9th Generation Chevrolet Malibu

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

For some unknown reasons, Chevrolet's midsize saloon, the Malibu, has now been regenerated for its ninth generation and for this generation, the new Malibu introduces some industry firsts, including the Teen Driver Feature, but more of that later on.

First off, let's examine the new design for the new Malibu and some people might think this is somewhat more alienating than attractive rather than the previous model. While the new look is rather unpleasant for a midsize saloon, it's aerodynamically sculpted in every corner to deliver its dramatic presence that once you drive it on the road, you don't really care if this car's a head turner or not.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu interior

2016 Chevrolet Malibu interior

The same story goes to the interior because while this is basically an improvement over the previous model, it looks somewhat as complicating as a bizarre-looking dress a certain fashion model would wear it on a fashion week. Despite the bizarre-looking dashboard, it's rather comfortable to sit on it but sometimes, when you hear some noises outside, it feels kinda bothersome because while this promises to have the same level as luxury cars, it feels very cheap for a new model.

Connectivity aside, the new Malibu, like any other Chevys, come with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity and as a first, it is available with the choice of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Use caution, however, because only one at any one time can be used. If it's iOS, go to CarPlay. If it's Android, use Android Auto. Don't care what kind of smartphone you're using at, as long as you pick the right hardware for the new Malibu to run into.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

At launch, the new Malibu offers two turbocharged engines, which sounds very promising for a midsize saloon. Most models come with the 1.5L ECOTEC engine with Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection, and Automatic Stop/Start that can get up to 37MPG highway, but on the top-spec Premier model, it comes with the turbocharged, 250-horsepower 2.0L ECOTEC engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is not too shabby for the new model. Word from the mouth is that a hybrid version is underway with mileage is expecting up to 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway.

Because the new Malibu is a step ahead to the future, it's been given a host of high-tech safety features at all sides and now, it's time to explain the new Teen Driver Feature. Suppose if you're lending the keys to the new Malibu to your teenager who recently got his or her driving license for the first time, you advise them that there are rules in driving and you told them to come back in time for tea. That's why the new Teen Driver feature kicks in. By setting a PIN code to the MyLink, the Teen Driver allows you to limit the settings before handing them over to your teenage son or daughter. It includes muting audio when they're not fastened their seat belts, giving audible and visual warnings when going over the predetermined speed limits, set limits on music volume, and informing the parents if safety features were triggered.. That's parenting done right.

The new Malibu starts from 22,500 to 31,795 US Dollars, which sounds very reasonable when compared against other family midsize saloons in its class, but with all that tech induced in this car, the new Malibu feels like a class apart, well despite the dynamics that doesn't feel like a European saloon. Yes, the Americans will be the first to know when they're driving this car but do we expect this new Malibu to arrive in other countries like the previous model did? Well, because it looks more American, chances are too slim for now.

Available colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, Butte Red Metallic, Blue Velvet Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Autumn Bronze Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat.

Photo: General Motors