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Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid Vehicles - Archived Discussions Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 
163 messages, Last post on Dec 04, 2008 at 4:53 AM
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I just read in Autoweek what the expected mileage is supposed to be. Quote: The hybrid version also goes on sale in November. It is rated at 32 mpg highway and 24 mpg city. Wait, I am confused. The current 4 cyl Malibu gets (according to Edmunds) 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Does that mean that the hybrid will be less fuel efficient? Is that due to the change in EPA mileage reporting methodology? I like the Malibu, simple, understated, gets the job done, but those numbers are underwhelming.
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Replying to: hwyhobo (Aug 31, 2007 6:28 pm) Here's the "new" figures for the 2008 Malibu (from fueleconomy.gov): 2.4L 4-cylinder 24 city/32 highway (hybrid) 2.4L 4-cylinder 22 city/30 highway The "new" figures for the 2007 Malibu are: 2.2L 4-cylinder 21 city/31 highway. For comparison, the "old" EPA figures were 24 city/34 highway for the '07 4-cylinder. I also checked and they list the "old" numbers for the new Malibu hybrid as 28 city/35 highway. Considering my 2000 Impala was rated as 20 city/30 highway, and I've consistently run closer to those numbers than the "new" 17 city/27 highway, I'd think/hope I'd come in closer to the old numbers than the new on any car. Either way it looks like the Malibu hybrid's main advantage will be in increased city mileage improvements.
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Aug 31, 2007 7:57 pm)
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Replying to: hwyhobo (Aug 31, 2007 11:03 pm) On the other hand, the same argument works against the Malibu when you look at the Prius, which gets stellar gas mileage at roughly the same price as the 'bu hybrid. Not having compared the cars side-by-side I don't know if the Malibu is larger/nicer enough to compensate for the lower mileage or not. I also think the fact that the Prius has a unique look that identifies it as a hybrid works in its favor, since driving the Prius makes a statement (and plays a factor in some people choosing it). I honestly think Chevy should put fender skirts or something more distinguishing on the Malibu hybrid than just a few little badges (even if it were an optional thing), so that those who want to flaunt their hybrid status could do so. |
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As someone pointed out in the regular Malibu board, you can now build an '08 Malibu (including the hybrid) at www.chevrolet.com. You can't do it on their primary "build and price" button, but you have to go to the "upcoming vehicles" '08 Malibu page and from there you can build one. From what I can tell your only option choices on the hybrid are exterior paint color, interior color (varies by exterior), and an engine block heater. I presume that might change down the road once they can gauge the demand for the car and/or production ramps up, but for now those are the options. So it looks like MSRP ranges from a low of $22,790 to a high of $22,960 (w/black paint + engine block heater). At least if you're interested in the Malibu hybrid all you have to do is pick the color you want, since they'll all be equipped the same. From the option list there are a few things I wouldn't mind having (power adjustable pedals, rear power outlet and sunshade), but nothing I can't live without. Building a similar base Saturn Aura hybrid with no options comes to $24,995...but you can add the power pedals and a few other things to the Aura hybrid that you can't to the Malibu (including leather seats and a sunroof). I'm sure I'll compare them both when the time comes, but with a lower MSRP and the ability to use what little GM Card points I've got on the Malibu, the Aura would have to be WAY better to swing my vote that direction. |
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Sep 01, 2007 9:15 am) Alas, those of us who live in cities with street curbs dislike superfluous decorations that impede function of the vehicle. I would hope that GM would rather concentrate on improving fuel efficiency than on fender skirts.  While it has been said repeatedly that Prius "flaunts" its hybridness (new word?  ), I think its design is superbly functional and eschews any unnecessary "form over function" visual gadgetry. This aspect of it may attract people more that its visual uniqueness.
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Replying to: hwyhobo (Sep 13, 2007 4:40 pm) 
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Replying to: nosirrahg (Sep 13, 2007 7:51 pm) 
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| A Forbes.com article on the least efficient hybrids and the dreaded "hybrid premium" are the subject of today's Alternate Route entry, Boon or Bane? | |
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Replying to: pf_flyer (Sep 22, 2007 3:44 am) If my past driving habits continue, I'll be driving it about 10,000 miles per year and using roughly 303 gallons of gasoline. Had I purchased a Prius and was getting 50mpg, I could expect to use only 200 gallons over the course of a year, saving me 103 gallons of gas annually. Using $4/gallon gas prices to give me even more incentive to choose a hybrid, that's $412 per year still in my pocket. Price difference between the cars is $8500. You know the math. That's over 20 years to break even. And even the most loyal hybrid advocate doesn't expect that the hybrid battery pack won't have to be replaced in that length of time. Normal maintenance and wear and tear is going to be the same for both, so that's a wash. So other than to feel good about myself or tell people how much smarter I am than they are, where's my incentive to buy? Author is obviously missing the most important incentive that many people had in California - carpool lane sticker. Generous IRS deductions helped, too, but quite a few of those I talked to admitted that the carpool sticker was THE reason they bought the Prius. Frankly, battling the morning commute traffic in Silicon Valley, I have considered that myself. Since California is not giving the stickers right now, I will wait, but I have the feeling they will return, and then it is quite possible that I will give in just to be able to get to work in a reasonable time. Mind you, the whole concept of a carpool lane is a subject for another discussion, but I don't really want to start it here.
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