2013 Chevrolet Malibu

We just got our first 2013 Chevrolet Malibu in our show room, and we could not wait to get inside of one.

What we found is that the Chevy team took the Malibu and gave it some flashy new improvements. We have to say, Chevy did not disappoint with the 2013 Malibu.

Exterior

As soon as you start walking around the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu you get the feeling that it’s a completely different vehicle. We had the coincidence of having a 2012 model right in front of the 2013, so we got to do some firsthand comparisons.

One difference we noticed is that the 2013 model loses 4.5 inches in wheelbase. But you would barely be able to notice due to the fact that the 2013 Malibu’s has more than 3 cubic feet overall interior space than the 2012 Malibu. The 2013 Malibu has also grown 2.7 inches wider, which gives passenger a great increase in shoulder and hip room to compensate for the minimal loss in legroom and front headroom. Overall it’s not a bad trade off, as the considerable increase in passenger room makes the vehicle much more comfortable.

The 2013 Malibu is equipped with an Ecotec 2.4L engine and six-speed transmission, producing 182 hp @ 6200 rpm and 172 ft-lbs. @ 4900 rpm of torque. It is equipped with the eAssist system which uses power stored in the lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios.  

The 0.5 kWh, 115V lithium-ion battery and the 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy and provide regenerative braking, which gives up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery. It also gives up to 15 hp of electric power assistance to the vehicle during heavier acceleration, and cuts off gasoline use when stopped, using electricity instead. Another cool feature of the eAssist is that it has a fuel cut-off feature during deceleration down to zero mph which further increases your fuel savings.

Interior

The interior of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu left us completely wowed. The interior was redesigned to fit the part of a luxury sedan, yet offers a sporty look that will please the younger crowd as well.

The 2013 Chevy Malibu is equipped with memory seating and mirrors, a very convenient feature if you have multiple drivers. It has a Tilt and telescopic steering wheel that is wrapped in leather and has a wood grain base, to give it that luxurious look you can brag about.

As we mentioned earlier, the 2013 Malibu has a roomier interior than last model. It is also equipped with Interior blue lights, which look great and give the Malibu a fantastic look, especially when driving at night.

The 2013 Malibu is designed to be very ergonomic. It is equipped with a one touch assist button for the sun roof, making it easy to open and shut it. It also has a sliding front glove box that the driver can use as an arm rest, and a driver’s information center that can be seen on the dashboard and accessed by the driver. For the passengers in the back, the back of the 2013 Malibu has a storage compartment with cup holders mounted. 

Lastly the 2013 Malibu has a roomy passenger glove box, as well as a cubby behind the infotainment system, for easy storage access for the driver.

Speak of the devil; the 2013 Malibu is equipped with a fantastic infotainment system that has a USB port hook up and an auxiliary input for your Ipod, USB stick and image files. You can access music or photos on the infotainment screen.

Safety Features

The 2013 Chevy Malibu does not come short on safety features. It is equipped with 4-wheel ABS, Front and rear head airbags, Dual front side-mounted airbags, Child seat anchors, a Remote anti-theft alarm system, Emergency braking assist, Rear door child safety locks, Daytime running lights, Dusk sensing headlamps, traction and Stability control, Electronic brake force distribution, a Post-collision safety system, Tire pressure monitoring  and Electric Park Assist.

One safety feature we are absolutely in love with is the lane detection feature on the 2013 Malibu. The lane detection feature has a sensor that lets the driver know when he/she is too close to other vehicles/obstacles as well as when the driver is not driving between the lines. This is a very convenient safety feature that is sure to help prevent future accidents.

Verdict

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is a sure winner in our book. The outside looks like a sporty sedan, yet has the luxurious interior of much pricier vehicles for part of the cost (it has a MSRP starting at $25,235). The interior offers a roomy and comfortable feel, with a fantastic infotainment system that will surely entertain the whole family.

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