Holden's vital Malibu to start from $28k

An entry-level price point of $28,490 for Holden's new Malibu sedan says a lot about the company's new-found focus on the medium passenger car segment.

In the aftermath of the critically panned Epica, Holden has been left without a credible entrant in the market segment. Thus with nothing to fill the gulf between its small car (Cruze) and large car (Commodore) to meet the needs of families and fleets, Holden has been unable to compete as effectively as it should.

That's about to change with the imminent retail launch of the new Malibu, which will offer the sort of value equation buyers in this segment typically seek. The range will start with the Malibu CD, powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is an option for $4000 extra ($32,490 in the CD grade).

Standard features in the CD level of trim include: 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, electric parking brake, 'MyLink' infotainment system with Pandora and Stitcher apps, single-disc CD audio system with USB/iPod connectivity and nine speakers, Bluetooth, remote (steering wheel) audio controls, keyless starting, auto-on/off headlights, cruise control, trip computer and 60/40 split-fold rear seat.

Above the CD grade is the Malibu CDX, priced at $31,990 for the petrol version, or $35,990 for the diesel. As in the Malibu CD, the default transmission is six-speed automatic. Additional features fitted as standard are 18-inch alloys, leather trim for seats/steering wheel/gear selector, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, LED brake lights and eight-way electrically adjustable heated front seats. Safety features across the range comprise six airbags, ISOFIX child safety seat anchorage, Brake Assist, break-away brake pedal, stability control and traction control.

The Malibu will be offered in a choice of seven colours: Summit White, Moulin Rouge, Carbon Flash Black, Ironite, Snowflake White Pearl, Smokey Eye Grey and Nitrate Silver. All colours other than the white are prestige paints and attract an additional charge of $550.

The 2.4-litre petrol engine is a DOHC unit, developing 123kW and 225Nm. Fuel consumption is 8.0L/100km for both grades and the CO2 emissions, in accordance with the same ADR 81/02 combined-cycle test procedure, measure 192g/km.

The diesel generates 117kW and 350Nm, with ADR 81/02 fuel economy figures of 6.4L/100km (CD), 6.5L/100km (CDX) and CO2 emissions figures of 170g/km (CD) or 172g/km (CDX).

Suspension, consisting of MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link independent system at the rear, has been tweaked by Holden engineers to suit the Australian driving environment.

The wheels are shod with Kumho Ecsta 225/55 tyres for the CD, or Bridgestone Potenza 245/45 tyres for the CDX. Kerb weights range from 1583kg (petrol CD) to 1684 (diesel CDX), with the diesel variants adding over 70kg of weight over the petrol counterparts.

Petrol-engined models are equipped with fuel-saving electrically-assisted steering, but are fitted with 16-inch front disc brake rotors (ventilated), with solid discs at the rear. In contrast, the diesel models come with hydraulically-assisted steering and 17-inch front disc rotors (also ventilated) with ventilate discs at the rear.

Look out for more on Holden’s new midsizer in coming days.

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