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Chevrolet Malibu LTZ 2010
The 2010 Malibu has three trim levels: LS, LT, and LTZ. All models come with a 169-hp, 2.4-liter E85-compatible four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. The LS includes a four-speed automatic transmission. The LT and LTZ include a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the LT and LTZ is a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6, matched with a six-speed automatic. The Malibu comes with standard safety features such as seat-mounted thorax airbags, side-curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Bluetooth is standard on the LTZ, optional on the LT. New for 2010, driver power lumbar is standard on all trims.
This latest Malibu mirrors the dressy exterior styling of several mega-bucks German touring sedans, while the fit and finish of body parts, the precise consistency of seams as body panels merge, also compares keenly to German cars. The stylish treatment carries over to the interior design of the Malibu, as the cabin looks handsome and deploys deluxe materials to cover dash, doors and seats.
The Malibu’s unibody platform features a long wheelbase and wide track with world-class chassis dynamics to set up its superior handling traits. A fully independent suspension features MacPherson struts with aluminum L-shaped control arms up front with a four-link rear suspension. V6-models like our LTZ tester get a slighter larger rear sway bar as well.
The exterior of this car is terrific. The exterior is sleek, handsome, and much fitter and hipper than the old Malibu. The headlights have a great design to them and the dual port Chevrolet grille works well on the front end. The panel gaps are all ridiculously tight!
Like the exterior the interior is sharp looking. It’s good in that it’s a creative design using contrasting colours and materials; the basic black is broken up with swathes of colour and aluminum-look plastic, and it does break up the humdrum. There were some nice touches inside: soft, teal mood lighting, a USB connector on the stereo (though, its removable rubber cover would be lost in a week), a cavernous centre console box and big, comfy, leather seats that are electrically adjustable. The leather seats looked great and were supportive. The fit and finish was terrific just like the exterior. The top of the dash has soft touch material (lesser trim models do not feature soft touch material). The wood is definitely fake. The upgraded Bose branded sound system sounded fine but not mind blowing. A USB port was on the head unit and connected to my iPhone quickly without an issue. The front seat backs are scooped out to increase rear seat leg/knee room. The automatic climate control is simple to use and the radio is the General Motors black tie unit. Overall the interior looked nice but I know the materials fall slightly in the lower trim models.
