Like the model it’s replacing, the Platinum is shod in 17-inch chromed aluminum wheels and also boasts a chromed tail pipe. Remote start and heated vinyl bucket seats with UltraLux suede trim have been thrown into the mix as well, and both the steering wheel and shifter knob are decked out in leather. The electric driver’s seat is six-way adjustable (as opposed to eight-way for the LTZ). Finally, inside, the electrochrome rear-view mirror features a compass and small reading lights have cropped up in back.
And that’s pretty much what sets the Platinum Edition apart from the Malibu LT. Still with me?
Our tester was draped in a new cloak dubbed White Diamond Tricoat. Exclusive to the Malibu Platinum and LTZ, it can be had for a premium ($645 at the time of writing). In fact, it’s the most expensive shade among the three available.
A satisfying 4-cylinder mill
Mechanically speaking, this variant hasn’t changed from the Malibu 2LT. Under the hood slumbers the same 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder Ecotec mill coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The autobox, which the Platinum shares with the LTZ, keeps gear shifts perfectly secret. It offers a manual mode to allow the driver to fully enjoy all 170 ponies, unleashed on the front wheels.
However, a 3.6-litre, 252-hp V6 is included in the Platinum Edition and LTZ’s portfolio. It’s part of the LT Performance Package, which also features hydraulic power steering and 18-inch alloy wheels (chromed, naturally). With its 1000-lb towing capacity, this engine will suit drivers who need to tow a small trailer from time to time. In the case of the 4-cylinder Malibu, GM categorically advises against towing of any kind.
Opting for the V6 will prove a costly decision, though. First in terms of the actual price of the unit ($2,935) and second in terms of fuel consumption, which is about 20% higher. As the 4-cylinder Malibu consumes 10 litres per 100 km on average, it’s pretty easy to imagine how the V6 versions will fare on that front.
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| The seats are draped in vinyl and UltraLux suede. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
And that’s pretty much what sets the Platinum Edition apart from the Malibu LT. Still with me?
Our tester was draped in a new cloak dubbed White Diamond Tricoat. Exclusive to the Malibu Platinum and LTZ, it can be had for a premium ($645 at the time of writing). In fact, it’s the most expensive shade among the three available.
A satisfying 4-cylinder mill
Mechanically speaking, this variant hasn’t changed from the Malibu 2LT. Under the hood slumbers the same 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder Ecotec mill coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The autobox, which the Platinum shares with the LTZ, keeps gear shifts perfectly secret. It offers a manual mode to allow the driver to fully enjoy all 170 ponies, unleashed on the front wheels.
However, a 3.6-litre, 252-hp V6 is included in the Platinum Edition and LTZ’s portfolio. It’s part of the LT Performance Package, which also features hydraulic power steering and 18-inch alloy wheels (chromed, naturally). With its 1000-lb towing capacity, this engine will suit drivers who need to tow a small trailer from time to time. In the case of the 4-cylinder Malibu, GM categorically advises against towing of any kind.
Opting for the V6 will prove a costly decision, though. First in terms of the actual price of the unit ($2,935) and second in terms of fuel consumption, which is about 20% higher. As the 4-cylinder Malibu consumes 10 litres per 100 km on average, it’s pretty easy to imagine how the V6 versions will fare on that front.
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| Our tester was powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill, a thrifty engine on the highway. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |