8th Generation Chevrolet Malibu

For previous seven generations, the Chevrolet Malibu remains to be the only American car I didn't like, probably because the styling's a bit too boring, a bit too dull, a bit too American. Yep, I didn't like the Malibu because it's too American. However, for the eighth generation Chevrolet Malibu, things are about to change because for the first time in Malibu history, it's going to be sold worldwide and this has to be the best looking Malibu yet.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

For the 8th generation 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.

2013 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 to create a proper midsize sedan for all. Surprisingly, the new Malibu comes with Chevrolet MyLink allows you to initiate phone calls, hands-free, while on the go, enjoy music, Navigation, watch movies, and so on. MyLink may also provide you with this addicting touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity, and pairing up your device. Not only the interior of the new Malibu looks luxurious but it's also innovative and versatile. Nice touch, that.

For starters,the 2013 Malibu comes equipped with 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder SIDI engine with Variable Valve Timing, mated with a 6-speed AT, that generates about 197HP of power and 191lb-ft of torque. Because the new Malibu uses GM Epsilon II platform, the one you can normally find it on the Buick Regal perhaps, you can expect the Euro Ride Suspension best served so you can expect better handling and drives like a European sports saloon of some kind perhaps. Thumbs up to that.

Safety? Hmmm...the 2013 Malibu has standard safety features such as the dual-stage front airbags, side-impact and knee airbags, and roof rail airbags with rollover protection. If you have some cash, how about optional safety features such as second-row head/thorax side-impact airbags, lane departure warning system with forward collision alert and a rearview camera system?

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO

So, there's a new variant for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu that seems to work well than the previous Malibu Hybrid from the previous 2008-2012 seventh-generation Malibu. This here is the Malibu ECO, the one with next generation BAS (Belted Alternator System) Hybrid system called "eAssist", first applied on the Buick LaCrosse and the Buick Regal.  How does it work? Well, this fuel-efficient version of the 2013 Malibu uses the ECOTEC 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder DI engine bolted with a lithium-ion battery pack that captures energy to help support the powertrain. This promises about an EPA-estimated 37 MPG on the highway and up to 580 highway miles per tank. If that wasn't enough, the 2013 Malibu ECO features regenerative braking that captures power normally lost during coasting or braking, converts it to electricity and stores it for when it’s needed, helping keep the lithium-ion battery charged.

Available colors are: Crystal Red Tintcoat, Black Granite Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, Steel Blue Metallic, Taupe Gray Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, and Champagne.

My comment:

The all new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is now a global midsize sedan and it's no longer too American. What I'm looking now is a business phenomenon and even though it's an American midsize sedan that competes against the Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Inspire, Subaru Legacy B4, Peugeot 508, Renault Latitude, Citroen C5, Volkswagen Passat, and others from this category, I find that I really want to drive the latest Malibu some more but...let's not get excited just yet because The Covenant Car Company has no plans to bring the new Malibu to the Philippines yet even though this is a global car that is sold in South Korea, China, USA, and Europe yet. Don't even try to smuggle one or Mr. Ruffy Biazon will find you because you've smuggled one. That's it.

Photo: General Motors