2009 Chevrolet Malibu By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.net It's all new. It's gorgeous. It has style. It has great fuel economy. It got a lot of attention at the Chicago Auto Show and the Detroit Auto Show. It is the Chevrolet Malibu. This new Malibu is almost gift-wrapped in its appearance. It is a clean, refreshing look.  The 2008 model was named North American Car of the Year.  Can it get any better than all that?  Definitely yes.  Chevrolet has unveiled their Malibu Hybrid, offering refinement and fuel efficiency.

Malibu was first introduced by Chevy back in 1964 and has been a popular vehicle ever since. It has gone through some transformations, as have most vehicles with any staying power.   In side the new Malibu, the first thing you notice is the extra room. The Chevy engineers made it more than three inches longer than the previous model. The wheelbase is six inches longer. Wheels are pushed out to the corners.  Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager, said, "The Malibu rewrites Chevrolet's midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors. We know the competition is very good and this new Malibu has the goods -- both tangible and intangible -- to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm Chevrolet's commitment to expressive cars."

The 2009 Malibu Hybrid is an extremely affordable version of a midsize sedan.  It offers great fuel economy but doesn't have a high price tag that makes it unreasonable.  The Chevy engineers improved the battery charging system and changed the tires to new low, rolling-resistance types.  The Hybrid model Malibu gets an estimated 34 mpg on the highway and about 26 in the city.

 “With the Malibu Hybrid, customers don’t need to sacrifice style or capability to realize a significant fuel-efficiency gain,” said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper. “The Malibu Hybrid is just one example of Chevy’s fuel-saving technologies that will take us from gas friendly to gas free.”

 In the standard Malibu, driving performance is furnished by a family of 4 or 6 cylinder engines. There's a 2.4 liter four cylinder, a 3.6 liter V6 with variable valve timing, and a six speed automatic standard with the V6. The longer wheelbase and wheels set out at the corners allow a more responsive ride and better handling. The 2.4 liter 4 cylinder is rated at 164 horsepower. The 3.6 liter V6 produces 252 horsepower. There is an optional panoramic sunroof which features four sliding panels. The retractable glass panels tilt upward so headroom isn't lost. 

The Malibu continues to win awards for the Chevrolet badge.  It looks sporty and feels sporty when you drive it.  Even the Hybrid model gives you a sporty feel when you are behind the wheel.  The system seamlessly reduces the fuel consumption by use of several methods.  The engine shuts off when the vehicle is stopped.  The motor boots the gasoline engine at a wide-open throttle during acceleration of passing.  If the vehicle decelerates, the fuel shuts off early.  The climate control and other accessory functions maintain themselves at full capability whether it is operating on battery or gasoline engine.

The 2009 Malibu has strong proportions and a profile that is bold.  Overall, the Malibu looks like it is on the move, but with an attitude.  The grille is deep-set and multi-plane headlamps rest on each side of the grille.  Even the big, round taillights at the rear have a detailed appearance.  Check out the new Malibu yourself at your Chevrolet dealership, whether it is the standard vehicle or the fuel-saving hybrid.  You might be surprised at what you find.