2008 Chevrolet Malibu
By René Gervais
On the highway, the Malibu offers plenty of comfort so no one gets squeezed front or back with plenty of room and comfortable benches. These two factors pretty well insure passenger satisfaction.
The Malibu’s dashboard attracts your attention; it’s a stripped down look yet futuristic and innovative at the same time. The colour play of the dials adds a touch of distinction which rejuvenates this Chevrolet.
A great look
During the try-out, I fielded a lot of questions from people who wanted to find out more about the vehicle. Their opinions mostly went into the thumbs up column. The shape gives it a bit of majesty; the designers went off the beaten track by presenting a light show on the dashboard and the leather seats. Some won’t like the result but I enjoy it when the manufacturers stray off the beaten path and take risks. Our Japanese friends would not dare! On a sour note, I ‘must bring up the rear’ because it’s a pity that the designers got it completely wrong; it seems to belong in another design. Why so much emphasis on the rest when the problem is lacklustre styling which ends up disguising the Malibu?
Also offered in hybrid version
Chevrolet also sells a four cylinder Malibu and a hybrid version. The aforementioned starts at a reasonable $26, 995 but don’t forget the roll back on reductions from the manufacturer. This model should be on the list of the Canadian federal government’s EcoAuto program which allows financial compensation for buyers of certain vehicles. One reason might be the second tier hybrid technology compared to Toyota’s, for example; in fact the Malibu cannot function on batteries alone. An electric motor that helps the conventional one to generate power during acceleration gases cuts out with deceleration and then the slow pace quickens somewhat.
Conclusion
I find it difficult to knock the Malibu considering what you’re getting for the price. Hard-pressed, you would be to find a vehicle that improved so much from one generation to another. Available also in a 169hp, four cylinder version, this car should please a lot of people. GM’s difficulties notwithstanding, if their products resembled the Malibu, this would contribute substantially to its future.
Additional commentary: Benjamin
Finally, our friend René is getting it right; I endorse practically everything he wrote. Today’s Malibu can go nose to nose with the best intermediaries. The LTZ tryout came with a distinctive body. The V6 performs and handles very well. I take issue, though, with M. Gervais’s commentary on the rear end and fuel consumption. Firstly, although bold, I would not call the back end hideous; I think he’s exaggerating. If you share his opinion, there’s always the Saturn Aura; this Malibu’s cousin runs on the same technology. Secondly, as to fuel consumption, this 3.6 engine may not be the most economical but it sits squarely in the middle of the V6 midsize category. |
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