Chevrolet Malibu IX 1.5 Turbo (163 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.9 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Chevrolet Malibu:

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2025. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.
Named after the coastal community of Malibu, California, the Malibu has been marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation introduced globally. Malibu production in the US ended in November 2024, as the Fairfax plant is being retooled for the upcoming second-generation Chevrolet Bolt. The Malibu is now the last sedan to have been sold by Chevrolet in the US....(Read more on Wikipedia)

IX Overview:

Chevrolet Malibu (IX). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1409 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Chevrolet Malibu IX was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, in North American tests, it achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with specific safety features, indicating strong safety performance.

1.5 Turbo (163 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Provides sufficient power for daily driving and highway cruising. The turbocharger ensures decent low-end torque, making it feel more capable than its displacement suggests.

Fuel Economy

Offers competitive fuel efficiency for a non-hybrid gasoline engine in its class, suitable for mixed driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Daily Commute

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Sleek, modern exterior design
  • • Spacious and comfortable interior
  • • Excellent fuel economy from the hybrid model
  • • Strong performance option with the 2.0L Turbo
  • • Good ride quality and handling
  • • Advanced safety features available

Cons:

  • • Some interior materials feel less premium than rivals
  • • Rear visibility can be somewhat limited
  • • Infotainment system can be slow at times
  • • Hybrid trunk space is slightly compromised

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VIII (facelift 2014): 2014 - 2016).

General:
Brand:Chevrolet
Model:Malibu
Generation:IX
Modification (Engine):1.5 Turbo (163 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2016
End of production:2018
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:163 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:109.4 Hp/l [58mm more]
Torque:250 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:LFV More details about the engine LFV
Engine displacement:1490
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC, VVT-Di
Engine oil capacity:4.7 l
Coolant:6.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:74 mm
Piston Stroke:86.6 mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.5 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:8.6 kg/Hp, 115.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.6 kg/Nm, 177.4 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1409
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:447 l
Fuel tank capacity:49 l
Size:
Length:4923 mm [58mm more]
Width:1854 mm [Same width.]
Height:1463 mm [1mm more]
Wheelbase:2830 mm [92mm more]
Front track:1590 mm
Rear (Back) track:1588 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeHydra-Matic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size205/60 R16; 225/55 R17; 245/45 R18; 245/40 R19
Wheel rims size7.5J x 16; 8.0J x 17; 8.0J x 18; 8.0J x 19
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Chevrolet Malibu?