2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Rockmart GA

November 3, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor



2008 Chevrolet Malibu
DriverSide Overview
The new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has had more than a minor facelift - it’s had an extreme makeover. An all-new design, more refined cabin and tighter performance have sparked life into this previously lackluster car. A good-looking, chrome-accented cabin and a bolder exterior design demonstrate just how much the Malibu has stepped it up. The ‘Bu is now available in its first ever hybrid option. As a “mild” hybrid, it now has battery-operated capabilities like regenerative braking and an engine-off function at idle – giving you a (very) small boost in fuel economy: just 2 mpg more than its non-hybrid sibling. There is still room for improvement in its hybrid motor, but we think this newly polished sedan will surely be hard to resist.








What's to Like
The Malibu’s aggressive exterior design is striking, and the roomy interior feels pricier than its $22,140 starting price. Its cavernous trunk, even with the hybrid battery back there, could easily fit luggage for five.

What's Not to Like
The A-pillar mounted side mirror controls are nearly out of reach when settled in the driver’s seat. The squarish steering wheel feels cheap to the touch and is awkward to grip. Large gaps between some of the interior body panels make some areas of the car look fragmentary.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Driving a mild hybrid for the first time can take some getting used to. While the Malibu fires up and handles exactly like a regular car, little things like the engine’s auto-off at a stop feature reminds you that you’re in a different breed of automobile. Regenerative braking, which reverses the electric motor, turning it into a generator to create electricity, gently helps slow down the car while you’re gliding to a stop - and produces a weird, phantom driver feeling. However, the Malibu’s agile and responsive handling will make any driving distance an easy commute; and though you’ll find it sluggish ramping up to 60 mph compared to others in its class, once the Malibu gets a head of steam going, it can be quite energetic.

Engine and Drivetrain
This front-wheel drive mild hybrid has an Ecotec 2.4-liter inline-4 DOHC engine that produces 164 horsepower and 159 ft-lb of torque. It’s available only with a four-speed automatic. A 36-volt battery powers the hybrid electric system.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
When you can’t have something, it inevitably becomes more attractive to you. This is the case with leather seats, bigger wheels and an upgraded stereo – options you’ll be missing on the hybrid. Thankfully, bare bones it is not. The audio system, with a six-disc CD changer and auxiliary input jack, also has standard XM satellite radio. Underneath the glowing, chrome-rimmed gauges is a driver information...

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