Current murmurings in the local automotive sphere have it that Chevrolet’s Malibu, a nameplate more associated with models sold in North America, could make it to local shores to bolster General Motor’s South African product offering.
After its massive recovery from the global economic crisis, which included a substantial US government bailout, GM has focused extensively on Bowtie-badged Chevrolet as the company to take it forward and help it streamline its business and generally improve global appeal. Such exercises include shedding the dead weight of Saab and launching the likes of the Sonic and Trailblazer – mostly to global acclaim.
The latest version of the Malibu has already been around the block, having made its international debut in China at the Shanghai Auto Show, but with the original plan to introduce it to almost 100 countries, it’s possible that we’ll see a Malibu here – especially since there’s a European market version already available.
A potential engine option for this market includes the new Ecotec 2,5-litre four-cylinder that develops 141 kW and 245N.m of torque, which gets sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2,0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder powerplant currently available in the Cruze might also be an option.
Design-wise, there’s not much that the Malibu carries that is unlike the bold styling of the Cruze, but the longer front and rear overhangs are hints of its American origin, as are the improvement in cabin room, which would befit its more premium placing. Inside, there’s the familiar dual-cockpit front facia design, with metallic, chrome or wood trim to further accentuate its premium positioning as well as the Tron-blue instrument and cabin lighting. Apparently, Chevrolet claims that the Malibu boasts more than 113 dm3 additional interior room than the model it replaces.
There’s no word yet from GM South Africa to confirm whether or when the Malibu will arrive, but if the pricing is right it could potentially prove a successful foil to the likes of the Peugeot 508 and Kia’s Optima.
