Quiet hunk
Chevrolet have a bit of an uphill battle in many parts of the world with their new, midsize cars. With a reputation based on big gas-guzzlers and tank-like build, they often didn't translate well to other, less HumVee addicted societies. So they asked their Korean offshoot (that used to be called Daewoo) to help out, and presto, here comes the Malibu. It looks solid and reliable, it can impress the stylists if it wants to, and it is (according to most reports) reliable.
Driving the Malibu was really quite ordinary; by that I mean really easy. No characteristics stand out and make it a car you have to learn to drive. Just get in and go - anybody can drive this car, easily.
Controls are delightfully neutral and the gear ratios are unnoticeable once on the move. It does get a little noisy if you thrash it, but the sound system is really good so why not just turn up the volume and get jiggy instead? All round visibility is good despite the high sills, and if the internal mirror was bigger than a postage stamp you would get a good rear view too. Luckily the side mirrors are normal size (and come with snazzy built in LED indicators). Instrument feedback is good too; the tween-dial LED readout gives you tyre pressure, speed, mileage, time to oil change and battery health - all really useful stuff.
Although we mainly used the car around town, it would no doubt be very happy cruising to KL if required. There are even links into your phone so you can dial up a back route using Google Maps if you fancy. The supreme adjustablilty of the seats means you never get uncomfy either, and the rear camera makes parking a doddle.
If there is one thing that strikes about the Malibu is its Nobby Normal approach to everything. It looks safe, modest and solid; as though it won't surprise but equally won't disappoint. And funny enough, combined with attractive buying options and a decent warranty, that's what makes it attractive.
Credits: Story and Photos by Jeremy Torr
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