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The
current Malibu hybrid offers about a 2 mpg improvement in fuel economy compared
to the conventional Malibu, or about 24/32 mpg
city/highway.
The hybrid
Malibu offers a 36 volt electric motor coupled with a
2.4 liter Ecotec VVT four cylinder engine and a four
speed transmission that provides a seamless
operation to drivers.
Why a mild hybrid?
GM has recently stated
that it would focus its full hybrid technology on larger trucks and
SUVs, such as the Chevy
Tahoe hybrid, emphasizing a lower-cost “mild” hybrid system over a
“full” hybrid like the one developed by Toyota.
Thus, a hybrid like the
Malibu hybrid will be cheaper, but also less fuel
efficient than a Toyota Camry
hybrid, for example.
Using an
integrated starter-generator, mild hybrids, shut the gasoline
engine off at stoplights, and offer around 10 -15 percent increase in fuel
economy.
Don't
expect a dual mode hybrid in the Malibu any time soon,
if ever. Nonetheless, if you want the most fuel
efficient Malibu possible, then check out the Malibu
hybrid. Overall, the Chevy Malibu is a hot new hybrid
and going with the hybrid version can provide a nice
increase in fuel economy.
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