2009 Chevrolet Malibu set for Abu Dhabi debut

2009 Chevrolet Malibu set for Abu Dhabi debut


General Motors has chosen the 2008 Abu Dhabi International Auto Show in December to launch the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door sedan in the GCC.

The front-wheel-drive midsize sedan has been available in the American market for almost a year now, replacing the previous lacklustre model. Engines include a 169 hp 2.4-litre 4-cylinder unit and a 252 hp 3.6-litre V6, both featuring variable-valve timing technology, and a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The interior, available in two-tone colours, is easily among the best in its class.

In the Middle East, the American-built Malibu will be available in three trim versions – LS, LT and LTZ. The Hybrid model which is currently being operated in Dubai as a taxi project, might also be available to the general public.

While the funny-named Malibu is a direct competitor to the Camry and the Accord in America, it will be in an odd position in this market, what with the low-performance Korean Epica and the high-performance Aussie Lumina both covering the midsize category already.

What do you think?

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Comments

  1. the new malibu is a highly rated and good sellin chevy in america….hope it does the same magic in middle market….by the way Mash r u officially coverin the AUH motor show?

  2. nice looking car… but not 2 much impresive

  3. Nice looking car. But for GCC its not needed? We have much better and reliable ones. Chevy have to come up with extraordinary stuff to win this market.

  4. I dont like its steering wheel. looks cheap.

  5. very nice..dont like the rear lights or the steering wheel though hehe.

    any idea on pricing? <100,000 it has to be

  6. its surely below 100k.

  7. Just a correction here:

    The 4 cylinder Malibu comes with a 4 speed a/t with overdruve. Not a 6 speed a/t.

  8. Author

    The top spec of the 4-cylinder comes with a 6-speed. Either way, the press release didn’t clearly mention what is coming here.

  9. GCC distibuters suck at making press releases! Even the sales ppl dont know much about the car and dont even know some basics of automobiles. there was this guy at the mazda showroom. he said the 2009 mazda6 is a face lift with only minor changes like the lights, bumper and interior! WTF! He might’ve never seen the car sitting in his A/C office!he didnt even know what paddle shifters were! when we showed him, he murmered something about them being called steering wheel operated shifters. I already knew it had a 6 speed trany but just as a secret test asked him about it. he said its the same as the previous models!!!! considering he had a seperate A/C cabin, I’m sure he wasnt a newbie sales guy. wonder what he’d say about the CX-9… he probably thinks its a sporty wagon!! :mrgreen:

  10. I’ve already seen this one on the road a few weeks back…must be an import…hate those rear light, looks daewooish….and that steering wheels kills a rather attractive interior…

  11. the korean version of this is called Daewoo Laceetti and I’m telling you, it looks much better than this.

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