A MALIBU IN MALIBU
We take Chevy’s new sedan to the ’Boo

By Harold Osmer The guy pulled up with our test Malibu and our first impression said "Oh yes, this will be a great drive!" Those ever-present television commercials are mostly correct. Chevrolet's 2016 Malibu has strong outside lines with sleek, modern styling. Because we could, we took our Malibu to Malibu where it turned quite a few heads. Mistake it for a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi? Not likely. And there's no need as Malibu's longer, lower 2016 stance can stand on its own. W Malibu won J.D. Powers' Most Dependable Midsize Car two years in a row, something that should translate to the modern version.

Malibu's two-liter turbocharged inline four churns out 250 horsepower. Coupled to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, we had no trouble pulling into traffic, charging an onramp, or scooting along Pacific Coast Highway. Shifts are barely noticeable, there is no turbo lag, and handling is both light and predictable with ample braking power. Our test mileage slightly exceeded EPA estimates of 22/33. At 3271 pounds, Malibu zips around as well as any four cylinder mid-sized sedan should. If you ache for the power of a six or eight, you'll have to step up in size though it's unnecessary with this car. General Motors created much of the wave when it comes to vehicular internet connectivity. Malibu is its own rolling wi-fi hotspot. GM's venerable OnStar features 4G LTE operation with an eight inch MyLink audio system. Apple Carplay, XM satellite, hands-free Bluetooth, all are good ideas while the onboard Teen Driver Monitor function is something we would never use. Ever.

Electronic warning systems abound at GM and Malibu is loaded with them. Lane departure, blind zone alerts, pedestrian detection, automatic braking, lane keep assist, following distance warnings, and on and on. We decided to drive the car ourselves and turned all of these functions off. Blaring lights and warning buzzers are more distracting than helpful. We are of the mind that when taking the wheel, you are accepting responsibility for performing the driving tasks. If you require excessive assistance, you should have someone else drive the car. The mid-size sedan marketplace is full of capable offerings from a multitude of manufacturers. All are competitively priced and equipped. Chevrolet has stepped up with the new Malibu in 2016 and deserves a look when shopping around. We like the styling and handling and were proven right in our initial assessment upon first look. We did not like the overly preachy alarm systems or interior materials. Still, this was a good drive. Harold O. For more information about Chevrolet products, go to chevrolet.com

SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT Price: (Base Malibu) $21,625; As tested (2LT Package) $29,495 Options: 2LT Package includes many additional features as opposed to outright 'options' - Driver Information Center with color display - Remote Vehicle Starter System - 2L Turbocharged engine - 8-Speed Automatic transmission - Chevrolet MyLink Radio w/Navigation - Collision Alert System EPA mileage estimates (miles per gallon): 22 city/33 highway Engine type: Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder w/Variable Valve Timing Horsepower: 250hp @ 5300 rpm Torque: 258 lb.-ft @ 1700 rpm Performance: 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds (est) Drive configuration: Front Wheel Drive Transmission type: Eight speed Automatic with manual shift mode Suspension: Front: MacPherson Strut with direct-acting stabilizer bar Rear: Four-link Independent with hollow stabilizer bar Wheels and tires: 18" Alloy Wheels, P245/45R18 Continental Radials Brakes: 4-wheel disc with antilock Dimensions Overall length: 193.8 inches Wheelbase: 111.4 inches Overall width: 73.0 inches Overall height: 57.6 inches Curb weight: 3271 pounds Warranty: 2 Years/24,000 miles Scheduled Maintenance (2 visits) 3 Years/36,000 miles Bumper to Bumper 5 Year/60,000 miles Powertrain See Harold's video review of the new Chevrolet Malibu...