Chevrolet's 2016 Malibu gets bigger, safer and more connected

Chevrolet's midsize Malibu has been beefed up in terms of size, space, technology smarts and safety while being made 100 pounds lighter than the model it replaces. Offering a range of models replete with the latest performance, safety and technology solutions, the 2016 Malibu aims to shakes up the midsize sedan market on Canada.

An all-new, Ecotec 1.5L turbo is the standard engine in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, offering a fuel consumption rating of 6.3 L/100km  highway. It is part of a new global family of small-displacement gas engines designed with greater power density to deliver confident performance with excellent efficiency.

A more potent 8-speed 2.0L turbocharged engine is available, offering 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 266 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm), for a higher degree of performance – but not at the expense of good efficiency. Malibu 2.0T models offer a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 L/100km city and 7.1 on the highway.

The 2016 Chevy Malibu tracks driving habits and generates a report card at the end of a trip to give drivers an overview of how they are driving.

While performance and fuele economy make the Malibu an attractive option. It is the new focus on safety, specifically for teenage drivers that actually addresses accident avoidance by monitoring and curbing bad driving habits.

Teen Driver supports safe driving habits by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. Teen Driver also provides audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds.

To use Teen Driver, a parent enables the feature with a PIN in the Settings menu of the Malibu’s MyLink system, which allows them to register their teen’s key fob. The system’s settings are turned on only to registered key fobs.

Chevrolet’s system is the first in the industry with a built-in component that lets parents view on a display how their teenager drove the vehicle. Maximum speed reached, distance driven and number of times active safety features were engaged are among the parameters that can be confirmed.

Canadian Pricing for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is as follows:

• Malibu L - $21, 745
• Malibu LS - $24, 245
• Malibu LT - $25, 242
• Malibu Hybrid - $28,850
• Malibu Premier - $32, 045

Stay tune for our comprehensive driving impressions of this new midsize sedan.