2014 Chevrolet Malibu

PRICE : For 2014 Chevrolet Malibu $22,340

In the past, the Chevy Malibu has been stuck inwards the role of a second-string athlete trying to motion upward the depth chart. Essentially, it was a expert midsize sedan competing amongst some really swell household unit of measurement cars amongst bigger names. Last year's redesign, however, boosted the Malibu's stats inwards this hugely competitive class, as it made pregnant strides inwards refinement, characteristic availability in addition to fuel economy. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu sees a few to a greater extent than upgrades that farther its appeal, including a to a greater extent than distinctive forepart terminate design, increased rear-seat legroom in addition to a to a greater extent than fuel-efficient mainstream engine. This yr also brings a slight shuffling of trim back levels in addition to equipment.

Even if you're considering merely a base-model Malibu, y'all won't teach the feeling that you're settling. The cabin has a handsome design, expert dissonance isolation in addition to character soft-touch materials. Most models also come upward measure amongst Chevy's MyLink system, which features a touchscreen interface that integrates amongst your smartphone to allow phonation control, streaming music through Bluetooth good in addition to Internet radio compatibility in addition to diverse hands-free text-messaging capabilities.

As far as what's nether the hood, there's quite a variety, amongst a thrifty mild hybrid on 1 terminate in addition to a stout turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the other. The hybrid powertrain on the Malibu Eco model earns an impressive 29 mpg EPA combined rating. However, thank y'all to the add-on of a stop-start organization in addition to diverse other engine changes, Chevrolet Malibus amongst the mainstream, non-hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder (with nearly 200 horsepower) straight off earn the same combined mpg rating. As a result, Chevrolet decided to discontinue the to a greater extent than expensive mild-hybrid Eco model early on inwards the model year.

However, all Malibus amongst the 2.5-liter engine also vesture an Eco badge this year, in addition to so you'll desire to banking concern check closely to empathize whether the motorcar you're considering is 1 of the little handful of 2.4-liter mild-hybrid Eco models built for 2014 or, to a greater extent than likely, a Malibu amongst the conventional 2.5-liter engine. Either the 2.5-liter or the available, 259-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine are solid options, as they furnish potent performance in addition to admirable fuel efficiency along amongst greater torso capacity than the hybrid Malibu Eco (its torso is smaller to accommodate an under-floor battery pack).

If you're shopping for a midsize household unit of measurement sedan, making a choice isn't going to live tardily given the vast spread of qualified candidates. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu should run across most of your requirements, but household unit of measurement cars similar the dramatically styled Ford Fusion, the polished Honda Accord in addition to the fuel-efficient Nissan Altima lead hold to a greater extent than all-around appeal. The Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6 in addition to Volkswagen Passat lead hold also earned potent accolades inwards our testing. Although the Chevrolet Malibu doesn't lead hold whatever pregnant advantages over these competitors, it's soundless a expert prospect and, especially amongst this year's upgrades, worth scouting during the search for your side past times side household unit of measurement car.

EXTERIOR

The novel ‘Bu has a reshaped olfactory organ that softens the old look, changes the grille pattern in addition to adds to a greater extent than chrome accents to grade it apart from some of the blander Japanese entries, similar the Toyota Camry in addition to Honda Accord . The human face also expresses Chevy’s novel olfactory organ trend as seen on the latest Impala in addition to SS models, amidst others. The linguistic communication consists of a heavy-handed application of shapes in addition to flowing creases inwards the bumper plastic, as good as projector-beam headlights inwards the absolute top corners of the olfactory organ for a wider opinion on the road.

Instead of as emphasizing the grilles inwards a higher house in addition to below the bowtie badge, the novel model adds chrome trim back to merely the lower grille, which is straight off rounder in addition to deeper than on previous Chevrolets . The hood crests to a greater extent than sharply in addition to extends farther forwards to give a modern, construct clean appearance that the previous cars lacked. The outcome is successful overall, but may soundless live likewise similar to the master 2008 Malibu’s appearance for some tastes.

The sides of the motorcar are unchanged in addition to soundless characteristic a prissy ascent swage business from the forepart bumper that flows through the now-chrome door handles. The outside mirrors straight off lead hold plow signal repeaters inwards their outer edges, something that helps grade out premium cars in addition to a characteristic that also has real-life active security benefits of making the motorcar to a greater extent than visible to others when turning or changing lanes.

