Holden's new mid-size car testing in Oz
Life's a beach for Malibu now it has washed up on Aussie shoresHolden has thrown out a challenge to anyone with a camera: keep an eye out for the new Malibu sedan.
The GM subsidiary has not only imported a small number of the globally-developed mid-sized sedan for testing on local turf, the company has also officially made the announcement in a press release. There's nothing quite like being alerted in advance that an altogether new model is roaming free in Australia for would-be spy photographers to hone their skills for the big time.
In reality the Malibu is already a known quantity. Along with the latest Holden press release came an image of the car as it will most likely appear in production form. And the cars undergoing testing here are not pre-production vehicles as such; Holden's press material refers to them as "early production". The Malibu has been on sale in the US — badged as a Chevrolet — since the first quarter of this year, so no real surprises in store with the vehicle's arrival here ahead of its launch next year. At least the pic reveals that the Malibu will wear Holden's latest corporate grille, which is arguably a handsome feature and a highlight of the new car's frontal treatment.
In the months leading up to the launch Holden engineers will develop a unique suspension tune and transmission calibration for the local market, with some of that work expected to be incorporated in Malibus sold elsewhere. The test vehicles will be based primarily at the company's Lang Lang (Victoria) proving ground, but will be seen on public roads as part of Holden's verification program for the Malibu.
“Our engineers have paid close attention to the vehicle’s driving dynamics, ride and handling, suspension and comfort so Malibu will be sure to meet the discerning needs of drivers in this competitive segment,” Holden executive Ian Butler was quoted saying in the press release. Mr Butler is Holden's Director of Integration and Safety.
“This is a fantastic global car but of course we want to make sure that it goes on sale with
plenty of Holden input to ensure it suits Australia's unique and varied road conditions.”
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