New Malibu starts under $23,000, Hybrid Malibu to join lineup as well

General Motors announced pricing on the important new Chevrolet Malibu model earlier this week. The basic LS model opens the bidding at $22,995. A well equipped 1LT package Malibu takes the price up to $24,895, while a fully loaded LTZ model comes in at $33,610.


"This is GM's attempt to get back into the passenger car market," said automotive industry analyst Erich Merkle. Aside from the competitive pricing, GM is also backing the car with a massive advertising campaign. The importance of Malibu for GM cannot be overlooked.

Two engines are available to suit a variety of needs. The first is a 169 horsepower, 2.4 litre four-cylinder, while a 252 horsepower V6 can be fitted for added performance and power. A six speed automatic transmission comes with the V6, and will be offered on the four-cylinder mill starting this spring too- a segment first.

"Malibu is built to be the best midsize car in the market and is loaded with standard features that many competitors don't offer at any price," said Marc Comeau, vice president of Sales, Service and Marketing for GM of Canada. "The design team focused on the attributes that mattered most to midsize car buyers. Malibu has great performance, fuel economy and refinement, packaged in a clean contemporary design that carries the new face of Chevrolet."

A hybrid model will also join the lineup, with a starting price of just $26,995.