DETROIT – The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter of next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate.
The suggested retail price includes a $760 destination charge – but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.
The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver a GM-estimated 25 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway.
Malibu Eco’s highway efficiency is comparable to the segment’s popular full hybrids and diesels, but delivered at a lower price:
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2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg
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2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg
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2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg
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2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg
Malibu Eco is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – designed to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. It has a more powerful engine – 182 hp / 134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp / 116 kW), Camry (178 hp / 132 kW) or Passat (140 hp / 104 kW).
Product highlights for North American models include:
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Expressive exterior designed to stand out, with a wide, athletic stance
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Aerodynamically optimized exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle
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All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
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First Chevrolet car to offer new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
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European-influenced ride and handling traits
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More safety features and technologies, including eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.
Additional fuel-saving features include:
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Eco-specific lightweight components and systems, including an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-Eco model
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An Eco gauge in the cluster that continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode
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Seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires
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The eAssist system mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine, a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010, is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. It also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.
A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard on the Malibu Eco. Certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The Malibu Eco is offered with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation.
Standard powertrain and chassis content:
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Ecotec 2.4L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing and eAssist technology, rated at 182 horsepower (135 kW)
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Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control
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2.64:1 axle ratio
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Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
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Regenerative braking
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Grade braking control
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Panic brake assist
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Electronic park brake with push button
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StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
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Electric power steering (rack-mounted)
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MacPherson strut front suspension
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Four-link rear suspension
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Seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels
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P225/55R17 all-season low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires
Standard exterior content:
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Active front lower grille aero shutters and aerodynamic underbody panels
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Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control
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Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors (body color)
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Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color)
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Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass
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Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades
Standard interior content:
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Chevrolet MyLink
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Six-inch-deep illuminated (when headlamps are on) hidden storage behind articulating touch screen radio face
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Air conditioning – dual zone automatic climate control with odor filter
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Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack
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Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen for the audio system
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USB port for the audio system
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SiriusXM Satellite Radio
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Six-speaker sound system
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Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
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Cruise control
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Remote keyless entry
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Power windows with express down feature
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Power door and window locks
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Driver information center
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Tilt and telescopic steering column
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Steering wheel audio and cruise controls
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Ice blue ambient lighting
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Driver’s footrest
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Overhead console
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Compass display
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Two auxiliary power outlets
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Rear center armrest with storage
Standard safety content:
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OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections plan, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and more.
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Dual-stage frontal air bags
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Driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags
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Driver and front passenger knee air bags
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Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions)
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Safety belt pretensioners
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Tire pressure monitoring system
Package 1 – Power Convenience includes all standard equipment plus:
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Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control
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Rearview backup camera system
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Remote start
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Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
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Universal garage door opener
Package 2 – Premium Audio includes all content in Package 1 plus:
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Pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier
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Fog lamps
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Leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel
Package 3 – Leather includes all content in Package 2 plus:
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Leather-trimmed seating
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Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control
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Heated front seats
Package 4 – Navigation includes all content in Package 3 plus:
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Navigation system
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Memory seats and mirrors
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Auto-up driver’s window
A power-operated sunroof is available on Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Exterior Color Choices:
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Silver Ice Metallic
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Black Granite Metallic
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Summit White
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Crystal Red Tintcoat
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White Diamond Tricoat
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Taupe Gray Metallic
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Steel Blue Metallic (late availability)
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Champagne Silver Metallic (late availability)
Interior Color/Trim Choices:
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Jet Black
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Jet Black/Titanium
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Cocoa/Light Neutral
The Eco is the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels including, LS, LT and LTZ, are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck.
The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.
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