The new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, began its life with a light-hybrid Eco model. Now Malibu is filling out its stylish lineup at both the bottom and top ends.

Base Malibu’s roll out the door with a 2.5 liter inline 4, cranking out 197 horsepower. Those with a heavier foot will love GM’s 2.0 liter turbo I-4, also starring in the Cadillac ATS sport sedan. Finding its way into the Malibu, the mill puts out 259 horsepower. That’s more than last year’s V6.

Our time with the Malibu Turbo was indeed time well spent. We found solid power, with the turbo offering a surprising amount of high end boost. And though we weren’t able to track it, a factory estimated 0 to 60 time of 6.3 seconds sounds great to us. But with a focus toward comfort, the Malibu Turbo has a suspension tuning more for very quiet drives on long vacations than short switchbacks.

BEN DAVIS: There’s enough power in first and second gear for most anyone’s inner-teenager to find a lot of trouble. And it’s great to have that kind of power back behind the Malibu nameplate. But the real everyday advantages of the turbo are going to be effortless highway cruising, with plenty of passing power under the hood.

JOHN DAVIS: The base and turbo Malibus join the Eco this fall starting at around $23,000, with the Turbo near $28,000. Either way, the new Malibu looks to redefine the phrase “fun for the whole family.”

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.5 liter inline 4
  • Horsepower: 197
  • Price: Starting around $23,000