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Chevrolet Malibu VIII 2.0 (160 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)
VIII Overview:
Chevrolet Malibu (VIII). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1635 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.9 s). The top speed reaches 204 km/h. 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 VIII achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2011, demonstrating strong adult occupant protection and overall safety performance for its class.
2.0 (160 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and effortless power delivery, well-suited for relaxed driving with good torque from the diesel engine.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy, only marginally less efficient than the manual diesel, making it ideal for long journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable and composed ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Spacious interior with ample room for five adults
- • Diverse range of engine options, including efficient diesel and powerful turbo
- • Strong 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
- • Quiet cabin, contributing to a relaxed driving experience
- • Often represents good value in the used car market
Cons:
- • Some naturally aspirated engines can feel underpowered when fully loaded
- • Interior design can be perceived as bland compared to more modern rivals
- • Rear visibility can be challenging for some drivers due to design
- • Automatic transmissions in some trims can be slow to respond
- • Fuel economy for some petrol variants is not class-leading
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VII: 2008 - 2012).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Malibu |
| Generation: | VIII |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Particulate filter |
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 81.8 Hp/l [7mm less] |
| Torque: | 350 Nm @ 1750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LBS More details about the engine LBS |
| Engine displacement: | 1956 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 16.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 204 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.2 kg/Hp, 97.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.7 kg/Nm, 214.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1635 |
| Max. weight: | 2260 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 625 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 545 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1800 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4865 mm mm [7mm less] |
| Width: | 1854 mm mm [69mm more] |
| Height: | 1462 mm mm [11mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2738 mm mm [114mm less] |
| Front track: | 1579 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.4 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 |
| Tires size | 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
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