2016 Chevy Malibu hybrid, price, photos – One of Chevy’s oldest nameplates, Malibu finally enters its ninth generation. We say finally because last generation models really fell behind the competition due to their unimaginative styling and horrendously cramped back seat. The new Malibu corrects all this and promises to do better in the future, but will this be enough to gain on the competitors which didn’t really sit on their behinds either? The new Chevy Malibu 2016 is more fuel-efficient than before and gets the hybrid model again which it lacked in order to compete with other full lineups.
2016 Chevy Malibu redesign
The 2016 Chevy Malibu looks slightly better than before, but still doesn’t use any tricks in overall design. Malibu always boasted mild, unobtrusive design, and this year is no different. Frontal fascia is completely redesigned and definitely looks better thanks to more aggressive grille. Nicely rounded laid-back headlights look good as well, and rear end gets new, large trapezoidal tail-lights with relaxed look.
Interior is nicely rounded off as well. Depending on your chosen trim level, you’ll get either fabric cloth or leather seats, but latter ones come together with leather door panels and dash covers. Dashboard itself has some overlaps thanks to its slightly unconventional design. Rounded instrument panel fits all controls in tight space which is very space-efficient from its side, and touch screen display is just above them. 4G LTE connectivity, Bluetooth and USB ports are also here. Finally, 3.6 inches longer wheelbase adds one third of this length to rear seat legroom which corrects one of Malibu’s biggest problems from years past.
Chevy Malibu 2016 specs
New generation of Malubu’s, the new Chevy Malibu 2016, will only roll on turbo power. New base engine is surprisingly small 1.5-liter turbo four which makes 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque and it is mated exclusively to 6-speed automatic gearbox. Optional engine remains the same as before. 2.0-liter turbo four unit generates 250 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque, but comes combined with new 8-speed automatic transmission. We’ll also see a new 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid as well which combines 1.8-liter 4-cylinder unit with couple of electric motors for a total of 182 horsepower.
2016 Chevy Malibu mpg and price
The new Chevy Malibu 2016 isn’t only 300 pounds lighter, but they get downsized engines as well. This spells good for fuel efficiency which is supposed to rise to 27/37 mpg with new base engine. 21/30 mpg of optional 2.0L unit should also see a slight increase thanks to weight savings, slightly lower output and 8-speed gearbox alike. Finally, hybrids are supposed to be rated at 48/45 mpg. 2016 Chevy Malibu price is expect to be between $23,000 for base model and $35,000 for new hybrid models.
