2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced from $25,995, Slightly Undercuts Hybrid Competitors

November 22, 2011 at 4:49pm by Alexander Stoklosa

Chevrolet has announced that the 2013 Malibu Eco will start at $25,995—higher than most non-hybrid mid-size sedans, but lower than mid-size hybrid players such as the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry. The Eco model will spearhead the new global 2013 Chevrolet Malibu’s launch in the U.S. in early 2012—the presumably cheaper gas-only model, powered by a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder, will arrive later.

The Eco’s middle-of-the-road pricing makes sense: it’s a mild hybrid system—essentially the same as Buick’s eAssist—but unlike Toyota’s hybrid system, the electric motor cannot power the car on its own. As a result, fuel-economy estimates are an unexceptional (in the hybrid context) 26 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway; higher than a conventional gas-powered sedan’s, but lower than its hybrid competitors. Furthermore, the Eco’s 2.4-liter four combined with its electric motor/generator is good for 182 hp—less than some competitors’ four-cylinders. For comparison, the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid LE returns 43 and 39 mpg city/highway, packs 200 hp, and is priced from $26,660. That’s not a whole lot more money for markedly better city fuel economy and comparable highway thrift. On the other end of the spectrum, the $21,455 base 2012 Hyundai Sonata—with a six-speed automatic—makes 198 hp and gets 24 and 35 mpg city/highway. At the moment, it appears the Malibu Eco’s pricing may be slightly out of step with its capabilities, but we will reserve judgment until we drive a production model for ourselves.

Tags: Chevrolet, Chevrolet Malibu Eco |

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Tokyo 2011: Mitsubishi Global Mirage Compact, PX-MiEV II Plug-In Hybrid Crossover

Down—particularly here in the U.S.—but not completely out, Mitsubishi is plowing ahead with plans to release vehicles that are either small or electrified (or both, as with the i minicar). To that end, Mitsubishi’s display at the 2011 Tokyo auto show will include these two world premieres.

Oh My God, It’s a Mirage

The most significant of Mitsubishi’s Tokyo debuts is the new Mirage subcompact, which replaces the Colt in some markets and was previewed back in Geneva earlier this year. Mitsubishi claims it has reduced mass in “almost every part of the car” compared to the Colt and also reduced rolling resistance and drag in order to achieve an estimated 70 mpg (on the Japanese cycle). Motivation comes from a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas-engine/CVT combo with stop/start functionality. Mitsubishi considers the five-passenger Mirage a “global” car—it goes on sale first in Thailand in March of 2012—and says it will succeed in emerging markets on account of its affordability, as well as in “advanced” markets because of fuel-economy and C02-related mandates. Mitsubishi has not, however, confirmed that its interpretation of the word “global” includes our particular corner of the earth, although reports suggest the Mirage may arrive here in 2013. We’re sure U.S. Mitsubishi dealers would love to have it.

PX-MiEV II Concept: Second Verse, Almost the Same as the First

The other Mitsubishi debutant worthy of examination is the PX-MiEV-II crossover. (Don’t want to peep the sequel without seeing the original? Check out the PX-MiEV I here. We’ll wait.) Like the first one, this latest PX contains an extended-range electric-based powertrain; its looks may also preview how Mitsubishi plans to aesthetically update its Outlander crossover. That model is now in its seventh year without a major redesign.

Mitsubishi claims that the PX-MiEV-II’s high-capacity batteries are capable of storing enough energy to travel more than 30 miles on electricity alone before the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine fires up; it has a generator capacity of 70 kW/94 hp. Total range is a claimed to be just shy of 500 miles. “Depending on power consumption and remaining battery charge,” however, the engine may also kick in to drive the wheels “as necessary.” Two 81-hp electric motors drive Mitsu’s Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive system.

The driver has the ability to switch between all-electric motoring and “Battery Charge Mode” on the fly, so the engine can replenish the batteries even if they’re not close to dead. This is a handy feature that could, say, help avoid congestion charges for petrochemical-fueled cars in global city centers: Fully charge your batteries on the way downtown, pop it into EV mode when you get there, and potentially avoid a fee. Mitsubishi also suggests that one use the juice stored in the batteries to power electric appliances when camping (margarita blenders!) or in “other outdoor pursuits.”

Will we ever see an Outlander E-REV in the U.S.? We’re not sure if Mitsubishi has a future in the U.S. at this point, but a nice-looking and more capacious alternative to the Volt would be welcome, and the company has publicly emphasized alternative-powered vehicles in its U.S. product plans. So, yeah, it makes sense—if Mitsu survives.

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