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Chevrolet Malibu VIII (facelift 2014) 2.5 (196 Hp) Ecotec 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)
VIII (facelift 2014) Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (VIII (facelift 2014)). With 252 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1539 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.
2.5 (196 Hp) Ecotec Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising, providing a smooth but not particularly spirited acceleration experience.
Fuel Economy
Delivers decent fuel economy for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder in its class, especially commendable on highway journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Refined and quiet ride quality
- • Comfortable front seats
- • Available powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine
- • Strong safety ratings (US market)
- • Decent fuel economy from the 2.5L engine
Cons:
- • Rear seat legroom can be tight for adults
- • Interior design feels somewhat dated compared to rivals
- • Handling is competent but not particularly sporty
- • Base 2.5L engine can feel underpowered for some drivers
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VIII: 2013 - 2014).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | VIII (facelift 2014) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 (196 Hp) Ecotec Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2014 |
| End of production: | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 196 Hp @ 6300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 79.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 252 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LKW, LCV [Same engine] More details about the engine LKW, LCV |
| Engine displacement: | 2457 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 7.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 101 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.3:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 7000 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 127.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1539 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 462 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4865 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1854 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1462 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2738 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1579 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 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 | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Hydra-Matic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 225/55 R17; 235/50 R18; 245/45 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 16; 8.0J x 17; 8.0J x 18; 19J x 19 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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