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Chevrolet Malibu VII 3.6i V6 24V (252 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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)
VII Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (VII). With 340 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1655 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.
The Chevrolet Malibu VII was not tested by Euro NCAP. In US tests, it received good ratings, including a 'Top Safety Pick' from IIHS in 2008 and 5-star frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, indicating solid occupant protection.
3.6i V6 24V (252 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers significantly stronger performance with its 252 Hp V6 engine, providing brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising. A much more refined and powerful option.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a V6 of this size, fuel consumption is noticeably higher than the 4-cylinder models, making it less economical for daily driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable and quiet ride quality
- • Stylish exterior design for its era
- • Improved interior quality over previous generations
- • Available powerful V6 engine option
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics still feel cheap
- • 4-speed automatic transmission is dated and less efficient
- • Hybrid system not as efficient as full hybrids from competitors
- • Handling is competent but not as sporty as some rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VI (facelift 2006): 2007 - 2008).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | VII |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.6i V6 24V (252 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 252 Hp @ 6300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 70.7 Hp/l [89mm more] |
| Torque: | 340 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LY7 More details about the engine LY7 |
| Engine displacement: | 3564 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.2 l |
| Coolant: | 9.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6900 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.6 kg/Hp, 152.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 205.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1655 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 427 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4872 mm mm [89mm more] |
| Width: | 1785 mm mm [9mm more] |
| Height: | 1451 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2852 mm mm [152mm more] |
| Front track: | 1514 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1524 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.3 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17; 225/50 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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