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2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT Review

2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT
Photo: Sébastien D'Amour
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Miranda Lightstone
Missing the point?
It's not that I don't like the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT, it's just that I don't really see the point, to tell the truth. Here's a vehicle that's wedged sorely between the uber-popular (and rightfully so) Chevrolet Cruze and the just-released, updated and much-anticipated 2014 Chevrolet Impala, and I just don't see the point.

Starting in the mid-$20k range, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is an affordable family vehicle with an unassuming look both inside and out. Only slightly larger than the Cruze(with a wheelbase only 2.1” longer) with essentially the same ingredients throughout, it's hard for me to justify the $5k extra you'd dish out for the Malibu over the much-loved Cruze.

However, I gave it a fighting chance (in the harshest winter conditions we'd had all year, I might add) -- especially knowing that Chevy has already made updates to the exterior look and interior for the 2014 model year -- and put it to the family test as well.

The bowtie isn't enough
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT is a decent looking vehicle -- from some angles. From the front, this midsize sedan sports a manly, I-mean-business look that fits in nicely with the signature bowtie across the dual front grille. Boxy, but in a good way, headlights as well as chrome-lined foglights add a touch of modern to an otherwise drab look. Chevrolet did a good job on the Malibu's nose, the same cannot be said about the back end -- here's hoping that gets some nip-tucking for 2014.

I'm not quite sure what was going through Chevy designer brains when they conceived the rear of the 2013 Malibu, truly I don't. From the disconnected, squared taillights to the oddly sculpted edges and lips, it's just... odd. And it doesn't fit with the clean, classy front end at all.

Another style issue to note: While so many of today's cars are taking on a squat, compact look (even sedans), I find the body of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu to be long-in-the-tooth because the car is so long. The front and rear overhangs seem massive, even though it's not out of the ordinary. Again, this is something I can only hope is addressed in the upcoming 2014 Malibu of which spy shots have already circulated online.

Taking it up a notch inside
Inside, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT takes things to another level. I must say, I was quite impressed with the interior design and feel of the Malibu. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and the subtle chrome and faux-wood accents are nice touches that reflect the Malibu's maturity over the younger Cruze.

A roomy front and back ensure all passengers and drivers are comfy. Although I did wish for a bit more support in the seats, they were quite comfortable, and installing a baby seat in the back was a breeze with plenty of room left over for two adult passengers alongside the seat.

However, where the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT fell short was in trunk space. Because of the 120-Volt lithium-ion eAssist battery pack not-so-conveniently placed in the trunk, a massive amount of space is eaten up making it difficult to store a stroller, or impossible to put anything else in the trunk when the stroller is finally installed.

I quite like using MyLink. Chevy has a good thing going here, and it's a fine system to use. As the years go by and manufacturers improve their onboard systems, the days of buggy iDrive are behind us (thankfully). And so, using the 7” touchscreen equipped with satellite radio and Bluetooth (with a hidden storage bin behind the screen for 007 stuff), was a pleasure.

The drive
I wanted to think of a clever title for “the drive” section, but I was left quite uninspired after being behind the wheel of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT. Outfitted with a 2.4L ECOTEC I-4 engine that pumps out 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, the Malibu has the right numbers to offer a good time.

While no one really had a good time in the +40 cm of snow dumped on us the week I drove the Malibu, I somehow expected more. The 6-speed automatic transmission felt slow and apathetic and I just didn't feel enthused behind the wheel. The brakes were also lazy, and I felt like I had to do all the work to get them to bite. As part of our midsize comparo drive, the Malibu left a similar impression on my colleagues.

ECO is its saving grace
In a world where green is the new black, being eco-friendly is the way to get noticed and get your cars sold. With an ECO badge nicely placed on the rear of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT as well as estimated consumption numbers in the 8.2L/100km (a full 1L more than the Cruze, by the way) range, the Malibu will surely attract attention from those in the market for a family-friendly midsize sedan that'll save them a few bucks at the pumps. But don't expect much more.

What will the updated 2014 Malibu hold in store? We'll just have to wait and see, no word on powertrain changes as of yet, but at least we know there will be some aesthetic differences.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT Eco
chevrolet malibu 2013
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT Eco
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Miranda Lightstone
Miranda Lightstone
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