Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

In 2009, Chevrolet unveiled a revised Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid that gets better fuel economy than the previous Chevrolet Malibu without adding too much to the overall cost of the vehicle. The body and interior is completely new. However, while the car may offer new and better performance and styling, the 2010 production of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has been cancelled. The car unfortunately has lived a short life.

Performance

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine, assisted by an electric motor smaller than other electric motors commonly found in other Hybrids. One reason the car may have had a short shelf life, is the fact that the Malibu gasoline engine kicks on at 3 mph while the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry Hybrids can reach 30 mph on electric power alone. The Malibu Hybrid gets 26 miles to the gallon city, and 34 miles to the gallon highway. The conventionally powered Malibu got 24 miles to the gallon city, and 32 miles to the gallon highway. Not a significant difference.

Interior

The interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid features a two-tone color scheme. The instrument panel features a dual-cockpit design and the gauges light up in blue. One feature, or lack thereof, that customer seem to be disgruntled about is the Malibu Hybrid does not offer an upgrade to leather interior; the conventional Malibu does. However, the interior is tight, with everything within easy reach, and the instruments are easy to operate.

Exterior

The exterior style is modern and stylish. One might argue that the car is one of the most stylish vehicles shown in a Chevrolet showroom. The car is only offered as a sedan. The long wheelbase offers passengers a spacious back seat with plenty of legroom. Overall, a handsome family sedan.

Safety

The 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid receives five stars in both frontal and side impact crash test performed by the federal government. The Hybrid offers customers Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control as standard equipment. Malibu Hybrids also come with six airbags and OnStar, which Chevrolet considers a safety feature.

Unfortunately, the world will never know the Malibu Hybrid's potential to become a major contender in the Hybrid class.

Standard Features:

• 2.4L I-4 164HP engine
• 4-Speed automatic transmission with overdrive
• 4-Wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Side seat mounted airbags
• Curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags
• Airbag occupancy sensor
• 17" alloy wheels
• Cruise control
• ABS and driveline traction control
• StabiliTrak stability control