Of course, and for good reason! Just arriving off the truck yesterday, we take a look at the newly redesigned 2013 Chevy Malibu ECO. Inside and out, we’ll show you why Chevrolet couldn’t wait to start production on a sure thing.
At first glance it shows some resemblance to its cousin the Regal. It’s aero dynamic design, sharp lines, and smooth appeal are a far cry from its 2012 predecessor. Pictured above in White Diamond Tri-coat, Chevrolet has given the 2013 Malibu what it needs to fit in a luxury car market without the luxury car price tag.
When they designed the rear of the 2013 Malibu, they drew some inspiration from none other than the late-model Camaro. The appearance plays part in the overall performance of this newcomer. They made it clear that the current Malibu’s body style was at the end, marking a 4-year run. The redesign didn’t stop with the outward appearance. Was you sit down in the driver seat, you find a mixture of Cruze and Equinox technology paired with upscale design.
Accent lighting throughout the dash makes you feel as if you are behind the wheel of a $70,000 sedan. The steering wheel models the Cruze and Equinox with the ability to control everything at your finger tips.
It’s gauge cluster features blue glowing faces that are easy on the eyes. At the bottom left, you’ll notice the ECO gauge that makes it easy to maximize your fuel efficiency. The color screen driver information center looks and works just like that of the Chevy Volt and allows you to monitor performance and condition.
The 7″ touchscreen radio display with available navigation was adopted from the Volt and Equinox is paired with MyLink technology allowing you to control the car with simple voice commands. Whether you want to make a phone call, change the radio station, or the cabin temperature, your voice is in control. We all know keeping your hands on the wheel is essential to driving safely. Connect to an ipod, Pandora internet radio, or any other musical device and view album/artist/song information on the large color screen. Shift the car into reverse and you have a 7″ screen to view where you are headed with the rearview camera system. After many requests, the Malibu and Cruze now both have the optional built in navigation at an affordable price.
The center console of the 2013 is like none other in its immediate family. It’s deep dark wood grain accents, chrome trim, and accent lighting add to its luxury status. A simple switch engages the parking brake and a control atop of the shifter is a switch for a manual shifting mode at the control of your right thumb.
Now as you may have noticed in the first paragraph, this is the ECO model. This is the only model in production until later this summer. With that said lets talk about performance. The engine is a 2.4L 4 cylinder with eAssist. What is eAssist?
The 2013 Malibu ECO with eAssist uses a lithium-ion battery and electric motor to help propel the vehicle from the start. It also uses the wonders of regenerative braking to keep the battery charged. So is it a Hybrid? No, not exactly. Reason is, when you step on the accelerator, the 2.4L engine works in conjunction with the electric motor to provide immediate horse power through the drive train. Try spinning tires in a full hybrid…it won’t happen. Once at highway speeds and cruising the electric motor will work intermittingly with the engine to provide maximum fuel efficiency. The aerodynamic under carriage panels and over all body design work with the eAssist technology to gain 37mpg highway.
When you compare its speed, handling, and performance to its predecessor it is quite evident that Chevrolet is making strides. The 2013 Malibu ECO is priced well under $30,000 and is in full production as of now. The other 2013 Malibu models will reach production by mid-summer.
Many will wonder where the 
