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The Chevrolet Malibu is one of General Motors’ most popular cars, and the hybrid version gets minor changes for 2009 that increase its mileage rating by 2 miles per gallon.

The front-wheel-drive Malibu, built at GM’s Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kan., was the 2008 North American Car of the Year.

GM’s approach to the Malibu hybrid is one of simplicity. Many competing hybrids combine an Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. Chevrolet’s system has a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that deliver a combined 164 horsepower. The electric motor adds power mostly when accelerating from a stop, climbing hills or passing.

Fuel economy is rated at 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway. A regular Malibu is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, so the advantage of the hybrid over the standard model is less significant than with competing hybrids.

The test car had a base price of $25,555 compared to $23,640 last year. The sticker price was $26,575.

Unlike many other hybrids, the Malibu hybrid cannot run on the electric motor alone. Chevrolet’s system saves fuel by shutting off the engine at idle and cutting off fuel during deceleration. Regenerative braking captures electrical energy that charges the battery.

The hybrid drives much like a regular Malibu. The most notable difference is the auto-stop function that shuts off the engine when the vehicle stops. Even though the restart is instantaneous, it creates a bit of jerkiness in a series of close stops.

The Malibu Hybrid’s air-conditioning system has two modes. The most fuel-efficient mode limits the draw on the hybrid powertrain, while normal mode provides maximum cooling and defogging while sacrificing some fuel economy.

The Malibu’s suspension yields a fairly soft ride. I would prefer a little more firmness.

The battery intrudes on cargo space when the seat is folded.

The instrument panel has a pebbled texture that is a nice counterpoint to selected areas of low-gloss, smooth plastic. Interior panels have tight gaps, and the gauges are bright and clear. The audio and climate controls move with precision.

Hybrids continue to grow in popularity, and Chevrolet is working on a second generation of its hybrid powertrain. Until that is available, however, the current hybrid offers a modest increase in fuel mileage with no drawback in performance.

Price

The base price of the test car was $25,555. The only options were a power driver’s seat and body-color side moldings. The sticker price was $26,575.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the powerplant. Hybrid components and the battery pack have an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Engine: 2.4-liter, 164-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 112.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,528 lbs.

Base price: $25,555

As driven: $26,575

MPG: 26 city, 34 hwy.

To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.