 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT Platinum Edition. Click image to enlarge |
|
Related articles on Autos
Manufacturer’s web site
|
Join Autos’s Facebook group
Follow Autos on TwitterReview and photos by Paul Williams
Find this vehicle in Autos’s Classified Ads
Photo Gallery:
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is General Motors’ entry in the mid-size, family sedan segment. It ranges in price from $23,995 for the four-cylinder base “LS” model, to $32,750 for the V6-powered LTZ, with additional options available.
Our 2010 Malibu “LT Platinum Edition” test car, for instance, starts at $27,760, but with its White Diamond Tri-Coat paint ($645), sunroof ($1,195), body coloured side-mouldings ($145), XM satellite radio ($260), tire pressure monitor ($65) and $100 air conditioning tax, the final price is $30,240 plus delivery charges. However, a quick check of the Chevrolet Canada web site reveals a current “price adjustment” rebate of over $3,600, so there are deals to be had right now.
That makes the Malibu’s pricing very competitive with other popular vehicles in this segment, including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion or Hyundai Sonata.
   2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT Platinum Edition. Click image to enlarge |
The Malibu has a pleasant and conservative appearance, with no design peculiarities at any angle. The LT Platinum Edition is powered by a 2.4-litre inline-four cylinder engine making 169 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted manual controls and will run on E-85 fuel, should such fuel be available in your area (the Malibu Hybrid, by the way, has been discontinued).
The six-speed automatic transmission is one of the key components of the Platinum Edition package, an upgrade from the standard LT model’s four-speed automatic. Other Platinum Edition standard features are 17-inch aluminum chrome wheels, six-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar, remote vehicle start, heated front seats, manual air conditioning, auto dimming rear-view mirror with compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote controls, OnStar in-vehicle communications with one-year of Turn-by-Turn navigation support, universal home remote, “Ultralux” sheer suede seat trim, and Bluetooth hands-free communications.
Additional Malibu standard equipment includes tilt/telescoping steering column, automatic headlights, driver information system and remote keyless entry. Safety equipment includes GM’s “Stabilitrack” electronic stability control with panic brake assist, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, traction control and side curtain airbags.
  2010 Chevrolet Malibu LT Platinum Edition. Click image to enlarge |
However, items like a name-brand premium audio system, automatic and/or dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, fog lights and rain-sensing windshield wipers and are not included at this price point.
The Malibu’s interior is nicely designed, and well-executed in terms of fit and operation. The two-tone beige/brown interior colour scheme of our tester was very appealing, and incorporated many desirable “soft-touch” surfaces. However, the “Ultralux” suede seat material, along with the seat sides and backs, looked like a combination of vinyl and microfibre to me (it is, actually), and the door panels, soft-touch notwithstanding, looked machine stamped and plain. There is faux-wood trim that works well with the pleasant colours, but the initial quality appearance of this interior is largely superficial.
The seats are very comfortable and supportive, with the power lumbar adjustment an excellent and effective standard feature. The tilt/telescoping steering column in combination with long fore/aft adjustability permits most drivers to find their ideal seating position. Headroom, however, may be tight due to space taken by the sunroof.
