2008 Chevrolet Malibu

BRIAN EARLY FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Malibu’s striking new looks are definitely newsworthy, but the biggest story is the substantially improved interior.

Brian Early

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Anyone who doesn't think that General Motors is capable of building world-class cars needs to take the latest Malibu out for a spin.

The previous Malibu, upon which this new model is very heavily based, was something of a revelation in itself. Its chassis tuning – lifeless, artificial-feeling electric steering assist aside – was more Euro-savvy than "Born in the U.S.A.," very likely due in some part to the German origins of the car's Epsilon platform.

This new Malibu is a near-twin to the Saturn Aura, based on a platform that is also shared by the European Saab and Opel Astra, so it comes as no surprise that it has the same combination of good handling capability and real-world manners.

The Malibu can be powered by one of two DOHC engines: a 2.4 L four-cylinder (169 hp in non-hybrid trim) or a 252 hp 3.6 L V6. The V6 and four-cylinder LTZ Malibus use a six-speed automatic, the others receive a four-speed auto.

All V6 Malibus – such as my loaded LTZ tester – get an honest-to-God hydraulic power steering system, which has a pleasant, natural feel. GM says it has reworked the electric-assist system used on the four-cylinder cars, but I haven't had a proper opportunity to try it yet.

The Malibu's primary chassis weakness is torque steer – with the front wheels trying to cope with the 3.6 L V6's 251 lb.-ft. of torque, this was bound to be a concern. Since the related Saab 9-3 (another Epsilon car) offers optional all-wheel drive this year, one wonders if a similar system will eventually find its way into these models.

The Malibu's bolder exterior is definitely newsworthy, but the biggest story is the substantially improved interior. Again, I've not sampled the base trim, but I can tell you that the "dual-cockpit" instrument panel in the available contrasting two-tone colour schemes looked impressive and upmarket in the two higher-trim Malibus I've been in.

Not everything that you touch lives up to the promise provided by the visuals, but it's a laudable effort nonetheless, and not even in the same class as last year's car. It's also "fancier" than the Aura's simpler, more Germanic cabin (which I also happen to like).

While my LTZ had leather seating, I found the attractive looking UltraLux pseudo-suede seats in the 2LT model that I evaluated at AJAC's Car of the Year testing to be easily as comfortable and nicely grippy. As both are heated, I'd have a hard time choosing between them.

Unfortunately, the wagon-ish Maxx hatchback is gone, but the new sedan-only Malibu adopts that model's long 2,852 mm wheelbase, so there's legroom to spare for the back seat passengers, even if the cabin is somewhat narrow.

The floor of the trunk is fairly high (oddly dropping off toward the front of the car), so it's not quite as large as might be expected, but the rear seat backs fold, so longer items can be accommodated.

Outside, the 2008 Malibu has little in common with the 2007, save for both having Chevy emblems. Play a game with your friends; see if they can find all 12 that adorn the exterior of the new car. (Hint: look to the light.)

First seen on the Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban, the split-level grille with its body-coloured surround is Chevy's new global "face." I'm not so sure about the oddly shaped tail lights and bobbed rump, which to me resembles that of the Daewoo-sourced 2004-2006 Chevy Epica, though the twin round tail lamps themselves are a well recognized Chevrolet styling device.

The overall effect is pleasant and – especially for this segment – distinctive, the long wheelbase giving the Malibu interesting proportions. LTZ models can be spotted by their clear-lensed combination lamps, which use LEDs instead of the incandescent bulbs and red lenses employed in lesser Malibus.

The joke used to be that General Motors had a thing for naming their cars after places that you'd be unlikely to find them; Le Mans, Riviera, Bel Air, Bonneville, Corsica, et al. Here, for once, is a Malibu that could actually be found in Malibu, Calif. – and not necessarily on the local rental car lot.

Classic car fans may differ with me on this, but I'd suggest that this is the best-looking, best-driving car ever to wear the Malibu nameplate.

Unlike the 1997-2003 Malibu, which targeted the imports but ended up only firing across their bow, or the 2004-2007 Malibu, which largely drove like a European import but had awkward, SUV-styling delusions, this Malibu may finally be the Chevrolet that strikes fear into the likes of Camry, Accord and Altima. Not to mention Avenger and Fusion.

Now Chevy, about the Cobalt ...

Freelance auto writer Brian Early can be reached at bandb.early@sympatico.ca

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