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Monday, June 10, 2013

2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU GETS MORE TORQUE, MORE ROOM AND INSPIRATION FROM THE IMPALA

By Jonathon Ramsey, Autoblog.com - The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, having stared at the Impala across the showroom floor for a year, gets nips and tucks all over inspired by its larger brother.  The 2.5-litre four-cylinder in the base car will get a stop-start system with an estimated 10.2 L/100 km city and 6.7 L/100 km highway, each number representing a 0.43 L/100 km improvement over the 2013 car.  Output is rated at 196 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.

Opt for the 2.0-litre turbo and, while power holds steady at 259 hp, torque goes up by 14 per cent to a striking 295 lb-ft (a figure Chevy calls best in the class).  The final details include newly programmed transmission shift points and faster shifts, for better engaging and enjoying the added power.

Looks-wise, the grille's been reshaped to be more in line with the new Chevrolet look, a narrower upper grille hovering over a larger lower grille.  Inside we find more room for rear seat passengers: an extra 32 mm (1.25 inches) of knee room coming courtesy of shorter bolsters, redesigned front seat backs and new cushioning that puts passengers deeper in the seat.  Those up front get a new center console with longer armrests, two cuphoders and cell phone receptacles.

Changes to the struts and damping are aimed at an improved ride, the addition of blind spot monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert aimed at improving safety.


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