Chevrolet has unveiled its saloon future! The US firm has revealed the new Malibu saloon simultaneously at both the Shanghai and New York Motor Shows, and plans to sell the newcomer in over 100 different worldwide markets – including a possible arrival in Europe.
The exterior styling is inspired by the brand’s high profile sports cars, with the sleek bonnet and headlights from the Corvette at the front, and the squared-off LED tail lamps from the Camaro.
The Malibu also gets an all-new upmarket interior, with a range of wood and chrome accents on the steering wheel and dashboard, and leather seats. There’s more space inside than before, and extra safety equipment, including a lane departure warning system and 10 airbags, plus innovative features like the hidden storage compartment from the Orlando MPV.
Underneath, it gets a revised suspension and chassis set-up, which according to the company gives ‘European-influenced’ ride and handling characteristics. It's powered by 10 different engines, inclduing a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder ‘Ecotec’ petrol engine, which boasts 187bhp and 244Nm of torque, and an improved six-speed automatic gearbox, although 1.6 and 2.0 petrols will also be available.
No fuel economy figures have yet been released, but thanks to an aerodynamic body that matches the Volt hybrid in terms of drag, it should be more efficient then ever, despite currently having no diesel option.
Chevrolet has yet to decide whether to bring the Malibu to the UK, but a spokesman for the company said that it will definitely appear at the Frankfurt show in September, and if there’s a positive reaction then it could arrive early in 2013.
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It should come with a years free suply of Malibu