There’s a decidedly European influence in the Malibu Hybrid new version. That makes 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid takes on a much sportier and refined look than the previous generation of this Chevy car and more European than anything else in a Chevrolet showroom
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu 4 doors have a taut and uplevel design and sophisticated shape that rival both the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. It is not as performance oriented as the Nissan Altima, and not as conservative looking as the Toyota Camry. For example, the Chevrolet Malibu’s short rear deck profile and round taillights loosely echo the iconic Chevy Corvette.
General Motor’s new 2-tiered grille is flanked by large jeweled headlamps – upfront. Its entire front fascia very much resembles that of the Saturn Aura.
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid grants a premium look that is often seen on more luxurious with brightwork around the side windows. The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid exterior rides atop 16 inch, 17 inch, or 18 inch aluminum wheels.
Overall, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu exterior is bold, elegant lines and a crisp, attractive sheet metal taut proportions, looks masculine, brawny, modern, and many more. The best overall design since Ed Welburn as the top design in General Motor.
GM has announced that it will stop the producing of Chevrolet Malibu mild hybrid versions in June 2009. This action (stop the producing mild hybrid technology) is one more sign that the GM is cutting back on technologies and programs that are unsuccessful and expensive too – in the other side, this ways also reducing unprofitable dealerships and brands.
The main reason why GM cutting the car is the poor sales of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The officials of GM said that inventory of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is backing up on dealership lots. When the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid debuted at the 2008 MLB All-Star Game, Ed Peper, the General Manager of Chevrolet said that the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is winning package that will leadership in the midsize sedan segment and meet the needs of the Chevrolet customers – with its uncompromising design and fuel economy.
In 2008, The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid available in the market as directs competition to the Japanese automakers, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is a stylish 5 door midsize sedan but used a mild hybrid technology; the fuel economy compared with the conventional Malibu was a very modest 2 mile per gallons jump to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
But for 2009 the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid rating is increasing to 26 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway and this meaning 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid a much healthier. There is no difference in the lowest end MSRP between the two vehicles remains the same. As comparison, the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid starts at $24,695 and the conventional Malibu starts at $20,745. In the others words, the cost per mpg improvement was cut in half.
Nancy Libby the spokesperson of GM said, “The hybrid improvement is primarily the result of new battery charging control software that reduces load on the engine, and the hybrid also uses new 17-inch low rolling resistance tires – They were 16-inch tires in 2008.”
And when we compare 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, we will notice that in the EPA category Toyota Camry Hybrid is the winner. But if we look in their base level MSRP, Toyota Camry Hybrid is $1,500 higher than the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid MSRP at $24,650.
Based on General Motor’s long wheel based Epsilon platform, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid’s powertrain is defined by Ecotec 4-cylinder 2.4 liter and electric starter motor generator (36 volt) tied to a nickel metal hybride battery pack. Output stands at 164 hp, plenty for a car of its weight and size. Energy is channeled through a smooth shifting 4 speed transmission.
