It seems that Chevrolet has trouble maintaining goodness in its Malibu sedan. The hugely popular, import-fighting fifth-generation model that debuted for 1997 was followed by a boxier, distinctly rental-car-like replacement for 2004. That dud was replaced by the wonderful seventh-generation Malibu for 2008, a handsome sedan that was replaced by—you guessed it—yet another less-than stellar Malibu for 2013. Finally, equilibrium has been achieved in Malibu, for the just-introduced 2016 model once again brings desirability to the Malibu nameplate. We tested a top-spec Malibu with the largest available engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, and were pleasantly impressed by its fit and finish, subtle style, light curb weight, and well-integrated in-car technology. We’ve also sampled the 2016 Malibu equipped with the entry-level 1.5-liter turbo four, and it may shock you that were we to buy a ‘Bu with our own cash, we wouldn’t necessarily spring for the bigger turbo.
MODEL:
Chevrolet Malibu 1LT (base price: $25,895)
There are five Malibu trim levels offered, ranging from the base L to LS, 1LT, 2LT, and range-topping Premier. (A hybrid is also being introduced, but for this fantasy build, we’re focusing on the gas-powered Malibu only.) The Malibu L, LS, and 1LT are motivated by General Motors’ all-new 160-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 2LT and Premier are equipped with a more-powerful 2.0-liter turbo four that’s lashed to an eight-cog automatic. Naturally, we’re drawn to the 2.0L turbo’s 250 horsepower, but there’s a catch: The 2LT and Premium come standard with 18- and 19-inch wheels that upset the suspension over particularly harsh pavement. Here in Michigan, our pavement isn’t so much harsh as it is downright mean, so we’re willing to skip the 2.0L turbo’s power for the better ride quality afforded by the 16- and 17-inch wheels on the lower trim levels.
Happily, Chevrolet’s option structure for the Malibu allows the 1.6-liter 1LT to achieve nearly the same poshness as the 2LT and Premier models. For our imaginary Malibu build, then, that’s where we started, for $25,895. The 1LT replaces the 16-inch wheels in the LS with 17-inch aluminum wheels, and adds heated door mirrors with turn signal indicators, Sirius XM satellite radio, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment, auto up/down for the driver’s window, rear-seat HVAC vents, interior ambient lighting, and LED running lights. Standard features shared with lesser Malibus include the 7-inch MyLink touch-screen infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone-mirroring capability, OnStar with 4G LTE data connection and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic headlights, and acoustic laminated windshield and front-door glass. Its features list isn’t bad for a mid-size car without options. But of course we’d add a few choice upgrades.
OPTIONS:
Mosaic Black metallic paint ($0)
Convenience and Technology package ($895)
Leather package ($2140)
Navigation ($495)
Even though the average price of a new car in America has crept above the $30,000 mark, we find it’s quite satisfying when a solid car can be had for less than that. Sure enough, even with a few comprehensive option packages, our Malibu 1LT slid in right under $30,000. In order to bring our 1LT as close as possible to the richer 2LT and Premier models, we opted for the $895 Convenience and Technology package. This replaces the 7.0-inch dashboard display with a larger 8.0-inch unit, replaces the monochromatic gauge cluster with a color unit, and adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 120-volt power outlet, a wireless phone-charging pad, two USB charging ports for the rear seat, leather wraps for the steering wheel and shift knob, and a remote engine starter. If that sounds like a lot for $895, it is.
The new Malibu looks mighty classy in black paint, so we added that right away. Another good reason to select Mosaic Black metallic paint? Based on Chevrolet’s configurator, it’s the only way to unlock the deluxe-appearing “Dark Atmosphere/Loft Brown” leather interior option. Other interior color choices include a positively geriatric silver/gray combination or Jet black. Regardless of the chosen color scheme, opting for leather requires the $2140 Leather package, which first requires buying the Convenience and Technology package (as we did) and slathers on goodies such as heated front seats, a 6-way power passenger seat, and a 9-speaker Bose audio system. The only other item we’d add is built-in navigation, for $495. We know, we know, the MyLink display’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability renders built-in navigation superfluous—but depending on which phone platform you use, that can either be a good thing or a not-so-great thing (Apple Maps, ahem). For $495, Chevy’s navigation option is realistically priced and will still work if you lend your car to non-phone-versed individuals or forget your smartphone or USB cable at home.
Line up our $29,425 Malibu 1LT’s spec sheet alongside that of a Malibu 2LT, and you’ll notice that the two overlap nearly exactly. There are a few key differences, however. The 2LT starts at $29,495 and comes with the 250-hp 2.0L engine and the 1LT’s $1195 Driver Confidence package (automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert) standard. The 2LT also has larger and harsher-riding 18-inch wheels and doesn’t offer leather seats. Since we can avoid accidents just fine without electronic aids, we left the Driver Confidence package off of our Malibu. We’d spring for the 2LT if we lived someplace with better roads, but faced with our bleak Michigan reality, the smoother-riding 1LT and its 160-hp engine suit us just fine. The smaller engine acquits itself well on the road, and it sports an auto stop-start feature that’s better than most, imperceptibly killing the engine at stoplights and restarting it nearly as seamlessly when the driver moves his or her foot off the brake. The new Malibu might not be as sharp a tool as the Honda Accord or the sportier Mazda 6, but it blends practicality, style, and everyday driving satisfaction together better than most other mid-size sedans. We think the 1LT is a fine point to place atop that accolade.
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