Built in S.Korea and imported CBU by NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, the ‘Chevy’ Malibu LTZ executive sedan has just been introduced to Malaysia. Priced at RM153,888 on the road without insurance and road tax, it comes with a 5-year / 200,000km warranty.
The name ‘Malibu’ is an iconic one for the Chevy brand, and while it may be relatively new to us, it’s actually more than 50-years old. The original Malibu was made as a top of the range version of the iconic Chevelle, a car which sold 200,000 units in its first year of production.
The Malibu is Chevrolet’s D-segment variant, and features the brand’s famed DCVCP (Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing) 2.4-litre Ecotec engine. The environmentally-friendly engine puts out a maximum of 165hp at 5,800rpm and 225Nm of torque at 4,600rpm. This impressive output makes the Malibu one of the most powerful naturally-aspirated car of its class.
Power is sent to the front wheels via an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode engineered to deliver smoother gear shifts and enhance fuel efficiency without compromising on driveability. In line with being a true “sports sedan” as the name itself suggests, the Malibu’s chassis and underpinnings are tuned to European standards for optimum driving dynamics. The taut chassis cooperates with the suspension combo of front MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension for responsive handling while hydraulic ride bushings to maintain a quiet and refined ride.
Pictures do it little justice, the Malibu LTZ is actually a pretty big car (4,865mm long & 1,855mm wide), with a humungous 462-litre boot. The Malibu’s external styling is further boosted by design elements borrowed from the sporty Chevrolet Camaro coupe. The modern design theme carries on inside with an all-new dual cockpit interior made up of premium materials. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is a MyLink entertainment system with reverse camera integration.
NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd is offering the new Chevrolet Malibu LTZ ‘fully-loaded’, and this includes Remote Engine Start with PEPS (Passive Entry Push Start button) system, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), High-pressure headlight washers, electric power operated parking brake and auto headlamp system with auto levelling, welcome lights, tunnel detection and follow-me-home functions among others.
Safety wise, the Malibu comes with dual front airbags & side airbags; its 65-percent high-strength steel structure has earned it a five-star NCAP safety rating with Pedestrian Protection Compliance in all global markets. Also fitted to the car for added safety on the road are active safety features such as ABS (Antilock Brake System), StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability control System with Brake Assist and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution).
“The launch of the Chevrolet Malibu LTZ marks an entry of one of the automotive industry’s most iconic and successful nameplate into the country. Its qualities not only make it a fitting flagship model for the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia, but also a car which stays true to the NAZA Group’s mission of delivering vehicles of the highest quality to Malaysian drivers” said Datuk Wira HJ SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, NAZA Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman. “The Malibu LTZ is an integral model for NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd and the NAZA Group on a whole. It is plan to reach out to a wider audience of car lovers and tech-savvy consumers alike, and the Malibu will certainly bring us closer to that goal” he added.
The Chevrolet Malibu LTZ is priced at RM153,888.00 on-the-road, excluding insurance and road tax. It comes with a warranty package of 5 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first). More information about Chevrolet Malaysia may be obtained at www.chevrolet.com.my and http://www.facebook.com/MYChevrolet.
