Segment: Medium
Production years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
As one of the biggest suppliers of fleet vehicles, Chevrolet introduced the Malibu Eco version in 2011 at the New York Auto Show.
The Malibu Eco was the version that provided a better fuel efficiency than the rest of the range. It boasted up to 38 mpg (6.2 l/100 km) highway mileage, which was impressive for its segment, especially for a gasoline-fueled vehicle. General Motors built the eighth generation of the Malibu on the same Epsilon II SWB platform as the Buick Regal and the European Opel/Vauxhall Insignia.
In order to achieve such a performance, the carmaker installed underbody aerodynamic enhancements. Moreover, the car featured electronically-controlled shutters, which closed the front lower grille at higher speeds. Thus, the airflow was diverted on the sides, decreasing the ground effect. Its cab-forward design with fluid lines and very raked windshield lowered the car's drag resistance.
Inside, the cabin provided enough room for five adult passengers, although the tall center tunnel that crossed the car from front to back affected the rear seat's middle occupant legroom. At the front, GM prepared a dashboard with a center stack tilted toward the driver, where the infotainment system took the upper side. The automatic transmission gear selector mounted on the center console sported an elegant styling, thanks to the chromed trims around it.
But the most important difference when compared to the rest of the Malibu range was in the technical department. The 2.4-liter inline-four engine was mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and helped by a 15 kW starter-generator and a 115 V lithium-ion battery pack.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.4L Ecotec DOHC Hybrid | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2384 cm3 |
Power: | 134 KW @ 6200 RPM 182 HP @ 6200 RPM 180 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 172 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM 233 Nm @ 4900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Hybrid |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 128 mph (206 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/55R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 191.3 in (4859 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 57.6 in (1463 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.1/62 in (1,577/1,575 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.8 in (2738 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.5 in (165 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.3 cuFT (405 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.3 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3393 lbs (1539 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4630 lbs (2100 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 37 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
Notes |
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Maximum electric generating power: 15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm Maximum electric motor torque (cranking): 110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist): 79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1,000 rpm Maximum electric motor power (electric assist): 15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1,000-2,200 rpm Lithium-ion battery:115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power |