippines soon but in my opinion, TCCCI hasn't planned to bring the Malibu here but gray market importers such as Pitstop Motors or Hancars are planning to get it first. See if we care...



Photo: GM Korea Company