New Holden Malibu revealed in Chevrolet form

April 20th, 2011 by Car and SUV

Holden’s new medium-sized sedan, the Malibu, has made its international debut at the Shanghai Auto Show amid much anticipation.

The reveal, conducted by Chevrolet, saw the veil lifted on the new-generation model that will be sold in up to 100 countries including Australia next year. A decision has not yet been made on whether the Malibu will be sold here in New Zealand. If it is, the Malibu will replace the unpopular Epica in Holden’s lineup and will compete against segment heavyweights like the Ford Mondeo and Mazda6.

The Mailbu will be powered by a range of 4-cylinder engines, with more details to be released shortly. Over in the States the Malibu will be offered with a new direct-injected 2.5 litre four-cylinder Ecotec petrol engine producing 141kW and 245Nm of torque.

The exterior design has taken inspiration from Chevrolet’s iconic Camaro muscle car and also some styling cues from the Cruze. The wide stance, twin exhaust tips and integrated spoiler give it strong road presence. Read the rest of this entry »

Holden teases NZ-bound Malibu ahead of debut (+video)

April 4th, 2011 by Car and SUV

The first image of Holden’s new-generation mid-sized sedan has been released ahead of its global reveal as the Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu will be revealed during the sedan’s public debut at Shanghai Auto Show on April 19th.

Holden has confirmed that the Malibu will be coming to New Zealand for the first time in 2012 with a range of four cylinder models.

Holden New Zealand Managing Director Simon Carr said the Chevrolet Malibu gives a clear indication of what customers can expect from Holden when it launches its version of the next-generation mid-sized sedan.

“The Malibu will provide a spacious and efficient four-cylinder alternative for New Zealanders in this fuel conscious time and needless to say it will play an important role within the Holden line-up,” Mr Carr said. “Malibu will bridge the gap between our very popular Cruze small car and a favourite of this country, one of New Zealand’s best-selling cars, the Commodore. This car will have heads turning in the streets with its striking styling, in the same vein as recent additions to the GM portfolio, including the new-generation Cruze Hatch and Barina. Many customers were pleasantly surprised at how good the Cruze was and Malibu will be no different, especially with its amazing array of clever technologies and features.” Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs 1959 Chevy Bel Air – crash test

December 20th, 2009 by Car and SUV
Bags sitting in the Malibu. The Bel Air driver would have died instantly

Bags sitting in the Malibu. The Bel Air driver would have died instantly