New Chevy Malibu takes on strong competitors

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The Chevy Malibu has long operated in the shadows of premier mid-size sedans such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, never really challenging the sales leadership of those perennial favorites.For 2008, the Malibu will steal some limelight under a complete redesign that sharpens the car's appearance while improving the already admirable performance."This new Malibu has what it takes to assert a leadership position in the segment," says Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper.That segment is brutally competitive, even more so this year with a remodeled Honda Accord arriving at the same time. In addition to the best-selling Camry, Malibu competes with the admirable Nissan Altima and the ambitious Ford Fusion.European competitors include the benchmark BMW 3-Series and the Volkswagen Passat. There is not a bad car in that bunch.To compare the Malibu to the BMW would not be inappropriate. Though built in Kansas City, Kan., Malibu is based on GM's European Opel long-wheelbase platform shared with the Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6. The road manners of the Malibu are very European, and that's a good thing.The sixth generation is three inches longer than the previous model, with a wheelbase that is six inches longer. Surprisingly, interior room has decreased from 101 cubic feet to 95 cubic feet. Front passengers get more legroom, while those in back get less. Still, the rear legroom is adequate for a full-size passenger, even with the front seat slid all the way back.The interior dimensions could be a handicap against the Accord, which has expanded to large-car status in the 2008 model year.Externally, the Malibu is more attractive than the subdued predecessor. But the 2008 model will still not draw attention like the dazzling new Accord and the still stylish Camry.The skin is subtly rounded with a new grille of mesh split by a center bar bearing the Chevy bow tie. The back end is highlighted by twin round tail lamps that are a legacy of 1960's models and shared with the full-size Impala. None of the styling cues really grab you the way, say, the Fusion's three-bar grille do. Let's just say Accord wins the swimsuit competition.Inside, however, the Malibu surpasses the Accord, with a more elegant decor and a dash that retains GM's blessedly intuitive ergonomics. Buyers get a choice of cloth, sheer suede and leather upholstery, with an optional two-tone cockpit that really brightens the atmosphere. Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets make the cabin more inviting.Malibu's pricing starts at $19,995 for the base LS, including an automatic transmission. The 1LT begins at $20,955 and the 2LT is pegged at $22,635. The review car, the LTZ starts at $26,995. A Malibu Hybrid carries a MSRP of $22,790. Prices for all models include a $650 destination charge.While competent 4-cylinder engines are more fuel efficient, the V6 in the LTZ will be hard to resist. Rated at 252-horsepower, the engine sends torque to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that glides through the gears effortlessly or allows you to operate it as manual sans clutch.Fuel economy is quite respectable at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway or 20 mpg combined. A year's worth of refills should cost you about $2,100 if pump prices don't spike abruptly.Four-cylinder-equipped models, rated at 169-horsepower, come with a four-speed transmission and deliver 30 mpg highway, 22 city.On the road, Malibu exhibits a taut suspension, nice on-center steering feel, great cornering ability and terrific brakes. Passengers enjoy a quiet ride due to measures such as liquid spray-on sound deadener and composite wheel liners. Laminated "quiet glass" also shuts out road noises.The four-wheel independent suspension includes a strut front and multilink rear, tuned with hydraulic ride bushings and body control damping measures to heighten balance and smoothness.Power disc brakes with traction control are the front line of safety, but a state-of-the-art air bag system and OnStar system that calls for help in the event of an accident add assurance.As in past years, Chevrolet surpasses the competition with standard equipment. The LTZ comes with power heated outside mirrors, fog lamps, chrome exhaust tips, automatic climate control, power accessories, AM/FM/XM Satellite stereo with six-disc CD changer and leather upholstery. The driver gets an eight-way power adjustable seat while the passenger's is power adjustable six ways.Other standard features include split/folding rear seats, driver information center, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry and remote vehicle start.Mid-size competition will be particularly stiff in a softening economy with rising fuel prices. As former sport utility owners downshift into more fuel-efficient vehicles, they are likely to find that Malibu and its ilk represent the sweet-spot junction of price, performance and efficiency. WHAT'S NEW: All-new sixth generation based on Opel design.PLUSES: Performance, comfort, standard features, safety.MINUSES: Bland styling, smaller interior than Accord.BOTTOM LINE: Chevy's strongest challenge to Camry.(Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.)