CHANGES FOR 2013: - Redesigned model. The all-new 2013 Malibu gets thrown into the fiercely competitive mid-size family sedan fray and comes up a bit bruised. Yes it’s big, but it feels unwieldy and the interior looks cheap when compared to the competition. While the mild-hybrid Eco model doesn’t show a real-world edge in fuel economy, the 259-hp 2.0L Ecotec turbo-four is smooth and very strong. The Malibu shows best on the highway, where its smooth ride and near silent cabin take the pain out of the long haul. It just doesn’t show any of the dynamic cohesiveness and enthusiasm seen in the new Honda Accord and Ford Fusion. The Malibu comes with a choice of three engines: 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist mild hybrid system, 2.5L four-cylinder, or 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission on offer. Malibu is available in LS, 1LT, 2LT, ECO 1LT, ECO 2LT, and LTZ trim lines. Features on the LS include 2.5L ECOTEC four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, airbags (front, front seat, driver/front passenger knee, side curtain, rear seat-mounted outboard), OnStar, content theft alarm, electronic immobilizer, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, body-colour door handles, black grille with chrome surround, automatic headlights, body-colour power heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, chrome window surrounds, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, air filtration system, cruise control, floor mats, driver information centre, map lights, power locks, keyless entry, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with Bluetooth/cruise/audio controls, remote trunk release, power windows with driver auto-down, 4-way manual driver and passenger seats, power driver and passenger seat height adjuster, cloth seating surfaces, 60/40 split/folding rear seat, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. 1LT trim adds dual hidden exhaust, remote starter, projector headlights, ambient LED lighting, rear map lights, premium cloth seating with leatherette bolsters, Chevrolet MyLink with 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth audio streaming, flip-up/down screen for access to hidden instrument panel storage area, and USB port. 1LT ECO trim adds 2.4L ECOTEC four-cylinder engine with eAssist mild hybrid system, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, multi-colour display, and TPMS. 2LT trim adds (to 1LT) fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, multi-colour display, TPMS, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, cargo net, and 8-way power driver seat. 2LT ECO trim adds 2.4L ECOTEC four-cylinder engine with eAssist mild hybrid system and 17-inch alloy wheels. LTZ trim adds (to 2LT) 2.0L turbocharged ECOTEC four-cylinder engine, upgraded brakes, dual bright exhaust tips, chrome door handles, chrome grille with chrome surround, LED tail lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, power windows with driver auto-up/down, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, leather seating surfaces, and nine-speaker Pioneer premium audio with high-output amplifier.
