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2014 Chevrolet Malibu

General Motors unveiled the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu as it is trying to reverse its sale slide in the mid-sized car market. According to the company, the 2014 Malibu is now roomier and more fuel efficient. Although the midcycle enhancements come usually after three or four years, Chevrolet decided to do them after just one year since the car was launched. The 2014 Malibu comes with a revised front and featuring a bolder grille inspired by the 2014 Impala and the Traverse crossover, but also with more space for the passengers. GM altered the rear seat cushions in order to allow passengers to sit deeper in the rear seats. As a result GM squeezed an extra 1.25 inches of knee space for back seat passengers.

The center console was also redesigned and it is now longer and includes pair of cupholders and dedicated storage for two cell phones. Other key enhancements include an improved 2.5-liter engine delivering 196 hp (145 kW) and 186 lb-ft og torque (253 Nm). GM says that the engine will get an estimated 23 mpg city / 35 highway. 

An improvement of 1 mpg over the 2013 Malibu (22 mpg city / 35 mpg highway). Moreover, the 2014 Malibu also gets the optional 2.0-liter turbo engine, which delivers 14% more torque than its predecessor. The 2.0-liter engine pumps out 259 hp (193 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). In order to boost fuel economy, the 2014 Malibu comes with engine shut-off system for stop-start traffic. The suspension was also improved with enhancements borrowed from the Impala, in order to provide a more refined ride.

“New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features are offered, adding to the protection from a car that received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the New Car Assessment Program from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both are the highest ratings possible.” said the press release.