Malibu Eco drives value, fuel–economy

One of the Detroit Three automakers use to run a TV commercial tag line that in their own way asked, "Have you driven their brand lately?"

Past owners of Chevrolet ought to ask that same question and give a close look at the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

I recently had the pleasure of some long seat time in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco model and drove away very impressed.

Gone are the traits that turned buyers away from the brand as they reflect back to a Chevy they once owned that had lackluster build–quality and poor fuel economy. In truth, they had a point.

But those days are gone, and so are those cars. The prominence of the gold bowtie sheen has returned to a brighter luster.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is progressively stylish outside with a contemporary cabin that rivals import competitors.

Malibu's interior is upscale with tight fit and finish tolerances graced with two–tone upholstery and cabin appointments that mirror luxury sedans that cost $60,000.

Use of premium materials and soft–touch textures flow through Malibu's gracefully contoured passenger compartment with a European look and feel that bridges the generation gap.

Chevrolet Malibu's interior space is noticeably roomier than the model it replaces.

Front- and rear-seat head and legroom is generous and comfortably seats four adults of size and height. Trunk space is equally large.

Cabin acoustics are excellent. Engine and road noise is isolated with use of sound deadening materials and thicker side windows.

Though Malibu's midsize wheelbase has been shortened by 4.5 inches, there is no sacrifice in ride quality.

However, rear visibly suffers with the design placement of thick rear window frames in the cabin corners. Moving the passenger–side rearview mirror to a more outward position helps eliminate the blind spot.

Chevrolet Malibu's new Eco model is powered by a gasoline/electric propulsion system that pairs a 2.4–liter gasoline, four–cylinder engine with a battery–powered electric motor for 182 horsepower teamed to a conventional six–speed automatic transmission.

Chevrolet terms the dual motor system as "eAssist".

It utilizes a mild hybrid system that works off of a lithium–ion battery and an electric motor–generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and auto–stop functionality for fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon around town and 37 mpg on the highway. No plug–in is required.

Malibu Eco is the first of the 2013 Malibu lineup to be rolled out. A gas–powered 2.5–liter and turbocharged 2.0L 4–cylinder version will debut later this model year. A 6–cylinder engine is not planned.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco arrives at area dealers this week at a base price of $25,995 including freight.