Chevrolet malibu
Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu
GAME OF CULT
The name "Malibu" is new and unfamiliar to the Russians. For Americans, this is a landmark car that debuted 48 years ago and sold almost ten million copies. Now the eighth generation of the model is entering the market, which, unlike all its predecessors, the company intends to promote as a global car. Before, as you know, in this segment, Chevrolet in our country was represented by the Epica sedan. The car is not bad, but too expressionless - even small stars from the sky were not enough. Therefore, despite the very affordable price, it has not gained popularity.
MANUFACTURER DATA
With Malibu, the situation is diametrically opposite. Bright car! Moreover, he looks most advantageously from behind. And all because of the twin rectangular lamps in the style of the iconic coupe "Camaro". The duet of the exhaust pipes adds weight. In a word, with a passing glance you may get the feeling that in front of you is a four-door version of the said muscle car.
I sit behind the wheel - and just some kind of obsession: the angular dashboard seems to be taken from the same "Camaro"! She goes to the car very much, you will not meet anything like this among competitors. They look interesting (especially in the dark, when the backlight is visible) that extend across the entire front panel of the “rib”. In general, the interior of the Malibu compared to Epika is not a step, but a leap forward. Bright, interesting, high quality.
In the flagship version, the interior looks luxurious. And others do not deliver to us
In the flagship version, the interior looks luxurious. And others do not deliver to us. In the flagship version, the interior looks luxurious. And others do not deliver to us.
Ergonomics has become much better. In German, hard chairs have many electric adjustments - anyone will quickly find a comfortable fit. And the steering wheel is now adjustable in two planes. It is a pity, the steering wheel itself is exactly the same in design as the little Spark and Aveo - from a car of this level, you implicitly expect more originality.
Malibu is supplied to the Russian market in a single complete set. Topov. Touch screen navigator, separate climate, cruise control, audio system with nine speakers, electric handbrake, engine start button, leather trim - no need to pay extra for all this. Option one - sunroof. Surprised only by the lack of a rear view camera, it will begin to be installed in 2014. And she is needed right now! In the rear window-embrasure little is visible. Yes, and the side mirrors puzzled with long responses when setting up - they begin to move only after a couple of seconds. Inconveniently. But in motion - it’s not safe.
Instruments in the spirit of "Camaro" set up in a serious way. But the blue backlight is too intrusive
Instruments in the spirit of "Camaro" set up in a serious way. But the blue backlight is too intrusive. Instruments in the spirit of "Camaro" set up in a serious way. But the blue backlight is too intrusive.
"Malibu" - a rather big car. In length it surpasses even Toyota Camry. Therefore, I looked at the second row rather for pro forma, only to make sure of its spaciousness. But she was not here! Although there is no need to talk about crowding. In any case, on the back of the Epica’s couch, it was much freer. The competitors - and in addition to the mentioned Camry, including Accord, Teana, Mondeo, Optima, have more space for knees. And the backs in the Chevrolet are not adjustable in angle. So, sitting in the second row, for some reason I again remembered about the Camaro: the door panels trimmed with modest plastic (a piece of leather or at least a fabric is very much asked here) and the absence of air ducts (in winter it will be hard) made such a comparison. And the floor tunnel is too big.
Despite the impressive external dimensions, the back sofa “Malibu” cannot be called spacious
Despite the impressive external dimensions, the back sofa “Malibu” cannot be called spacious. Despite the impressive external dimensions, the back sofa “Malibu” cannot be called spacious.
In general, the convenience and comfort of the rear passengers was clearly not a priority for the developers.
CONVERGENCE
Istanbul streets with congestion will not yield to Moscow - traffic jams! While leaving the city, the motor could only be appreciated in terms of smooth operation and sound insulation. Rating is good. And where the roads are freer, it became clear: the dynamics of the car without a margin. That is, the acceleration is calm and by no means slow, but when it comes to accelerate sharper, the Chevrolet immediately surrenders. I felt the same feeling behind the wheel of a Chevrolet-Captiva crossover, whose 4-cylinder gasoline engine (2.4 liters, 167 hp) was installed in the Malibu. In our market, other motors are not yet expected. And extra “horses” would not hinder this sedan. There is no alternative to the machine. The six-speed one is pretty cleverly juggling gears, but I still release a critical arrow into it: shifting gears with the left and right buttons swaying at the top of the selector is clearly inconvenient: you get confused all the time, you touch the lever. The back and forth algorithm is more logical, and even better - paddle shifters.
Using the key for manual switching is inconvenient
Using the key for manual switching is inconvenient. Using the key for manual switching is inconvenient.
In terms of driving performance, the Malibu is completely like the Opel Insignia: the platform is common. And that's great! Large Chevrolet sedans have never had better handling. The car willingly dives into turns ("Epic" go to the top!) And holds the trajectory tightly. A dense suspension and a “transparent” steering wheel allow you to maintain high speed even on a winding road. True, tremor from small irregularities is felt on the steering wheel, although the suspension swallows them without a trace. Yes, and larger pits cracked down with a bang. The best part is that she does it almost silently. Very noble behavior.
The secret niche behind the radio is the brand name of the Chevrolet models
The secret niche behind the radio is the brand name of the Chevrolet models. The secret niche behind the radio is the brand name of the Chevrolet models.
However, they ask for a lot for Malibu - 1, 285, 000 rubles, almost twice as much as for its predecessor! Almost all competitors are cheaper - because they also have simple configurations. Without xenon, leather, navigator, electric seats. Chevrolet has no simplified version. In this situation, becoming a bestseller in Russia for Malibu is an impossible mission. The company itself understands this, predicting annual sales at the level of a thousand cars. A drop in the sea…
For a uniform motion of the motor power is enough. But to shoot sharply, the strength is not enough
For a uniform motion of the motor power is enough. But to shoot sharply, the strength is not enough. For a uniform motion of the motor power is enough. But to shoot sharply, the strength is not enough.
