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Chevrolet Malibu VIII 2.5 (197 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 Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (VIII). With 259 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1560 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 VIII achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2011, demonstrating strong adult occupant protection and overall safety performance for its class.
2.5 (197 Hp) Ecotec Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong, smooth performance for daily driving and highway cruising, providing ample power without being overtly sporty.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, suitable for mixed driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable and composed ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Spacious interior with ample room for five adults
- • Diverse range of engine options, including efficient diesel and powerful turbo
- • Strong 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
- • Quiet cabin, contributing to a relaxed driving experience
- • Often represents good value in the used car market
Cons:
- • Some naturally aspirated engines can feel underpowered when fully loaded
- • Interior design can be perceived as bland compared to more modern rivals
- • Rear visibility can be challenging for some drivers due to design
- • Automatic transmissions in some trims can be slow to respond
- • Fuel economy for some petrol variants is not class-leading
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VIII: 2012 - 2014).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | VIII |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 (197 Hp) Ecotec Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2013 |
| End of production: | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 197 Hp @ 6300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 80.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 259 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LKW, LCV 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 7.1 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: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6 kg/Nm, 166 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1560 |
| 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 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Chevrolet Malibu rank in your book?