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Chevrolet Malibu VI 2.2i 16V (145 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Chevrolet Malibu:
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2025. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu has been marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. Malibu production in the US ended in November 2024, as the Fairfax plant is being retooled for the upcoming second-generation Chevrolet Bolt. The Malibu is now the last sedan to have been sold by Chevrolet in the US....(Read more on Wikipedia)
VI Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (VI). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1440 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Chevrolet Malibu VI was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, it performed reasonably well in NHTSA tests for frontal and side impacts.
2.2i 16V (145 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A marginal power increase over the 144 Hp version, offering slightly better responsiveness while remaining a capable daily driver.
Fuel Economy
Maintains good fuel economy, slightly less efficient than the 144 Hp variant but still a strong contender for cost-conscious drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior
- • Smooth ride quality
- • Available V6 engine provides ample power
- • Good fuel economy from 4-cylinder engines
- • Affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • Interior materials can feel dated or cheap
- • Styling is somewhat bland compared to rivals
- • Handling is not particularly engaging
- • Rear drum brakes on some trims
- • Electric power steering can feel numb
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(V: 1999 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | VI |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.2i 16V (145 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 145 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 66 Hp/l [53mm less] |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L61 More details about the engine L61 |
| Engine displacement: | 2198 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 94.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6500 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.9 kg/Hp, 100.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.9 kg/Nm, 145.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1440 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 436 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4783 mm mm [53mm less] |
| Width: | 1775 mm mm [13mm more] |
| Height: | 1460 mm mm [33mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [17mm less] |
| Front track: | 1524 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1506 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 154 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Hydra-Matic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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