From the profile, the nurture terminate vaguely recalls the 2005 BMW 5-series around the carved-out torso business in addition to the shape of the nurture lights from the side. From the nurture view, however, this is clearly no BMW . H5N1 four-pack of ’squircle’ LED brake lights assay likewise difficult to hollo back Chevrolet’s performance models, but exercise offering a prissy lite signature at nighttime nether braking.

The Malibu’s nurture terminate is much nicer than the bland tail of the latest Impala . As ever, GM trend comes inwards 2 flavors: tedious or hideous.

The forepart is missing the must-have LED day-time running lights that novel motorcar shoppers like, but forthcoming Eco in addition to Turbo variants may address this missing feature.

INTERIOR

The interior of the Malibu keeps the trend in addition to of the pattern e older model, piece updating some of its tech packages, offering novel color combos in addition to introducing improve materials. Overall, the interior - inwards the photos - seems really narrow, something us Americans for certain don’t like. The packed console is a expert event of the pinched dimensions – the loving cup holders are little in addition to there’s no room for 2 together in addition to so 1 lives way dorsum behind the clunky shifter. Showing some touching amongst reality, the console does pack 2 cubbies that are perfect for smartphones in addition to deep plenty to maintain things from flight around the cabin.

The middle stack looks ultra-cheap inwards its rounded, argent plastic trim, but the controls within seem logical amongst large buttons that are level to the smooth surface in addition to paired amongst 5 knobs to brand tardily adjustments to the basics. Front in addition to center, in addition to framed inwards a pianoforte dark enshroud that looks decent, is Chevy’s latest MyLink touchscreen to command infotainment.

The large inquiry grade is the double rainbow dashboard that has fake vents across its total width, ribbed to jibe the actual air vents at the edges. It’s 1 of those pattern touches that likely seemed similar a cool thought to a pattern pupil on his computer, but inwards existent life it merely looks similar there’s a giant gap betwixt the top in addition to lower halves of the dashboard.

The novel Malibu has to a greater extent than than 1 inch of extra nurture legroom versus final year, but is soundless downwards to a greater extent than than 4 inches versus the larger 2008 model.
Ambient interior lighting creates a quasi-premium indigo lite outcome on the within of the motorcar at night. Interesting surfaces in addition to novel faux-wood designs are also inwards the cards for 2014, but only previous GM drivers volition experience similar this is a really classy or premium cockpit.

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2014
► Make:Chevrolet
► Model:Malibu
► Price:$22000
► Engine:inline-4
► Transmission:Six-speed Automatic
► Horsepower @ RPM:196
► MPG(Cty):23
► MPG(Hwy):35
► Torque @ RPM:186
► Energy:iVLC
► Displacement:2.5 L
► 0-60 time:8.3 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed:130 mph

FEATURES

New Features :

► Standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
► Standard automatic start/stop system
► Improved fuel economy
► More powerful optional turbocharged engine
► Refined interruption tuning
► Revised styling, novel interior trim, to a greater extent than rear-seat room
► Available Siri Eyes Free technology amongst hands-free texting
► Enhanced security technologies

The Chevy Malibu has had some equipment adjustments to teach along amongst its cosmetic in addition to performance changes. It carries a slightly lower base of operations toll to convey it to a greater extent than into business amongst vehicles similar the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, in addition to Kia Optima--but that fleet-ready version omits some formerly measure features, or doesn't include them inwards the base of operations configuration as those other sedans do.

For 2014, the Malibu LS comes amongst measure air conditioning; powerfulness windows, locks, in addition to mirrors; cruise control; an AM/FM/CD player; steering-wheel controls; keyless entry; tilt/telescope steering; in addition to 16-inch wheels. Off the listing are Bluetooth amongst good streaming, a USB port, in addition to satellite radio.

To teach those features, you'll lead hold to motion into the LT trim back level, which adds a 7.0-inch LCD touchscreen in addition to Chevy’s novel MyLink connectivity system. MyLink connects to the driver's smartphone, allowing them access to mobile apps similar Pandora streaming good or Stitcher podcast streaming. This year, the organization also adds Siri Eyes Free mode, for Apple iPhone users, in addition to text-to-voice translation.

