First 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco delivered to Illinois customer
Chevrolet has handed over the first 2013 Malibu Eco to Talfred Hunt of Illinois, marking the arrival of the brand’s eAssist hybrid saloon in US showrooms.
Chevrolet has delivered the first 2013 Malibu Eco to a retail customer, with the handover taking place at Advantage Chevrolet in Illinois. The recipient, Talfred Hunt, became the first owner after bringing his previous-generation Malibu Hybrid in for servicing and opting for the new model. The delivery signals the start of customer handovers for Chevrolet’s latest mid-size saloon with hybrid technology in the United States.
The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s initial offering from the new Malibu range and is positioned as a more efficient alternative to conventional petrol saloons. It is powered by a 2.4-litre Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine, paired with General Motors’ eAssist mild hybrid system. The eAssist set-up adds a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor to support the petrol engine during acceleration and enable regenerative braking, engine stop-start, and electric assist functions.
Chevrolet states the combined system delivers 182 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque from the petrol engine, with the electric motor contributing up to 15 horsepower during certain driving conditions. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Malibu Eco’s official US starting price is $25,995, positioning it in the mid-size hybrid saloon segment against rivals such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Hybrid system details and market positioning
Unlike full hybrid systems, the Malibu Eco’s eAssist is a mild hybrid, meaning it cannot run on electric power alone but provides support to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The lithium-ion battery is recharged through regenerative braking, and the electric motor assists with start-stop operation and additional torque during acceleration. This approach aims to balance efficiency gains with a lower cost than full hybrid systems.
Chevrolet has made the Malibu Eco available at dealerships across the United States, with further Malibu variants to follow. The company is targeting buyers looking for improved fuel efficiency without moving to a full hybrid or electric vehicle. The arrival of the Malibu Eco follows a pattern seen with other manufacturers introducing hybrid or eco-focused models as the first entries in new ranges, similar to the approach taken by Volkswagen with the XL1 and Tesla with the initial Model S deliveries.
- 2.4-litre Ecotec direct injection engine
- eAssist mild hybrid system with lithium-ion battery
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Combined output: 182 hp (petrol engine) + 15 hp (electric motor)
Implications for buyers and Chevrolet’s hybrid strategy
For buyers, the Malibu Eco offers a familiar mid-size saloon format with added efficiency features. While the hybrid system is less complex than those in some competitors, Chevrolet is positioning the model as a practical step towards lower running costs and reduced emissions. The early delivery to an existing Malibu Hybrid owner suggests Chevrolet is targeting current hybrid drivers as well as new customers interested in fuel-saving technology.
With the Malibu Eco now in showrooms, Chevrolet joins a growing field of manufacturers offering hybrid saloons to US buyers. The company’s use of a mild hybrid system reflects a strategy to offer incremental efficiency improvements without the price premium of full hybrid drivetrains.
