- The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, a fuel miser that will deliver 38 mpg on the highway, debuted on Wednesday at the 2011 New York Auto Show.
- It will be among GM's first cars to include eAssist technology, which uses a small lithium-ion battery and electric motor to help boost fuel economy.
- The Malibu Eco will go on sale in early 2012. Pricing was not announced.
NEW YORK — GM's new mantra seems to be "mpg matters." With that in mind, Chevrolet on Wednesday rolled out the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, which will deliver 38 mpg on the highway and targets the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.
The Malibu Eco will go on sale in early 2013. Pricing was not announced. But expect the fuel-saving Malibu to be priced right around the Sonata Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts at $26,545, including a $750 destination charge. It returns 35 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid starts at $27,435, including a $760 destination charge, and returns 31 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
The Malibu Eco will be among GM's first cars to use eAssist technology, which uses a small lithium-ion battery and electric motor to assist the engine at times when the car is stopped or going up steep inclines.
The eAssist system is mated to a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at an estimated 180 horsepower, said GM.
The Malibu Eco gets an aerodynamic exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the car.
Chevrolet said in a statement that this version of the Malibu is "the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan" in the brand's 100-year history.
The main theme of the 2011 New York Auto Show is fuel economy, with many automakers touting fuel-economy gains in their vehicles. The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report on Thursday pegged the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline in the U.S. at $3.84 and CNBC.com on Wednesday predicted that gas could hit $6 a gallon by summer.
Inside Line says: If gas does hit $6 a gallon, the Malibu Eco may be a compelling choice. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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usa1fan says:
06:09 PM, 09/12/2011
@nick- That's odd. I have a 2008 LTZ V6, and I get 30-31 on the highway if I try. That assumes I can leave off the AC, and don't drag race other traffic. For some reason, I get ~26-27 hwy with the AC on, and 24-26 if I also get lead-foot syndrome. Sometimes it's hard not to- this V6 can really send the car down the road!
ambee514 says:
07:53 PM, 04/22/2011
@nick
I have a buddy who says the same thing he cant get past 29 mpg, however he uses the race car driving method, if he isn't on a pedal he is wasting time. lol
openeyes1 says:
03:15 PM, 04/22/2011
@dgs4; The idea that American's can't do more to save gas is ridiculous. Sure people can do more, by carpooling, combine orders for the grocery store, use the more fuel efficient vehicle (if you have more than one), using mass transit (if available), walk and yes even bike to your destination.
Cutting down on using gas may not make the price of Oil drop dramatically, but it will help in the future by keeping demand down.
dgs4 says:
03:15 PM, 04/22/2011
"If gas hits $6 per gallon, nobody is going to be buying anything let alone a new car. If it hits $5 per gallon, the economy will tank. I can't wait."
This is the most astute comment posted so far. Everyone is talking about the car and GM's fuel economy claims, yet the little tidbit about $6 a gallon gas seems to have been lost on everyone (except for wikiwiki). $6 a gallon gas = implosion of American economy, so for GM's sake, and for the sake of just about every business in this country, let's hope that prediction proves false. Otherwise, bicycles will be the main mode of transport once everyones had their cars repossessed for non-payment because they lost their job due to company closings.
carpaul1 says:
06:40 PM, 04/21/2011
Wow - what a beautiful car, well done GM, exactly what is needed with expensive gas, and the current economy. A world class mid size that is so much better than Honda/Toyota/Ford offerings
openeyes1 says:
04:12 PM, 04/21/2011
Come on GM. where's the Hatchback Malibu, enough with the useless Sedans!
@rl20; I think GM means that they will bring this car to market in 2012 if gas prices stay high, otherwise it won't come into 2013, as GM hopes Americans will keep buying more of their gas guzzling SUV's 2012.
rl20 says:
04:12 PM, 04/21/2011
Don't yall mean it will go on sale early 2012?
randomlyant10 says:
04:12 PM, 04/21/2011
@nick...final fuel economy numbers are determined by the EPA's testing procedure not the individual care company. I'm sure many cars miss the EPA predictions depending on the owners driving habits.
adavis2493 says:
04:11 PM, 04/21/2011
Am I the only one who thinks the faux wood on the steering wheel looks terrible?
lions208487 says:
04:11 PM, 04/21/2011
Wow! Doesn't IL have an editor? That being said, I prefer the e-assist system that GM offers rather than the Hybrid system that Toyota currently employes, due in part because the e-assist enhances performance just as Infiniti's hybrid system does with the M35h. Good fuel economy while not sacrificing the fun to drive factor that Toyota's Camry Hybrid does, I really don't see an issue with that.