7General Motors is applying an aggressive update for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. Enhancements in efficiency, structure, interior, performance and the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu’s image are being tackled. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is addressing issues that kept the 2013 all-new model running in the middle of the pack.
In some ways, the current Chevy Malibu is an example of old General Motors. Everything was “good enough” without any of the vehicle being exceptional. In this class which includes the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Buick Regal and Ford Fusion, the Chevy Malibu challenged few. For the price, newer more luxurious vehicles, like the KIA Cadenza (see that review here) are deepening the obstacles the Malibu must contend with.
“The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we’re not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.”
I never considered the current Chevy Malibu to be a particularly bad vehicle, it was always perfectly adequate transportation. Some journalists used this vehicle as a verbal pin-cushion, which it never deserved, while others considered it an excellent candidate to sit beside the Chrysler 200 in rental-car lots, which is more realistic.
Fortunately, GM has addressed many of the issues the current Malibu had in this new 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The updates include:
- “Revised front-end appearance
- Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room
- Redesigned center console
- New 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway – a 5-percent improvement in city mileage and 3-percent greater highway efficiency
- Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand
- Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience
- New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features” – – GM Media
Add to all of that a fuel-saving start-stop technology which will be added to standard model along with 10 airbags too.
“We made changes within 18 months, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to make the Malibu the best car it can be,” said Ken Kelzer, executive chief engineer, global full-size and midsize cars. “The 2014 Malibu has been engineered to deliver more precise ride and handling that is on par with more expensive sports sedans.”
GM created extra spaces for backseat dwellers, which was a big gripe in the past, an imperative by scalloping the rear seats, carving the front-seat seatbacks, thus creating 1.25-inches of extra space. Materials are said to have been upgraded and the overall interior design has been updated. A backup camera is available too.
“Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering is standard and enables nearly effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds. Revised, higher-effort calibrations for 2014 were engineered to improve the overall steering feel. Also, the Malibu’s brake system has been revised to provide a more confident feel.
Additional chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.” – – GM Media
The exterior of the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has had some subtle tweaks. This is most noticeable on the new nose and the overall lines. It’s still, basically, the same silhouette, but the additional sculpting make for a cleaner image. Still, despite the external updates, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is not as eye-catching as the Ford Fusion or even the Nissan Altima.
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu goes on sale this fall.
Enjoy this quick video review of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu!
I hope its as surprising as the new Chevy Impala is.