For the first time, Chevrolet's Malibu mid-size saloon will go global, unlike some rivals that still stick to the region-specific strategy.
- That nameplate sounds quite familiar ...
Malibu is a badge Chevrolet has been using for ages in the US market. Remember those utilitarian saloons that have graced Hollywood movies for decades? The Malibu has never really looked cool, although the eighth-generation model you see here could change things.
In order to expand appeal outside of the US and make it a global model, Chevrolet has given the Malibu a sporty and more dynamic appearance. Note the family look up front and Camaro-inspired lights at the rear. The latest Malibu is also meant to replace the Daewoo Tosca in Korea, Chevrolet Epica in Europe and Holden Epica in Australia.
And since Chevrolet now labels the Malibu as a global mid-size saloon, it has the additional task of pitching it against the likes of the Toyota Camry.
Wood panels may contrast with a sporty exterior.
- Will the single global model strategy really work?
It's a tactic carmakers have been debating for years. On the positive side, relying on a single model helps reduce development costs (which many makers need to do today).
The downside is the different buyer preferences around the world. That's why the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Teana and Toyota Camry are tailored specifically for North America and Asia-Pacific, and not for Europe.
The main reason for this is that markets preferring the Camry and its likes are those placing emphasis on big cars with roomy interiors and comfort-oriented driving manners. Europeans like compact packages and sporty driving style, explaining why they get exclusive models like Toyota Avensis and Ford Mondeo (the Americans get the bigger Fusion).
- So the Malibu won't be attractive in Thailand ...
If you take into consideration the big-car stereotype, then the answer is probably yes. The Malibu sits on a wheelbase length measuring 2,738mm _ shorter than the Accord, Camry, Sonata and Teana on sale in Thailand.
The Malibu is based on General Motors' Epsilon II platform that also underpins the Buick Regal, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Saab 9-5. Epsilon II is a cost-effective front-drive floorplan (which can be adapted to all-wheel-drive).
Alternatively, Chevrolet could opt to sell the Malibu as a sporty mid-size saloon to differentiate from the rest, although that woody interior trim is arguably more suitable for classy cars like the Teana.
The Malibu has Camaro-inspired rear lights.
- Hmm ... sounds like a gamble. What about the engines?
Here's the trump card of the Malibu. There's a new 2.5-litre inline-four petrol engine producing a class-leading 190hp. That potentially makes the Malibu the most powerful car in the Thai mid-size segment (if you don't take into consideration hybrid versions or minute-selling V6 petrol heads). There's also a six-speed automatic that outnumbers the Accord and Camry top-sellers but stays on par with the latest Sonata (to be put through its paces in Life on Monday).
Moreover, the Malibu boasts 10 airbags. But whether these credentials could help it cut the mustard in Thailand remains to be seen. Oh, the Malibu hasn't been confirmed for Thailand yet.
The Malibu has energy regeneration.
Malibu ECO
While many brands are already employing petrol/electric drivetrains in mid-size family saloons, Chevrolet has yet to follow suit.
Instead, it is offering a "mild hybrid" system for the Malibu ECO whereby an energy regeneration system is used to store electricity when needed. Such a feature forms just part of the more sophisticated hybrid systems used by the Toyota Camry, as such.
This naturally means that the Malibu ECO isn't as frugal as the Camry Hybrid. Chevrolet claims some 11kpl for city-driving _ 3kpl less than what Toyota quotes _ but goes on to say that the figure will improve to 16.5kpl on the highway.
However, the Malibu ECO can be considered as a quick-fix alternative to rivals still not on the hybrid bandwagon such as the Honda Accord (it once had a hybrid but not anymore).
Aside from Toyota, other brands that have already gone hybrid in this class include Ford, Hyundai and Kia. Nissan and Suzuki have already previewed such tech in concept cars in the past six months.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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