Renault-Samsung SM6 vs. GM Korea Chevrolet All New Malibu

Two luxury midsize saloons sourced from the West, one from France and the other from the United States, have finally made it into South Korean territories but adjusted for South Korean specifications. First and foremost, let's meet the South Korean version of the recently-released Renault Talisman saloon, the first-ever Renault Samsung SM6.

2016 Renault Samsung SM6

2016 Renault Samsung SM6 interior

Well, what do we have here is a midsize luxury saloon that got the South Korean folks from Renault noticed when they heard that their French parents launched the new Talisman saloon, the first to incorporate Renault's new design language applied in the new Megane, new Espace, and the upcoming Koleos crossover. Of course, China does had a Renault Talisman, but only in the SM7. Because the new Talisman is made to be the direct replacement to the aging Laguna and the less-successful Latitude flagship, which was sourced from Korea as an SM5, there's a one-sided theory that their new SM6 will replace both the SM5 and the SM7 at the same pace but while the two aging saloons are still in Renault-Samsung's lineup for now, we'll have to wait for Renault's South Korea subsidy to reach their verdict.

Anyway, the first-ever SM6 looks broadly similar to the Talisman at so many angles. You can expect the new Renault design implanted all over the outer details and so is the questionable interior with the touch screen implanted on the dashboard to warn speedo boys "you can't replace me, suckers!" Yep, today's modern cars feature irreplaceable stuff so no speedo boy can remove it with their bare hands. In partial terms of comfort, the new SM6 is German saloon quality despite being a French car with a South Korean passport booked in. You can really tell just how premium those seats are when you lay your butts on it and it's not surprisingly half bad to feel just how "luxurious" the interior is. Rest assured, they done it to make it as luxurious as the Germans.

One feature you will notice is the Multi-Sense feature which allows the driver to switch through four different modes (Neutral, Eco, Comfort, and Sport) and each mode affects different stuff around the car in terms of driving, comfort, tech, and so on. There's a Personal mode where the driver can customize the settings of his or her liking. You can change how it affects the lighting, the speedo, the engine sound, the climate control, the seats, the steering, the powertrain, or the suspension. Sounds fancy but complicating if you mess it up.

Under the hood, the SM6 offers a choice of a 1.6 TCe engine, a 2.0 GDe engine, or a 2.0 LPe DONUT (for rental use). The 1.6 TCe engine develops 190PS of power and 26.5kg.m of torque while delivering a claimed combined fuel economy of 12.8km/L while the 2.0 GDe engine produces 150PS of power and 20.6kg.m of torque with 12.3km/L of claimed combined fuel economy. Both of these engines come with a 7-speed EDC gearbox as well as auto start-stop system which allows its engine to shut off when stopped at a set of lights and then starts again when you set off.

For safety, the SM6 comes with Active Emergency Braking System, Safe Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Automatic High Low Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a feature that allows this car to park by itself.

The price? It starts from 23,760,000 to 31,900,000 Korean Won. That sounds more accessible to own than the SM5 and the SM7 saloons in the lineup but if you want more that you expect from the SM6 but unsure about its pricing, best to look at this alternative.

2016 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu

2016 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu interior

This is the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, the one that came out last year Stateside but this one's Korean-made and it's a well-match for the Asian markets desperate to get their hands on this potent rival to Korean-made saloons such as the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia K5, but since no Asia-Pacific country is heavily interested with the new Malibu, this car will have to make do with the South Koreans.

If I recall from last year, the new Malibu sounds very reasonable when compared against other family midsize saloons in its class, but with all that tech induced in this car, the new Malibu feels like a class apart, well despite the dynamics that doesn't feel like a European saloon. I once said that because it looks more American, chances are too slim for now. Guess what, Asian countries like South Korea and China has one and it's unsure if some other Asia-Pacific countries will get the new one, but in the meantime...

It still looks identical to the one sold in North America as are the features as well as the comfort and conveniences offered. Unlike the North American model, which comes with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity and as a first, it is available with the choice of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, this South Korean model doesn't have internet connectivity on it and it's only compatible with Apple CarPlay. No questions asked.

Under the hood, the Malibu, like the North American one, still comes with the turbocharged 1.5L ECOTEC engine with Variable Valve Timing and the more powerful and turbocharged 2.0L ECOTEC engine but both of these engines are mated with the GEN III 6-speed automatic gearbox. It's easier said than done because with the 2.0L is focused on performance, thanks to its 253PS of power, the 1.5L model focuses solely on fuel economy thanks to its combined fuel economy of 13km/L, Chevrolet claims but let's hope this fuel consumption doesn't cheat in the eyes of many drivers.

Keep this in mind because South Korea's new Malibu is different from USA's new Malibu, there is no Teen Driver Feature present here despite the new model is offered with seventeen driver aids available by request.

Anyway, wanna know how it cost? It's 23,100,000 to 31,810,000 Korean Won, so it's less expensive to own than the SM6 and it's more powerful as well. Now, you had a choice. If you were a businessman living in South Korea and you have a choice between two interracial luxury midsize saloons sourced from the West but altered for South Korean specifications, which would you pick?

9th Generation Chevrolet Malibu

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

For some unknown reasons, Chevrolet's midsize saloon, the Malibu, has now been regenerated for its ninth generation and for this generation, the new Malibu introduces some industry firsts, including the Teen Driver Feature, but more of that later on.

First off, let's examine the new design for the new Malibu and some people might think this is somewhat more alienating than attractive rather than the previous model. While the new look is rather unpleasant for a midsize saloon, it's aerodynamically sculpted in every corner to deliver its dramatic presence that once you drive it on the road, you don't really care if this car's a head turner or not.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu interior

2016 Chevrolet Malibu interior

The same story goes to the interior because while this is basically an improvement over the previous model, it looks somewhat as complicating as a bizarre-looking dress a certain fashion model would wear it on a fashion week. Despite the bizarre-looking dashboard, it's rather comfortable to sit on it but sometimes, when you hear some noises outside, it feels kinda bothersome because while this promises to have the same level as luxury cars, it feels very cheap for a new model.

Connectivity aside, the new Malibu, like any other Chevys, come with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity and as a first, it is available with the choice of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Use caution, however, because only one at any one time can be used. If it's iOS, go to CarPlay. If it's Android, use Android Auto. Don't care what kind of smartphone you're using at, as long as you pick the right hardware for the new Malibu to run into.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

At launch, the new Malibu offers two turbocharged engines, which sounds very promising for a midsize saloon. Most models come with the 1.5L ECOTEC engine with Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection, and Automatic Stop/Start that can get up to 37MPG highway, but on the top-spec Premier model, it comes with the turbocharged, 250-horsepower 2.0L ECOTEC engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is not too shabby for the new model. Word from the mouth is that a hybrid version is underway with mileage is expecting up to 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway.

Because the new Malibu is a step ahead to the future, it's been given a host of high-tech safety features at all sides and now, it's time to explain the new Teen Driver Feature. Suppose if you're lending the keys to the new Malibu to your teenager who recently got his or her driving license for the first time, you advise them that there are rules in driving and you told them to come back in time for tea. That's why the new Teen Driver feature kicks in. By setting a PIN code to the MyLink, the Teen Driver allows you to limit the settings before handing them over to your teenage son or daughter. It includes muting audio when they're not fastened their seat belts, giving audible and visual warnings when going over the predetermined speed limits, set limits on music volume, and informing the parents if safety features were triggered.. That's parenting done right.

The new Malibu starts from 22,500 to 31,795 US Dollars, which sounds very reasonable when compared against other family midsize saloons in its class, but with all that tech induced in this car, the new Malibu feels like a class apart, well despite the dynamics that doesn't feel like a European saloon. Yes, the Americans will be the first to know when they're driving this car but do we expect this new Malibu to arrive in other countries like the previous model did? Well, because it looks more American, chances are too slim for now.

Available colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, Butte Red Metallic, Blue Velvet Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Autumn Bronze Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat.

Photo: General Motors

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

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

YOUR NEXT LEVEL - GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu's TV ads

GM Korea's Chevrolet Malibu doesn't come out at the dealerships until early next month but GM Korea Company launched two new commercials for the Korean-spec Chevrolet Malibu, adapting the slogan "YOUR NEXT LEVEL" because this medium sedan has progressed to its world level.

With European engineering and dynamic Camaro cue design, the 2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Malibu really is an impressive medium sedan that competes against the Hyundai YF Sonata, Kia K5, and the Renault Samsung SM5. Of course, it doesn't arrive in North America until Spring 2012 as a 2013 model year, way after the Super Bowl season, but the all new Chevrolet Malibu is the first to arrive in South Korea this year. This eighth generation model marks its Korean debut courtesy of GM Korea Company as the replacement to the highly criticized Daewoo Tosca.

Because this was made in Bupyeong, South Korea, there is high hopes that this new model will come to the Philippines soon if The Covenant Car Company Inc. has the chance.

Speaking of which, I am familiar with that song played on this Korean Chevrolet Malibu (쉐보레 말리부) TV Commercial. The title is Sunday Morning by MAROON 5. That song was used on the Japanese Toyota Vitz commercial starring Rie Miyazawa.

Like this commercial song? Find it on itunes!