Turbo LT models teach 18-inch wheels; a powerfulness driver seat; steering-wheel good controls; in addition to remote start. The Malibu LTZ has the most extensive measure features, at a base of operations toll of $28,590 for the four-cylinder or $30,925 for the turbo. It gets 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, LED taillamps, leather seats, heated forepart seats, powerfulness forepart seats amongst lumbar adjustments, remote start, in addition to a powerfulness sunroof.

Options on the LT in addition to LTZ models include a security parcel amongst forward-collision alerts in addition to lane-departure warnings, in addition to this year, blind-spot monitors. Malibu LT sedans tin terminate live ordered amongst leather-trimmed seats in addition to heated forepart seats. The Malibu LTZ tin terminate live ordered amongst keyless entry in addition to pushbutton start, HID headlamps, retention forepart seats, in addition to 19-inch wheels.

PERFORMANCE

The 2014 Malibu drives improve than the 2013 Chevy Malibu, in addition to that's unusual. It's only been a yr since the sedan was new, but amongst the contest sporting higher gas mileage in addition to to a greater extent than taut handling, alter was needed.

As a result, the Malibu drops the battery-assisted Eco drivetrain entirely, in addition to its base of operations four-cylinder moves into a novel generation that's improve than both the Eco in addition to the erstwhile base of operations four-cylinder. The novel unit's a 2.5-liter four, merely similar before, but it's much to a greater extent than efficient, if non as placidity to current of air up. It delivers 196 horsepower--about the same as the Kia Optima or Hyundai Sonata--and teams upward amongst a six-speed automatic. With straight injection in addition to stop/start baked in, this setup has similar acceleration compared to the 2013 model but amongst to a greater extent than ambient dissonance generated past times the injection system. It's soundless smoother than the Koreans, in addition to runs out 0-60 mph times inwards the 8-second attain piece it delivers gas mileage rated at 25/36 mpg--in the same attain as those other sedans, the Fusion, in addition to merely a duad of miles per gallon lower than the best-in-class Nissan Altima.

The four-cylinder is paired to a six-speed automatic, in addition to it's a savvy piece, amongst smart kickdowns in addition to smooth upshifts. We exercise want Chevy outfitted it amongst paddle-shift controls, non the dumb lever-mounted click switch that's all but useless at whatever speed.

The optional engine is a well-worthwhile turbocharged four, amongst 259 hp in addition to 295 pound-feet of torque, the latter upward substantially from 2013. It's also mated to the six-speed automatic, in addition to has a 0-60 mph fourth dimension of most 6.3 seconds. Straight-line performance is clearly inwards the correct leagues, in addition to the powertrain feels flexible across a broad attain of driving scenarios--it's placidity plenty inwards highway cruising, in addition to the automatic's geared to accommodate some sporty driving. The turbo also lacks paddles, a maddening choice for a sedan presuming to live sporty.

More than inwards the past, the Malibu's treatment is a argue to seek it out. In all the versions we've driven thence far, the Malibu's electrical powerfulness steering has swell responses in addition to a mensurate of feedback that's merely non establish in, say, the Optima in addition to Sonata. It doesn't experience detached--it goes where y'all betoken it, no further, no closer. It's also non overly weighted, some other of the gimmicks that's worked its way dorsum into sedans as automakers brand the switch to electrical steering. It's soundless non as precise as the Passat's hydraulic steering, but it's a large part of the argue the Malibu feels "small" to drive.

Chevy's addressed complaints most the Malibu's ride character in addition to treatment amongst a revised interruption tuning for 2014. Better damping gives the Malibu a fight to a greater extent than of the fluid ride of competitive cars, somewhere betwixt the softly composed Altima in addition to the tightly injure Fusion. It lean less aggressively inwards corners, in addition to inwards full general feels to a greater extent than inwards harmony amongst the steering. It's no Ford, in addition to no Nissan, in addition to that's fine--it's to a greater extent than consistent inwards feel.

