THIS one was a surprise.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/autos/story/2929657p-3392057c.html
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/autos/story/2929657p-3392057c.html

Winnipeg, CANADA - The Maxx version of Chevy's bread-and-butter Malibu sedan undoubtedly earned its moniker in reference to the added utility that it affords its driver and passengers. Rather than the standard three-box shadow that its more pedestrian sedan sibling casts, the Maxx is a part-wagon, part-hatchback affair. While it's not the most aesthetically pleasing shape to be sure, it answers in a unique way the question of how to maximize utility and versatility in a car-sized package.
It takes $26,495 to get buyers in the door of the Malibu Maxx LS. Standard equipment includes a 200-hp V-6, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, traction control, a unique rear skylight, six-speaker CD audio, 16-inch alloy wheels, tilt and telescoping wheel, and power locks and.
Step up to the Maxx LT and 31,805 loonies will leave your wallet. The list of standard goodies grows to include a rear spoiler, fog lights, a body kit, automatic climate control, remote starter, side and head curtain airbags, OnStar, and leather trim on the otherwise suede-like seats.
Despite being badged an LS, our tester was an LT and had a couple of extras: the $1,445 DVD entertainment system and $1,065 power glass sunroof for a total price of $35,315 including A/C tax and destination.
Now that may seem like a lot of dough for a Malibu, but since the General has a penchant for offering hefty incentives, one could be reasonably confident that the price on the sticker isn't representative of what buyers dish out before they drive off the lot. While the base Malibu sedan can be ordered with a 2.2-litre Ecotec four-banger, all Maxx models come with the General's 3.5-litre pushrod V-6 with two valves per cylinder. It's the same engine found under the hood of the G6 sedan and GM's new family of "sport crossover vehicles" -- the Chevy Uplander et al.
The six-pot produces 200 hp at 5,400 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. Power hits the pavement at the front wheels and is managed by a four-speed automatic transmission -- a familiar recipe for anybody who's seen a GM sedan in the past two decades.
And that's where the surprise is -- despite the dated technology that comprises the Malibu's running gear, it does its job quite well. Where the same engine in a van is overwhelmed by the weight it's lugging around, the torquey unit moves the Malibu with considerable ease. And because it has a broad torque curve, four gears are enough for the transmission even though that's one less than most competitors offer with their overhead cam engines.
Another perk of this powertrain: The Maxx consumed only 7.6 litres per 100 km on the highway and 10.5 in the city during its time with me. That's pretty close to the published figures of 6.7 and 10.5, considering that the highway loop used in official testing carries an average speed of only 77 km/h, with a top speed of 97 km/h. The Maxx also had fine manners on the road. It covered the kilometres in a refined (although somewhat noisy) manner, thanks to its solid Epsilon platform which it shares with the Saab 9-3 and Pontiac G6.