Video: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
By Cars.com Editors
May 13, 2009
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About the video
Cars.com's Dave Thomas takes a look at the 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid.
Transcript
I'm Dave Thomas, of cars.com and when Chevy redesigned the Malibu for 2008, it also introduced a hybrid version at the same time.
This is a mild hybrid, which means it doesn't have quite the same fuel economy, something like the Toyota Prius, but it does deliver better mileage, better emissions, and costs slightly more than a regular model. The mild hybrid actually features the same exact four cylinder engine found in the regular base Malibu. Except here it's paired with a small electric motor to add that extra mileage and efficiency. Chevy also uses technology like regenerative braking to help the process even more. But the end result is only two miles per gallon better than the gasoline counterpart four cylinder. One way the Malibu hybrid gains some efficiency is when you come to a stop, at a stoplight or a stop sign, and you're there long enough with the brake on, the engine will shut off completely and then kick back on once you take your foot off of the brake. If you're considering the Malibu hybrid among other Malibu's and you're wondering what the difference is between the trim levels, the Malibu hybrid is basically the same car as the LT model, not the base model, but the LT, which is a little bit more money, but it has things like a two-tone interior and steering wheel controls. So you might be wondering how backseat passengers will enjoy the Malibu. And as comfortable as the front seats are, the back seats are a little firmer, but there's plenty of leg room, the front seats actually a little bit more reclined than when I was driving and I still fit fine. I'm about 5'10". The backs of the seats are actually concave, so your knees won't butt up against them that easily. The unfortunate part about the Malibu hybrid is it's not quite as practical as we'd like. It might get a couple more miles per gallon, but as you can see here in the trunk, that's where they keep the big battery pack that hybrids need. It's pretty bulky. So this whole pass through cargo area system that the regular Malibu has, isn't quite as useful. Actually, it's not very useful at all unless you have something very narrow that you need to stick through. And even then, I don't know if I'd want to be bumping into that battery pack too often. One nice thing about the Malibu hybrid is the ride and handling is just as good as the regular gasoline powered version. However, the acceleration on the low end from a stop, obviously won't be as quick. We're glad Chevy is introducing more hybrids. This mild Malibu just doesn't do the trick if you're comparing it just against the regular four cylinder gasoline powered version. However, GM did say that they are developing a two mode hybrid. That'll get much better fuel mileage later on next year. Now you've seen the hybrid, don't forget to check out videos on the regular Chevy Malibu, as well as the competition.
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