2016 Chevy Malibu

The Malibu has been a major player for Chevrolet for more than 50 years. Now, the midsize sedan leaps ahead of its competition, and into the future with the all-new 2016 model. Completely restyled with an aggressive and bold stance, engineered to offer even more efficiency, connected with class-leading technology, and some of the most advanced safety features.

HIGHLIGHTS

• All-new from the ground up, with a longer wheelbase for greater comfort
• Nearly 300 pounds (136 kg) lighter than its predecessor
• New Malibu Hybrid offering GM-estimated 48 mpg in city driving
• Standard Ecotec 1.5L turbo engine with fuel-saving Stop/Start technology
• Teen Driver feature offers driving statistics for parents
• New Chevrolet MyLink with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
• MSRP of $22,500 (including destination)

ROOMIER, ADVANCED AND EFFICIENT

The 2016 Malibu reaches an exceptional level of fuel efficiency with an all-new hybrid powertrain using technology developed for the Chevrolet Volt. That means a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway – and 47 mpg combined, unsurpassed in the midsize sedan segment. The Malibu’s new 1.5L turbo powertrain is projected to offer 28 city/37 mpg highway, surpassing the current model thanks to being nearly 300 lbs lighter. The 1.5L turbo uses stop/start technology to improve efficiency in stop-and-go traffic and also feature active grille shutters to reduce aerodynamic drag.The Malibu’s more-efficient standard engine delivers a GM-estimated 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The torque is comparable to the current model’s standard 2.5L naturally aspirated engine in a vehicle package that’s nearly 300 pounds lighter.

If you feel a need for efficient speed, the 2.0L turbo provides 250 hp, and is mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission for efficiency and agile shifting.A higher-output 2.0L turbocharged engine is available, offering a GM-estimated 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, for a higher degree of performance – but not at the expense of good efficiency. Malibu 2.0T models are EPA-estimated at 22 city and 33 mpg highway.

The new Malibu will be offered in L, LS, LT and Premier trims, as well as the Hybrid model.

SOME OF THE SCIENCE FOR THE HYBRID MALIBU

The engine also features Chevrolet’s first application of Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery, or EGHR, technology, which uses exhaust heat to warm the engine and cabin.  EGHR improves engine warm-up and ensures consistent fuel economy performance in cold weather. Additional fuel economy benefits come from Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or EGR.

An 80-cell, 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the hybrid system. It can power the Malibu Hybrid up to 55 miles per hour (88 km/h) on electricity alone. The gasoline-powered engine automatically comes on at higher speeds and high loads to provide additional power.

In addition to the drive unit, the Malibu Hybrid also shares the 2016 Volt’s blended regenerative braking system, which provides maximum kinetic energy recovery during braking to be stored in the battery system to help maintain charge.

TEEN DRIVER MODE AND SAFETY FEATURES

What may end up being your child’s worst nightmare motivates drivers to drive responsibly, will probably end up being one of your favorite featuers. Teen Driver supports safe driving habits by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. Teen Driver also provides audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds.

The Teen Driver mode is parent enabled, and the system’s settings are turned on only to registered key fobs. This system is the first in the industry with a built-in component that lets parents view on a display how their teenager drove the vehicle. Maximum speed reached, distance driven and number of times active safety features were engaged are among the parameters that can be confirmed.

Malibu also features standard and available safety features, like 10 air bags and a rear-view camera system.

Available active safety features include:

• Front Pedestrian Alert that uses a forward-looking camera to help avoid or reduce the harm caused by crashes with pedestrians ahead of the vehicle. The system can apply automatic last-second braking
• New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert
• New Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Intellibeam, which automatically switches the headlamps to high beam for better road illumination and improved visibility
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Automatic Braking
• Automatic Parking Assist.

FASTER – BETTER – STRONGER

With a wheelbase stretching 3.6 inches longer than the current Malibu, the 2016 Malibu strikes a sleeker-looking proportion. The added wheelbase helps provide better in-cabin comfort and functionality as well, with plenty of legroom for rear passengers.

With styling influenced by the Impala, the all-new Malibu advances Chevrolet’s global design language with features such as slim, sweeping headlamps and a progressive take on the brand’s characteristic dual-port grille. Three body-side creases also add drama to the design and help distinguish the Malibu as a contemporary Chevy.

Premium design cues are incorporated on all models, with contemporary lighting technology featured across the lineup, including LED running lamps on LT and Premier models, and LED taillamps on the Malibu Premier.

Beneath the new Malibu’s athletic-looking skin is a stronger, lighter body structure that contributes to its efficiency and driving dynamics. Greater use of high-strength steels enables engineers to design the body structure with thinner components in some areas, delivering comparable crash performance with lower weight. The all-new body structure accounts for more than one-third of the Malibu’s nearly 300-pound weight reduction.

MORE ROOM AND COMFORT

The longer wheelbase allows a more open execution of Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior. The cabin’s open, expansive feel is reinforced with a greater emphasis on comfort, convenience and connectivity, allowing the Malibu to keep pace with customers’ connected lives. Highlights include:

• Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch-diagonal color capacitive touch screen is standard on LS, LT and Hybrid models
• Chevrolet MyLink with an eight-inch-diagonal capacitive touch screen is available on LT and Hybrid models and standard on Premier model
• Chevrolet MyLink with navigation is available with the eight-inch MyLink system and features three-dimensional map views for most major U.S. cities and attractions
• All-new Teen Driver feature is supported by the 8-inch MyLink system, allowing parents to restrict certain vehicle functions to support safer driving and  to view their kids’ driving statistics such as maximum speed, warning alerts and more
• OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot is standard on all models with a three-month/3GB data trial (whichever comes first)
• Wireless phone charging available on LT and Hybrid and standard on Premier
• Dual rear-seat USB ports and a 110-volt power outlet are optional on LT and standard on Premier.

The instrument panel “center stack” is all-new, with greater delineation between the infotainment system and climate system controls for easier, at-a-glance operation. The Malibu’s interior also features satin chrome accents on the instrument panel and center console, dedicated storage slot for mobile phones, which incorporates wireless charging for equipped phones, perforated leather-appointed seating surfaces available on LT and Hybrid and standard on Premier, and possibly the greatest feature of all: ventilated seats – a first for Malibu – are standard on Premier.

Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

Malibu’s 7-inch MyLink infotainment system gives owners a smart and simple way to access Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The eight-inch version of MyLink will be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year. While development and testing are not yet complete, Android Auto compatibility may be available on the 8-inch version of MyLink later in the 2016 model year.

Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features customers want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps is atApple.com/ios/carplay.

Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

PRODUCT OF THE US OF A

The 2016 Malibu is built from globally sourced parts at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant, in Kansas City, Kan. GM will invest $174 million in the Fairfax plant for new tooling and technology to support its production and improve customer satisfaction.

Any further questions on the Malibu? Let us know!