If you think that the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid since it can’t keep up with the Volt in EV Mode, well, think again. The Malibu Hybrid isn’t designed to stretch the electric range of your drive but was designed in order to maximize the running engine’s fuel economy.
Interior
Though the transmission, electric motors and the regenerative-braking came directly from the Volt itself, there are still two noticeable major differences: that is, the engine and the battery. The Malibu model features a 1.8-liter, 122-horsepower four-cylinder compared to Volt’s 1.5-liter, 101-horsepower four-cylinder. This thing is necessary since this model relies on its gas burner more often while its battery plays as an engine support. The 1.5-kWh battery, only sizes up as much as a roller-bag suitcase compared to Volt’s bulky 18.4-kWh pack. However, this does not change the fact that as a whole, this hybrid is noticeably heavier than a base Malibu model.
On the EV side, the electric motor performance of this one is much like a Toyota Prius’ EV Feature. Starting mainly on electric power, it eventually fires up the engine afterwards to work along with the motors to drive the car forward as efficient as possible. In addition to that, there’s no EV-mode button installed since the company claims that it’s already set up for maximum efficiency.
- Category : Family Sedan
- Engine : DOHC 16-valve 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4
- Transmission : Continuously Variable Automatic
- Drivetrain : FWD
- Power : 122 hp (for 16-valve); 182 hp (for 2 AC electric motors combined)
- Torque : 129 lb-ft (for 16-valve); 277 lb-ft (for electric motors)
- 0-60 mph : 7.5 seconds
- Top Speed : 130 mph
- Mileage : (city) 48 mpg; (highway) 45 mpg
- Price : Starting at $28,000 (as estimated)