During our brief drive in a mild-hybrid Malibu Eco prototype, Chevrolet told us that the car’s engine lineup would be comprised exclusively of four-cylinders, a move we considered questionable. Now, though, the company has confirmed that the car will get an optional turbocharged four-cylinder, which will take the V-6′s place in the lineup. Chevy isn’t saying yet when the turbo will be available, or what engine it will be. The 220-hp 2.0-liter found under the hood of the non-GS Buick Regal Turbo is a likely candidate, as is the 270-hp version from the Regal GS.
While the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima still offer a V-6 option, Chevrolet won’t be the only player in the mid-size-sedan segment with an all-four-cylinder lineup. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima manage quite well without a six, their turbo motor pumping out a healthy 274 hp. In addition to the mild-hybrid Eco model—which will be the first to launch, arriving early next year—the Malibu will offer a new 2.5-liter four with about 190 hp. Given that output, our money is on the boosted engine making somewhere closer to Regal GS levels of power.
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