2016 Chevrolet Malibu: The Right Way to Reinvent the Wheel

Having accepted the criticisms of its previous Malibu models, Chevy recast its mold and designed what may be the year’s most-improved car. The newly upgraded 2016 Chevrolet Malibu boasts a leaner and longer frame, lighter 1.5L four-cylinder engine, and modern interior that out-duels its midsize competitors—all while proving that new cars are more than affordable. As the premier new and used car dealer in Clearwater, we at Dimmitt Chevrolet are proud to have the newest Malibu in stock and revving to go.

Passenger-Friendly Comforts Abound

What sets apart the 2016 Malibu from its predecessors is its interior, especially the superb spaciousness. Despite only modest changes made to its previous models’ length—only 2.3” length added overall—the newest 2016 Malibu feels much roomier. Chevy added more than an inch of leg room in the rear, and lowered the newly lengthened front seats and patterned dash to increase headroom throughout the cabin. Amazingly, these fairly minor alterations seem to be transformative, as the car feels better suited to the category of “full-size sedan” rather than its current “midsize” class.

The Car Connection’s Bengt Halvorson said it best in his review of the new Malibu: “Thoughtful touches like console padding at knee height, and a little more bolstering and length in the seats themselves, make this an interior that now feels bigger than those of many other mid-size sedans.”

Chevy even went above and beyond to redeem the Malibu name by adding innovative and contemporary features to its already large list. Backseat passengers now have direct access to their own built-in USB, 12-volt, and standard power socket ports, while those in the front can utilize standard USB ports as well as a charging station that’s built into the central console. Even more, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, steering-wheel audio and phone controls, 4G LTE with OnStar for hosting an on-the-go WiFi hotspot, and a 7” touchscreen with MyLink infotainment software. 

The Malibu: Pure Beauty and a Bit of Brawn

Although the interior helps mark the Malibu’s return to greatness, the exterior is no slouch. Featuring LED daytime headlights, sleek aerodynamic lines, and sporty dual-exhaust outlets, Chevy’s new Malibu screams for attention in a midsize sedan-saturated world. The rear deck is much improved from previous versions, as it now comes with a spoiler and twin exhaust channels—elements that emphasize Chevy’s evolutionary trajectory toward improvement.

“The Malibu nameplate has been a follower in recent history; but styling is one way GM hopes it can leap to more of a leadership position,” writes Halvorson. With the sporty style of the 2016 Malibu, Chevy might be on track to take the reins.

A new look isn’t all the 2016 Malibu has going for it, however. Chevy introduced within the model a refined 1.5L, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that utilizes start/stop technology for enhanced fuel efficiency. Putting out 160 horsepower, this small turbo-four also achieves a combined 31 mpg, all without feeling dinky.

Davey Johnson reviewed Chevy’s new-and-improved Malibu in Car and Driver, and heaped praise on its new engine: “This may well be GM’s Best four-banger. Its 184 lb-ft of torque are wholly available between 2000 and 4000 rpm, making it well-suited to the cut and thrust of urban and suburban traffic, while lag at the bottom of the rev range is minimal.”

An optional 2.0L engine is also available in certain trims, which include L, LS, LT, and Premier.

Test Drive the Re-Imagined Malibu at Dimmitt Chevrolet

If the past is the only thing holding you back from testing out Chevy’s new Malibu, we’re here to stifle that alarm. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is very much an evolved specimen, and Dimmitt Chevrolet is proud to have it in our family of new vehicles. If you’re looking for a trusted Chevy dealership near St. Pete, FL, give Dimmitt a call at 888-867-1203, browse our online inventory of new and used vehicles, or visit our showroom at 25485 US Highway 19 North in Clearwater, FL.

Sources

http://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/malibu
http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/chevrolet_malibu_2016
http://www.chevrolet.com/malibu-mid-size-sedan.html#