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What is it? The hybrid version of Chevrolet’s redesigned midsized sedan is what is called a mild hybrid; in place of an alternator it uses a 36-volt motor/generator powerful enough to provide instant starts and a little boost at wide-open throttle. It saves fuel in several small ways: it allows the engine to shut down while decelerating or at idle, then restart when the brake pedal is released, and it uses regenerative braking to help charge the small NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries, which are packed unobtrusively in the trunk. The hybrid version comes mated to a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and four-speed transmission, a combination we’ve found rather uninspiring in other GM cars. Total horsepower rating is 164, with 159 pounds of peak torque. The Malibu Hybrid is just beginning to show up at dealerships this month.
What is new and notable? Chevrolet trumpets the low starting price of $22,790, which makes it the lowest-priced for a midsized hybrid. However, the smaller and more fuel-efficient Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius sticker for less.
CR’s take: Chevrolet downplays the fact that the mild hybrid system contributes very little to overall fuel economy. EPA ratings put this car at 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is not astounding considering that lower-priced versions of the 4-cylinder Honda Accord and Toyota Camry get 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway according to the EPA.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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