191.8 inches long, 70.3 inches wide and 57.1 inches high, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is out to compete with the Ford Fusion, the Toyota Camry, the Subaru Legacy and the Mazda Mazda6. This year's hybrid Malibu will utilize the GM "Mild Hybrid System" which features a BAS (belt/alternator starter). The BAS system is used in order to conserve power by assisting the gasoline powered engine. Speaking of that, the stock engine is an Ecotec 2.4L 164hp 159 lb-ft VVT 4-cylinder that is joined to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This engine is complemented by a 36-volt electric motor slash generator combination. Maximum horsepower is achieved at 6400 RPM while maximum torque is reached at 5000 rpms.

Sophisticated devices for electronic control and newly developed software programs work together in order to reduce the consumption of fuel. The gasoline engine is automatically stopped and restarted during heavy traffic and other low-load instances in order to allow the battery to recharge. Regenerative breaking also helps to keep the NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery in optimal operating order. Notably, the battery that arrives with the new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has a separate warranty intact that covers it for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Chevrolet cares about your safety and that of your family and they show up by providing you standard safety features such as a nice array of frontal, side and side curtain airbags, electronic traction control, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and more. Also, for 2010, lumbar support for the driver's seat is a standard feature.

The vehicle is equipped with a 16.0 gallon fuel tank. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Malibu Hybrid from Chevy will transport you 24 miles for every gallon of fuel spent in the cities and 32 miles for each gallon spent on the highways. That's impressive and that's due to the innovative Chevrolet hybrid drivetrain configuration. This year's Malibu Hybrid is a carryover from 2009. Few changes have been made except for those already noted.

The 112.3 inch wheelbase on the 2010 Chevy Malibu Hybrid supports the vehicle's curb weight of 3537 pounds. The interior is not overly spacious. Front/rear headroom measurements are 39 and 37 inches respectively. Your shoulders will be quite comfortable however with 56 inches of room in the front and 54 in the rear. 42.2 inches of frontal legroom are available while in the rear, passengers are slightly cramped, but OK with 37.6 inches to stretch around in. Maximum cargo space is quite limited at only 13.5 cubic feet. Comfortable and simplistic turning is possible with a turning radius of 20.2 feet. Certainly worth your consideration, the new Malibu Hybrid from Chevy presents a singular MSRP price point of $25,925.