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June 17, 2008
By James Bergeron
Photo Gallery:
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
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The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ is my tester for this week. It’s been a few weeks since I had a test car, although I have been super-busy driving for the 50L challenge and other events, so I certainly haven’t been taking a break. This Malibu is a car that has been praised by nearly everyone in the industry. “Camry killer” and “Super-Accord” are phrases that have been used to describe it; those are some mighty praises.
The Malibu comes in five flavours with three names. There is the base model Malibu LS which starts at a very reasonable $22,995, followed by the LT model which comes in two different trims: 1LT and 2LT. the 1LT adds a few minor things to the base LS while the 2LT adds a considerable amount of equipment including power seats, alloy wheels, power windows and power adjustable pedals.
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Then there are the two LTZ models. One is a four cylinder model with a six-speed automatic transmission and, in the case of my tester, a six-cylinder 3.6Litre version mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
What does this mean? It means for once a car company is offering their fully loaded vehicle with a four-cylinder engine — wow! Typically in this vehicle segment if you want leather, alloy wheels, sunroof etc., you are stuck with the six-cylinder engine. Seems like GM realizes something nobody else has: some people like their luxury and fuel economy.
Of course, my tester is the V6 model; hopefully mated to the six-speed transmission it will not be too hard on my wallet at the pumps either.
When I first stepped behind the wheel I had a flashback to my time in the Saturn Aura XR I tested back in December of 2007. The interior colours and the layout seemed identical at first. A quick zip into memory lane — otherwise known as the Saturn Aura photo gallery — confirms my initial feeling. The Aura garnered praises from the industry when it was released and so too has the Malibu; not much of a coincidence when these vehicles share a platform and many parts.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
MSRP as tested (including destination): $33,610
For more information on Chevrolet and the Malibu visit GM Canada
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