DRIVETRAIN

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu's base of operations 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers plenty of powerfulness to motion amongst traffic, inwards both suburban driving in addition to at highway speeds. Together amongst diverse other engine changes, the new-for-2014 stop-start organization significantly improves fuel economy, in addition to it works in addition to so seamlessly in addition to quietly that most drivers volition scarcely notice its presence.

The available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine brings an exclusively dissimilar aeroplane of performance, allowing the Malibu to bolt away from stoplights similar a truthful sport sedan in addition to go past times effortlessly on two-lane roads. The trade-off is mediocre metropolis fuel economy, but if y'all value V6-like acceleration, this engine won't disappoint.

The 2.4-liter Eco model's mild-hybrid organization operates seamlessly, seldom reminding the driver of its existence. Unfortunately, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder that provides the bulk of the motivation on the Eco model sounds unrefined in addition to feels sluggish inwards real-world driving, despite respectable acceleration numbers for the class. The culprit is the automatic transmission, which is overeager to shift into top gear in addition to reluctant to kicking downwards when needed.

Chevrolet pose a lot of assay into giving the Malibu a supremely placidity cabin, in addition to nosotros consider it a successful mission. This on-road serenity is especially noteworthy on the highway, where the Malibu offers a well-composed ride that smooths out bumps without making y'all experience isolated from the driving experience. Handling is most what you'd hold off for a household unit of measurement sedan: confidence-inspiring, but nosotros wouldn't telephone telephone it fun. The steering is responsive plenty in addition to offers an appropriate amount of weighting, but provides footling driver engagement inwards the way it feels.

COMFORT & QUALITY

Complaints most back-seat infinite sent the Chevy Malibu dorsum to the drawing board for the 2014 model year, merely a yr later it start went on sale. The changes don't substantially create the issue, in addition to inwards a way brand them worse.

In front, the Malibu tin terminate claim really swell forepart seats, some of the best GM has e'er fitted to a mainstream sedan. Like the Cruze in addition to Sonic, the Malibu's chairs lead hold deep pocketing in addition to lots of room in addition to agency for adjustment. Compared to the previous-generation Malibu sold through 2012, it's nighttime in addition to day: this version has low-slung seats that piece of work perfectly amongst the low-cowl dash. There's ample room for taller drivers, too, thank y'all to a telescoping cycle amongst a long travel.
The Malibu's active headrests teach special notice, since they don't jut forwards as far as those on some competitive models. It's a work we're finding on to a greater extent than novel vehicles as automakers seek out top crash-test ratings.

The intelligence has never been swell inwards back, but Chevy has retrimmed in addition to reshaped the dorsum bench topographic point to brand the objective numbers stack upward improve against cars similar the Hyundai Sonata in addition to Ford Fusion, 2 top competitors. There's an additional 1.25 inches of knee articulation room carved out of the forepart seatbacks in addition to scooped out of the bench, according to Chevy. According to us, the novel topographic point pattern aggravates the short-and-low experience nosotros got from the previous take. Adult knees volition live much higher than the topographic point itself, in addition to volition lead hold less back upward nether the leg, too. It's actually non much larger than a Dodge Dart; both residuum on the smaller terminate of the wheelbase race inwards the mid-size class, in addition to neither has the palatial spread-out room of a Passat or an Accord.

In other little ways, the Malibu's been carefully shrunk. The middle console has 2 cupholders in addition to 2 slots for smartphones that also beautifully concur a deck of Pop Tarts. Flick the protruding niblet nether the LCD touchscreen in addition to the panel flips up, revealing a storage space--albeit 1 without a USB port or powerfulness point, where y'all mightiness hold off them. They're inwards the middle console, which doesn't lead hold whatever rear-facing air vents on its backside for back-seat passengers. Trunk infinite is better, amongst to a greater extent than than xvi cubic feet of storage space.

ENGINE

Most 2014 Chevrolet Malibus come upward amongst a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 196 hp in addition to 186 lb-ft of torque. H5N1 six-speed automatic driving the forepart wheels is standard, as is an automatic stop-start characteristic that shuts off the engine when you're stopped to relieve fuel. The EPA estimates fuel economic scheme at 29 mpg combined (25 mpg city/36 mpg highway): expert numbers for a four-cylinder midsize sedan.

The mild-hybrid Malibu Eco model comes amongst a 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired to a little electrical motor. It produces 182 hp in addition to 172 lb-ft of torque. Unlike a total hybrid, the mild-hybrid Malibu Eco cannot propel itself using electricity alone. Instead, the electrical motor modestly aids acceleration in addition to powers vehicle accessories. The Eco model also features a six-speed automatic transmission in addition to an automatic stop-start system. EPA-estimated fuel economic scheme is the same as the 2.5-liter engine, at 29 mpg combined (25 mpg city/36 mpg highway). These numbers are considerably less than what you'd teach from a total hybrid sedan.

Note that Chevrolet volition stage out the 2.4-liter Eco model early on inwards the 2014 model year. Subsequently, all Malibus amongst the 2.5-liter engine volition vesture Eco badges. If you're looking at a 2014 Chevy Malibu amongst Eco badging, you'll desire to confirm just which engine is nether the hood.

Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is only offered on the 3LT in addition to 2LZ trims. It produces 259 hp in addition to 295 lb-ft of torque, in addition to uses the six-speed automatic. Fuel economic scheme registers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city/30 mpg highway).

In performance testing, the 2.4-liter Malibu Eco went from zilch to sixty mph inwards 8.2 seconds -- an average fourth dimension for a four-cylinder household unit of measurement sedan.

CHASSIS

Chassis in addition to interruption updates inspired past times the all-new 2014 Impala also contribute to the 2014 Malibu's to a greater extent than refined driving experience, including rebound springs that are internal to the struts. They enable to a greater extent than refined calibration of the dampers for a smoother overall ride, piece also improving body curl command in addition to weight transfer during acceleration or turning. That helps maintain the wheels planted, contributing to a to a greater extent than precise, controlled experience - especially piece cornering.

Fuel-saving electrical powerfulness rack-and-pinion variable-effort powerfulness steering is measure in addition to enables nearly effortless low-speed maneuvers in addition to a higher grade of steering experience at higher speeds. Revised, higher-effort calibrations for 2014 were engineered to improve the overall steering feel. Also, the Chevrolet Malibu's brake organization has been revised to furnish a to a greater extent than confident feel.

Additional chassis command technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake strength distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist in addition to drag torque control.

SAFETY

The 2014 Chevy Malibu comes measure amongst antilock brakes, stability in addition to traction control, forepart knee articulation airbags, forepart side airbags, nurture side airbags in addition to side mantle airbags. Also measure is the OnStar telematics system, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking in addition to stolen vehicle assistance. H5N1 rearview photographic tv camera is available, as is a security parcel amongst forwards collision warning, lane divergence warning, blind-spot monitoring in addition to nurture cross-traffic warning systems.

In brake testing, a Malibu Eco stopped from sixty mph inwards 119 feet, which is a few feet improve than average.

In regime crash testing, final year's similar Malibu earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall crash protection, amongst 5 stars for total frontal acquit upon protection in addition to 5 stars for total side acquit upon protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Malibu its highest possible rating of "Good" inwards the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side acquit upon in addition to roof strength tests. It was also rated Good for its seat/head restraint pattern inwards rear-impact testing. In the Institute's novel small-overlap frontal-offset test, the Malibu scored a second-lowest "Marginal" rating, though inwards fairness non many cars lead hold done good inwards this relatively novel test.

FUEL ECONOMY

For the 2014 model year, the Chevy Malibu loses what had been its most fuel-efficient "Eco" powertrain--but inwards its place, a revamped four-cylinder almost equals the Eco for real-world mileage.

The outgoing mild-hybrid Eco delivered 25 miles per gallon city, 37 mpg highway. Chevy also had a measure four-cylinder that delivered 22/34 mpg.

The novel 2.5-liter four-cylinder inwards the base of operations 2014 Malibu--it replaces both of those powertrains--is rated at 25/36 mpg, or 29 mpg combined. It reaches those figures through straight injection in addition to stop/start control. Other gas-saving features, similar aerodynamic front-end shutters in addition to lower-rolling-resistance tires, are carried over.

The Malibu amongst the turbocharged 2.0-liter iv is rated past times the EPA at 21 miles per gallon city, thirty miles per gallon highway, or 24 miles per gallon combined.

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