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Flagship version of Chevrolet’s Europe-bound Malibu is practical, smooth and well-finished

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There was a time when General Motors owned the American midsize saloon market. But a procession of poorly designed products handed the segment lead to the Japanese.

In recent years, GM’s Chevrolet division has regained momentum, however. The new Chevrolet Malibu could give its Asian competitors a serious run for the money in its home market. It will also be the first version of the saloon to be officially imported to Europe.

The Malibu ‘Eco’ hybrid is the headline addition to the revised range, which reaches market a half year ahead of its range-mates. It is still to be confirmed whether the hybrid will be sold in Europe, alongside more conventional 158bhp 2.0-litre diesel and 165bhp 2.4-litre petrol models. But on this evidence, GM Europe should seriously consider the possibility.

This is a surprisingly pleasant hybrid system that delivers more than acceptable acceleration – with a 0 to 62mph time rated at 8.7 seconds – and strong fuel economy: the equivalent of just over 28 imperial mpg on the US EPA’s city test cycle, and better than 42mpg on its highway cycle.

One of the other benefits of eAssist, which pairs a 180bhp 2.4-litre four-cylinder Ecotec petrol engine with a 15bhp electric motor, is that it reduces the tendency of the Malibu’s torque converter gearbox to ‘hunt’ for a different ratio on hilly roads, or when you need just a hint of acceleration.

The new Malibu is a handsome car, more distinctive than the four-door it replaces. But the interior really stands out, rivalling many models in the North American mid-sized luxury class with its fittings and finishes. There are some neat storage solutions too, among them a six-inch storage box behind the pop-up sat-nav display.

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It will take time for Chevrolet to re-establish itself, never mind to gain ground in the 100 global markets that GM is targeting with this car – but this Malibu shows that brand is well and truly back in the game.

Matt Prior

Matt Prior
Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car. 

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes.