Test Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT Platinum Edition

On the road, the most appealing thing about this Malibu is the smoothness and responsiveness of its four-cylinder engine. My very first task was to confirm that the vehicle was indeed equipped with a four-cylinder engine, such is the quiet and powerful operation of the Ecotec 2.4-litre powerplant. It’s not long ago that a whisper-quiet engine making 169 hp would have required a V6, and the question wouldn’t have been asked.

2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT Platinum Edition. Click image to enlarge

Even under hard acceleration, the Malibu LT is smooth and refined, and one wonders why a V6 would be required given this car’s four-cylinder performance. Likewise the transmission shifts smoothly, quickly and without fuss, dropping the engine speed significantly for highway driving and fuel economy, but finding the right gear in city driving without delay. The manual steering-wheel shifters are somewhat fluid in operation but lack snap when you shift up and down (no fancy rev-matching here…), but they’re there if you want them. Most drivers will likely opt for “Drive” and let this excellent drivetrain operate as designed in everyday driving.

The suspension is not soft, but neither is it overly firm. It is best described as compliant; being both firm and comfortable. This gives the benefit of a pleasant ride when going straight, but decent handling with little roll when cornering. Going over railway tracks or broken pavement does cause some thumping, however.

Trunk space (427 litres/15.1 cu. ft.) is good, and both rear seatbacks fold forward to permit the transport of longer cargo items. Rear legroom is sufficient even with the front seats adjusted for taller occupants, and most rear-seat passengers will find the rear seats comfortable. Both the hood and the trunk-lid are held open with struts, a more expensive solution than exposed hinges that is convenient for the user, and saves space.

Fuel consumption is a strong point for Malibu. On the highway I achieved 6.2 L/100 km, and in the city the reading hovered around 9.6 L/100 km (the official numbers are 9.4/5.9 L/100 km, city/highway, and I got about 7.2 L/100 km combined). These are numbers with which you’d be thrilled from a fuel efficient compact or subcompact car, but the Malibu, don’t forget, is a family-sized intermediate with impressive performance. Achieving these fuel consumption numbers is commendable.

Interestingly, the Malibu is GM’s only remaining entries in the midsize family car segment. Gone are equivalent models from Saturn, Pontiac and Oldsmobile (Buicks are larger; Cadillac CTS is luxury; both are more expensive). So for the time being, this is your midsize choice from “the General.” Competitors are many, but the Chevrolet is a strong performer.

Pricing: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT Platinum Edition Base price: $27,760 Options: $2,310 (White Diamond Tri-Coat paint, $645; sunroof $1,195, body coloured side-mouldings, $145; XM satellite radio, $260; tire pressure monitor, $65) A/C tax: $100 Freight: $1,350 Price as tested: $31,520 Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives Specifications Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Competitors Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Chrysler Sebring Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Dodge Avenger Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Ford Fusion Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Honda Accord Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Hyundai Sonata Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Kia Magentis Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Mazda6 Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Mitsubishi Galant Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Nissan Altima Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Subaru Legacy Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Toyota Camry Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Volkswagen Passat Crash test results National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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1. What’s New: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
2. Day-by-Day Review: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT
3. Buyer's Guide: 2007 Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx
4. Test Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
5. Buyer's Guide: 2006 Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx