2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

Written By Unknown on Monday, January 9, 2012 | 7:42 PM

Chevrolet announced it will launch the Eco version of its new Malibu first, then will launch conventional 2.5-liter models. Both go on sale in the first quarter of 2012 as '13 models. While conventional Malibus get the new 2.5-liter four, the Eco, like Buick's Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist, continue with the 2.4-liter four, coupled to a mild hybrid system with a lithium-ion battery. Chevy expects 26/38 mpg fuel mileage, which is 1 mpg better on the highway cycle compared with the similar Buick Regal, thanks to better aerodynamics

The Malibu Eco has active grill shutters, but little else to distinguish it from the Malibu LS, LT and LTZ. It's "Chevrolet's most efficient midsize sedan, ever," says GM North American President Mark Reuss. The Malibu Eco's highway mileage will exceed that of the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrid at 35 mpg, and the Ford Fusion hybrid at 36 mpg, though those full hybrids get better city mileage, at 31 mpg and 41 mpg, respectively.