2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Now on Sale
The mild hybrid system is a re-engineered version of the hybrid powertrain in the old Malibu and now-defunct Saturn Aura sedan and Vue compact SUV. It was a flop for GM due to elevated prices and disappointing fuel-economy figures.
The new system debuted in Buick’s LaCrosse for 2012 and combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor for 182 total horsepower. Its regenerative braking system and engine start/stop functionality also help save fuel, but the Eco cannot run solely on battery power. GM estimates the Malibu Eco will get 25/37 mpg city/highway.
The Malibu Eco starts at $25,235, excluding a $760 destination fee. The 2013 Eco model will be joined by two new engines later in the year: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
The 2013 Malibu is GM’s first global midsize sedan; it plans to sell it in nearly 100 countries. The Malibu recently went on sale in South Korea and will soon be on dealer lots in China.
