The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu was recently spotted testing once again. As previewed by a camouflaged prototype, the refreshed midsize sedan will have several changes to its exterior.
Based on the latest spy shots, the 2019 Malibu appears to have the same dimensions and silhouette as its predecessor. However, there are a few changes to the front fascia. First, the lower part of the grille appears to be slightly lower and wider. The current Malibu's horizontal slats have been replaced with ones that are slightly curved in the middle.
The headlights, on the other hand, seem to have a more angular and rounded appearance. Chevrolet has also forgone the dark, smoked out design in place of chrome accents.
Then, at the rear, the taillights have been revised to have a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. There is a thin red strip that separates the top and bottom of the lighting fixture. The rear bumper has also been tweaked to include wider exhaust pipes.
Unfortunately, there is no preview of the interior yet. Nevertheless, the cabin is expected to come with modest updates such as more premium materials, an updated infotainment system and possibly driver-assistance technologies.
As for powertrains, the 2019 Malibu is rumored to receive a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine. In the Chevrolet Cruze and Equinox as well as the GMC Terrain, this engine produces 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It will be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, it delivers 31 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 47 mpg in highway driving.
The addition of a diesel engine option will provide Malibu customers with another fuel-efficient model. To note, the current Malibu is available with a hybrid powertrain that delivers 136 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It attains 48 mpg in city driving and 45 mpg in highway driving.
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is expected to arrive this spring.
