Review and photos by Greg Wilson
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Photo Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
North Vancouver, British Columbia - With fuel economy averaging around 20% better than the Malibu V6 model (official Energuide figures), the four-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu is certainly an appealing choice these days. Not that Canadians haven't always appreciated the benefits of four-cylinder engines: when it comes to mid-size sedans, four-cylinder models here often outsell six-cylinder models - the opposite of what happens in the United States - well, at least up until recently.
Buying a four-cylinder Malibu doesn't mean you have to settle for a base model without all the niceties either: Chevrolet offers the new four-cylinder Malibu in all three trim lines: LS, LT and LTZ.
Base 2008 Malibu LS models equipped with the standard 169-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine (up from 2.2 litres and 149-hp last year) and four-speed automatic transmission start at a very reasonable $22,995 (plus $1,250 Freight charge). That includes 16-inch all-season tires with steel wheels, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, power mirrors, power driver's seat height adjuster, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, electric power steering, tilt and telescopic column, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, cruise control, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, and OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation.
The Malibu 1LT ($24,895) adds 17-inch tires with chrome-finished wheels, StabiliTrak stability and traction control, an upgraded stereo, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a chrome exhaust tip.
The Malibu 2LT ($25,995) adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, UltraLux Sheer Suede inserts, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, dual rear reading lamps, auto-dimming mirror with compass, illuminated vanity mirrors, garage door opener, six-way power driver's seat, remote vehicle starter and power-adjustable pedals.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT four-cylinder. Click image to enlarge
The top-of-the-line LTZ ($33,610) adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, heated two-tone leather seats with eight-way driver and six-way passenger power adjustment, automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 stereo, XM Satellite Radio, front fog lamps, heated mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming, LED taillights, cargo net, premium floor mats, trunk mat, and hydraulic power steering.
All three trim levels come standard with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, while the mid-level LT and top-of-the-line LTZ can be had with an optional 252-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission - later in the year, the four-cylinder LTZ model will also be available with this six-speed automatic.
The 2008 Malibu lineup also includes a new Hybrid model ($26,996) that uses the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor/generator to produce a combined 164 horsepower.
This week's test car is a Malibu 2LT four-cylinder model ($25,995) equipped with an optional manual rear window sunshade ($325) and XM Satellite Radio with a free three-month subscription ($260). With a Freight charge of $1,250 and A/C tax of $100, the as-tested price of this test car came to $27,930.
Interior impressions
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT four-cylinder. Click image to enlarge
Completely redesigned for 2008 and based on the same platform as the Saturn Aura sedan, the all-new Malibu is about 76 mm (3.0 in.) longer than the 2007 Malibu, and has a wheelbase that's 162 mm (6.4 in.) longer. The Malibu's wheelbase is actually longer than the full-size Chevrolet Impala's, although it is not as long overall.
The Malibu's long 2852 mm (112.3 in.) wheelbase means more interior room, particularly rear legroom. "Sitting behind myself", I found rear legroom to be almost limo-like, and on a long drive, my rear passengers reported they were very comfortable. My car had the "UltraLux Sheer Suede" seat inserts combined with what looks like real leather seats. The suede inserts are soft and comfortable without being slippery like vinyl or smooth leather, and both front seats have two-stage seat heaters.
The driver's seat will accommodate drivers big or small. It has power height adjustment and manual lumbar adjustment; the steering wheel is tilt and telescopic; and the 2LT model has power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals (optional on 1LT, n/a on base models).
The Malibu's new dual-cowl dash design, reminiscent of early Corvettes, gives the interior a sportier feel than most family sedans. To give it some warmth, a thin strip of walnut trim wraps around the dash contours, and the centre stack, trimmed in a bright silver plastic, protrudes forwards for easy reach. Both the steering wheel and shift knob have real leather coverings.
Ahead of the driver is a three-pod gauge cluster with a large central speedometer flanked by a tachometer and fuel and coolant gauges. I liked the attractive blue and white illumination of the instruments, and the bright digital odometer and outside temperature display, but from some angles, the small fuel gauge is difficult to see.
The stereo in the Malibu 2LT model includes an AM/FM stereo with a bright digital display, single CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary jack, auto tone control, speed-compensated volume, Radio Data System (RDS), and six speakers. A premium, eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system is optional on the 2LT model, and standard in the LTZ. My test car also had the optional XM satellite radio which has well over a hundred channels. Once you get hooked on satellite radio, it's hard to give it up, which is probably why GM provides you with a free three-month subscription when you order XM for $260.
