More Mali: GM Releases [More] New Malibu Photos

[racy]

I'd like to see a photochop with bigger wheels that fill well gaps better, along with a nicer set of rims and lowered - not much, just an inch. GM cars never fill the fender well gaps very well - they all seems to have a 4x4 look. Even the Corvette.

This vehicle already has nice fender flares, which would accommodate a wider tire.

The final touch would be some kind of custom grille to accentuate the front end more - to keep my eyes away from the headlights and focused on the nose.

[racy]

Originally Posted by THE_SMURF

This segment is not for car buffs. Its for families wanting a nice, safe ,comfortable means to go from home to their lives.

So one would think...but in my neighborhood, they've done some sick things to the new Impalas. And frankly, they look good.

[2648562]

Toyota was in a similar situation with their Tundra, but Toyota was smart enough to realize that exceptionally unique styling would win over truck buyers (just like it did with Dodge in 1994). I don't think GM went far enough with the Malibu, but we'll see.

[GMusa]

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

Anyone who has not seen this car in person needs not say anything until they do. It looks soo much better in person. Certainly better than Camry by far.

Your 100% right. I seen one at my work .. the car looks amazing. It looks like a much more expensive car!

[poncho1982]

Originally Posted by nsap

That is kind of the point of the Ma
ibu design...it doesn't offend.

I like it alot.

It's at least got style.

[CrimsonTider]

I must admit that I did'nt think too much of this car when I saw the 1st pics but it's growing on me. The profile is awesome (dare I say even Avalon-like)! However I can't get past those Vega-like tail lamps and please leave the split grill for the trucks Chevy! I suspect the front & rear will recieve facelifts after a couple of years. Those wheels on the darker gray one really work for me. Hope this is a hot seller for GM. Now when do we get a two-door w/ the DI 3.6 and manual tranny?

[atomicshark]

The new Malibu looks striking, inside and out. I can't wait to actually sit in one and drive it.

Besides the parts bin radio and HVAC controls, I have to take issue with the grain chosen for the Malibu's interior plastics. It is a bit like synthetic oatmeal. One thing I always look for in an interior that aspires to look upscale and of high quality is the look (and feel) of it's plastics. This usually shows where the manufacturer cut corners.

When I look at the Malibu interior photos, there are too many reminders that this car is no huge improvement over it's Japanese competitors.

My question to GM is why use the same so-so plastics in the Malibu as it does in the Cobalt and HHR?

I am baffled by this. I know GM can do better, I own an example. My base Saturn Vue uses top notch plastics on the dashboard and steering wheel. The grain is reminiscent of leather, with a natural, pleasing look and feel. Even the leather that wraps the rim of the wheel looks and feels like it is of a higher quality than what is used in other small SUV's in it's class.

I know this is nitpicking but, it seems like the one detail that could have easily put the Malibu over the top when compared to the Accord and Camry.

That said I think I would still choose the Malibu over either of those two. Based purely on style, the Malibu is better looking inside and out.

Here is a photo of my Vue's interior for comparison to the Malibu:

[espo19047]

My store has three Malibus. We sold one already an LS. We have an LTZ LT and LS. People who have seen it love it. It has been getting great reviews. This weekend they will all be gone.

[mang01]

Of course it'd be even nicer with a retro coupe version (forgive the crudeness of my attempt - need to call in MonaroSS).

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by mang01

Of course it'd be even nicer with a retro coupe version (forgive the crudeness of my attempt - need to call in MonaroSS).

I agree with your sentiments but...

Egad! That is a horrific looking coupe.

[Evo69]

Seen most of those GM pics from some of the many reviews. But Autoblog's pics are far superior though.

[TriShield]

Originally Posted by genjy

I saw one in person yesterday.

I felt neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed.

Just indifferent.

I'm the same, but the Malibu is a good effort and the newfound attention to details is impressive.

Still, the Accord with is European styling cues inside and out tickles me much more. It's a crisply styled car.

[bobojay]

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

Anyone who has not seen this car in person needs not say anything until they do. It looks soo much better in person. Certainly better than Camry by far.

Agree 100%. I went down to the plant a couple weeks ago and saw a couple thousand of these. I was impressed compared to the previous model....

[ANT]

just saw two in person tonight, the details on this car are something to see, its stunning for a family sedan, oh and the two tone is very red in person not that orange brown in those pictures

[dindak]

Most of these pictures are nice. I wish you could order just plain black leather in the LTZ though, not sure if I like that brown.