The Chevrolet Malibu is an automotive icon, battling for supremacy in a hotly contested segment that’s essentially the automotive equivalent to A Game of Thrones, and filled with heavy hitters like the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord. Recently, Chevrolet unveiled the latest version of its popular sedan, the 2016 Malibu, at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

In order to prevail over these pretenders to the crown, Chevrolet spent three years molding its successor. The goal was to develop a completely restyled Malibu, one that was engineered to offer more efficiency, connectivity, and advanced safety features than ever before.

A New Look

We’ll start with the exterior, which is noticeably more aggressive than previous models. The Malibu’s fresh new design replaces the last-generation’s slightly slabular (trademark pending) looks for deeper character lines and a contoured profile. Overall, the new design is much more appealing, and provides a more commanding presence out on the road.

Many mid-size sedans live or die by their looks, but given the 2016 Malibu’s dapper new duds, we’re anticipating a long and healthy reign.

The Malibu’s handsome good looks aren’t just for show, either. The body now makes greater use of high-strength steel, which helps reduce weight by 300 pounds. How that translates to the 2016 Malibu’s handling we can’t say, but we can’t imagine such weight savings having a negative impact.

Next-Gen Interior

Inside, the next-generation Malibu is now roomier and sports a new center stack, satin chrome accents, and handy console storage area designed for mobile devices. Chevrolet MyLink with seven-inch color touchscreen is now standard on lower trims, while higher trims get access to an upgraded eight-inch version.

For the first time, the 2016 Malibu will feature available ventilated seats. Other interior highlights include standard OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), available wireless phone charging, and dual rear-seat USB ports and 110-volt power outlet.

Turbocharged Lineup

Also benefiting from a revamp is the 2016 Malibu’s engine lineup, which is led by new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is good for 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and, according to Chevrolet, will achieve up to 37 mpg on the highway thanks.

The 2016 Malibu also marks the return of the Malibu hybrid, which will use a modified two-motor drive unit borrowed from the 2016 Volt. The motors are paired with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an 80-cell, 1.5-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery.

In addition to an anticipated combined 47 mpg rating, the Malibu Hybrid is said to be quicker than the 1.5-liter turbo, with a sprint time of 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds.

The 1.5-liter turbo and hybrid are joined by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo. This is the same engine currently on offer, however, it spruces things up with a new eight-speed automatic in place of its current six-speed. Chevrolet estimates this model will produce 250 hp and 258 lb-ft, with a fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway.

The 2016 Malibu is slated to go on sale later this year, with the hybrid model following shortly after in spring 2016.

For more information, be sure to contact or visit us at DAS Demo.

Image: Chevrolet