All Malibus also include a Driver Information display which includes exterior temperature, GM Oil Life Monitoring System, programmable features and message centre.
The 2LT's standard heater/air conditioner is not automatic, but it's easy to use and heats up the car quickly.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT four-cylinder. Click image to enlarge
Storage areas are numerous. On top of the dash is a handy storage compartment with a rubber lined interior and a flip-up cover. At the bottom of the centre stack is a small slot for accessories, and a 12-volt charger. Between the front seats are two cupholders with a sliding cover, and behind it a bi-level storage bin and armrest with a 12-volt outlet inside. There are also storage nets on the back of the front seats, a drop-down coin drawer near the driver's door, and door pockets with bottle holders.
At the rear are two flip-down cupholders and a 115-volt outlet, a rarity in family sedans. However, there is no centre rear folding armrest.
The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split but the seatbacks don't fold flat. Nevertheless, it makes it easier to transport curtain rods, floor lamps, fishing rods, and two-by-fours.
The trunk is big 428 litres (15.1 cu. ft.) and can be unlocked remotely with the key fob. The trunk's floor, walls and ceiling are covered in a non-scratchable fabric liner, and an adjustable net can be used to secure loose items. Note how the hydraulic trunklid struts don't intrude inside the trunk.
All Malibus include dual-stage front airbags with front passenger sensing system, two front-side airbags, and two curtain airbags for both rows. There are four height-adjustable head restraints, but I was surprised there isn't a centre rear head restraint. Traction control is standard and stability control is standard on all except the base LS model.
Malibus come standard with the latest generation OnStar which features standard automatic crash notification service and Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Turn-by-Turn allows drivers to talk to a live adviser, who in sends step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system.
Driving impressions
2008 Malibu 2LT and LTZ models come with a remote starter which can be handy in the winter, but is otherwise not really necessary. Still, it's always fun to watch your car start up by itself with nobody in it.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT four-cylinder. Click image to enlarge
The four-cylinder Malibu includes a 169-horsepower 2.4-litre DOHC "Ecotec" four-cylinder engine mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. I've also driven the Malibu with the 252-hp 3.6-litre V6 and six-speed auto, and the main difference between the two cars is acceleration response and engine quietness - and of course fuel economy. The 3.6 V6 is an effortless powerhouse with plenty of passing power and quiet operation - while the 2.4-litre four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration with a slightly buzzy engine sound under acceleration and quiet highway operation. On the freeway, the Malibu 2.4 cruises at 100 km/h in top gear at just 2,200 r.p.m., which partly explains its commendable highway fuel economy rating of 6.5 L/100 km (43 mpg imperial).
There's nothing second-rate about the four-speed automatic transmission - it changes smoothly and responds well to throttle mash when prompt acceleration is required.
The Malibu four-cylinder's published Energuide fuel consumption ratings are 9.6 L/100 km (29 mpg imperial) City and 6.5 L/100 km (43 mpg imperial) Hwy. That's considerably better than the V6's 12.2/7.8 City/Hwy, and not that far off the Malibu Hybrid's 8.5/6.2 City/Hwy ratings.
Like the V6 model, the four-cylinder Malibu has a very comfortable highway ride - its long wheelbase and fully independent suspension soak up bumps and road undulations well, and its tight body and extensive sound insulation keep engine, road and tire noise out of the cabin. It's possible you'll find your rear passengers falling asleep on long drives.
In a week's worth of driving, I found the Malibu's electric variable power-assist rack and pinion steering system easy to manage when parking in tight spots, and satisfyingly firm at highway speeds. However, the Malibu's wide turning diameter of 12.3 metres (40.4 ft.) makes u-turns difficult.
The Malibu is not a sporty sedan. It feels a bit too big, too soft, and too easy to drive. It's not a "boat" by any means, but I would say the Malibu is closer to a Buick Allure than a Honda Accord. If you want comfort, roominess, a quiet cabin, and good value, the Malibu four-cylinder is a good choice. But if you want an athletic sedan, you'll have to look elsewhere.
Verdict
The all-new Malibu four-cylinder offers around 20% better fuel economy than the V6 version, plus a very comfortable ride, a roomy cabin, big trunk, and a reasonable asking price. Negatives include a wide turning circle and no stability control on base models.
