It’ll be the first time the D-segment saloon has been offered here, and the move underlines the Malibu’s role as a true world car.
But it’s a crowded market, and the question is how will the Malibu fit in? Perhaps a big clue comes from Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe, who said: “The Chevrolet Malibu is the brand's new top-of-the-range offering, bringing proven value with a premium feel to Europe's midsize segment.”
So, on that basis, likely rivals could include the Škoda Superb, Hyundai i40 and Toyota Avensis. Of course, depending on the perceived quality of the Malibu and its value for money, sales could also be stolen from slightly more expensive cars. That means models like the Citroën C5, Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508, and - of course - the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia, a car that shares its Epsilon platform with the new Chevrolet.
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And therein lies a growing problem for GM in Europe, as buyers increasingly struggle to work out the difference between the ‘budget’ Chevrolet brand and the supposedly more high-class Vauxhall and Opel.
It’s not like North America, for example, where there is more of a clear delineation between Buick and Chevrolet. Perhaps the Australians anticipated the issue, as there no attempt has been made to market Holden and Chevrolet side by side. Vehicles such as the Captiva, Cruze and Malibu simply wear Holden badges.
However, one advantage that the Insignia will have over the saloon-only Malibu is its wider choice of body styles. As well as a four-door, hatchback and estate versions of the Vauxhall / Opel contender are available, and those formats are both very popular in Europe.
The Chevrolet’s specification shouldn’t be lacking though, as all variants get a 7” touch screen radio display, eight airbags and electronic stability control. Depending on trim level, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, park distance control and a rear-view camera also feature, while satellite navigation is on the options list.
Whereas the North American-specification Malibu is powered by a 190 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS) 2.5 litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, European models will have a completely different powertrain.
The choice on this side of the Atlantic is going to be either a 164 bhp (122 kW / 166 PS) 2.0 litre petrol or a 169 bhp (126 kW / 171 PS) diesel. Both are four-cylinder motors, and customers will be able opt for a manual or automatic gearbox.
Without doubt cost will be a major factor in determining whether the Malibu is a success in Europe, but for now there’s no word on pricing.
Image © GM Corp.
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