If the exterior of the Malibu is a departure from traditional Chevrolet,
the interior is a surprising 180 degrees from the traditional direction.
The instrument cluster is under a gently arched dash, which flows smoothly
to the right and slightly down to the right A-pillar. Directly beneath
is a strip of wood containing a pair of vents. The usual controls for air
conditioning and radio are stacked in a contrasting panel in the center.
Granted, there's nothing unique in this arrangement, but it's so contemporary,
so non-Chevrolet as to be remarkable. Steering column stalks have been
simplified, with the left stalk controlling the lights only, the right
stalk the wipers only. Overall, things are easy to find and operate.
The Malibu is billed as a five-passenger car. Two adults in the back
seats will be happier than three, but three is tolerable in a pinch.
The Malibu comes standard with daylight running lights, which come on
only when the ignition is turned on, the parking brake released and the
shift lever not in Park. A light sensor automatically turns on the head
lights to full intensity and turns on all other exterior lights when it
gets dark. When it gets light enough, the process is reversed.
Chevrolet says it went into the real world to find what potential Malibu
customers wanted, and then reacted. One example is a glove box pivot system
that maximizes access while minimizing intrusion of the door. The glove
box handle is on the left side, closer to the driver. The ignition switch
is on the instrument panel, not the steering column. There are front and
rear cup holders, including one at the left side of the instrument panel
that can do double duty as a storage bin.
Other Features: custom cloth on the buckets in the LS, tilt steering
wheel, air conditioning, premium sound systems including one with remote
cassette and CD, remote trunk release, power windows (LS) and side window
defrosters.
On the safety side, there are dual air bags, side intrusion protection,
standard ABS and a safety cage surrounding the passenger compartment. There
is a theft deterrent system and the LS has a keyless remote entry system.
By tradition, a family sedan is a modest vehicle of four doors with
little aspiration other than providing reliable, economic transportation.
But in recent years, family sedans have been aspiring to more. And this
is a Chevy with a touch of soul.
As promised, it gets going quickly and pulls strongly, well past the
legal limit. Shifting is seamless. A powertrain control module keeps tabs
on temperature, altitude and throttle position, then adjusts the transmission
shift points for smooth or quick shifting depending on conditions.
Visibility is good in every direction with just a little blockage at
the C-pillars. Seat position is good, the cushions supportive and the steering
wheel and pedal relationship works well for short and tall people.
The handling--independent suspension all-around--is vastly improved
over past Chevy sedans. The ride is solid with little body roll and the
steering is responsive and not over-assisted.
Our test driving included some rolling, twisting, climbing, two-lane
roads in California, and we were pleased at how Chevy's homework--both
technical and human factors--has paid off. The Malibu was quiet, comfortable
and totally confident feeling.