Chevrolet has unveiled the refreshed 2014 Malibu this week only one year after its last redesign. Slow sales and harsh reactions led GM to reconsider the 2013 Malibu’s design and content.
More power, better fuel savings, handling improvements, and more rear leg room puts consumer on the winning side of the 2014 refresh.
The front fascia is the only change on the outside with a narrower upper grille opening and a more stylish lower air dam. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter turbo four gets a nice boost in torque, upping the number 14 percent to 295 lb-ft. Horsepower stays unchanged at 259.
The 2.5-liter mill now comes with start/stop technology that increases city and highway fuel economy ratings 5 and 3 percent respectively to 23/35 mpg. Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems are now optional safety features.
Perhaps the biggest news is in the back seat. GM literally cut out an extra 1.25 inches of rear knee room by revising the rear cushions to place passengers deeper in the seats and cut a half inch from the front seatbacks. Thankfully, front passengers weren’t neglected in the Malibu’s refresh. A nicely reworked center console provides two cup holders, longer arm rests, and dedicated cell phone storage.
Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the 2014 Malibu’s launch this fall.
