This vehicle will be offered in 3 models, Eco, Turbo and standard when it goes on sale in the fall. The MSRP should fall within the range of $23,000 to $34,000, with the latter being decked out with the top of the line Turbo 2LT.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Est. Market Price: $21,995 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gals (70 L) | MPG: 25 city / 37 hwy |
| Length: 191.5 in. (486.4 cm) | Wheelbase: 107.8 in. (273.8 cm) |
| Height: 57.6 in. (146.3 cm) | Width: 73 in. (185.4 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3393 lbs (1539 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 16.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 |
| Engine: Inline 4 DOHC | Displacement: 2.5 Liter |
| Horsepower: 195 HP | Max RPM: 6300 rpm |
| Torque: 191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Shiftable-Automatic |
More efficient, yet still potent powertrains are offered in the 2014 Malibu. The 2.5L inline-4 engine is capable of generating 196 HP. This vehicle accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds topping out at 130 MPH.
The engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission that includes gearstick buttons for manual override. There is also a start/stop feature to save gas in congested traffic. The car gets 23 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Exterior
Restyling begins with a completely redesigned front façade. The Malibu now takes on a similar appearance to the recent Impala and SS designs. The grille design has changed with additional chrome accents.
The headlights are mounted as high as is possible in the farthest corner on each side. This gives the impression of a wider road gripping posture. The headlamps themselves are projector beams. The rest of the front fascia flows nicely with stylistic bends on the plastic bumper. The iconic Chevy emblem is impressively and prominently displayed in gold on the front center.
The only changes to the cars profile are chrome door handles and turn signal indicators on the exterior mirrors.
The rear view of the vehicle, in my opinion, is more impressive than that of the Impala. It resembles a European style vehicle. Its most distinctive feature may be the 4 LED brake lights that shine brightly.
Interior
The inside of the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu contains a dual rainbow dash with a slim center console incorporating staggered cup holders and convenient stow areas for small accessories like a smart phone. The new Malibu affords more knee room (1.25") in the rear which was accomplished with a redesigned front seat.
