General Motors Canada today announced the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will start at $21,745, a base price nearly $3,500 less than that of the outgoing model.

That starting tag is for a new ‘L’ base trim, which slots in below the formerly-base LS in a range of five trims that also includes LT, Hybrid, and Premier models. Chevrolet says the Malibu L will come standard with 10 airbags, cruise, push-button start with passive entry, and engine stop/start for its turbocharged 1.5L Ecotec four-cylinder engine. The little turbo mill replaces a 2.5L four-cylinder used in the outgoing car’s entry-level trims; GM estimates power output at 160 hp, and while they don’t state a torque figure, we’d guess it’ll fall between 170 and 180 lb-ft.

Last year’s base trim, the LS, comes in at $24,245, and adds Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a backup camera to the standard equipment list.

LT models bring LED daytime running lights and an eight-way power driver’s seat, for $25,245. Finally, the range-topping Premier trim will go for $32,045, and gets a 250-hp, 2.0L turbocharged engine carried over from the previous-generation car.

GM hasn’t yet set pricing for the Hybrid model, but says a new powertrain (borrowing tech from the Volt) built around a new 1.8L engine, promises estimated fuel consumption as low as 4.9 L/100 km in city driving. Cars fitted with the 1.5L turbo come with consumption estimates of 8.7/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway), while the 2.0T should achieve ratings something like 10.7/7.4 L/100 km (city/highway).

The new Malibu is bigger, a longer wheelbase giving the family sedan a much-need boost in rear-seat legroom, and the use of high-strength steel helped GM engineers cut 136 kg from the car’s curb weight.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is nearly 300 pounds lighter and has wheelbase that’s been stretched nearly 4 inches, making it more fuel efficient, more functional and more agile.

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