The ninth-generation Malibu has been around since late 2015. It did receive a minor update a few months back, when Chevrolet began offering it with an added nine-speed automatic transmission. Now GM’s midsize sedan is going under the chisel for a major cosmetic upgrade. Our spy sleuths have caught the first ever glimpse of the test mule undergoing high altitude testing in the Rockies.
The mid-life update of the Malibu seems to include a prominent update to the fascia and the posterior. The black cladding up front and over the major portion beyond C-pillar suggest tweaked headlamps and taillights along with a few nips and tucks for both bumpers. The grille might also get a slight design tweak.
The interiors are expected to be carried forward from the current Malibu, with some welcome additions from the updated Equinox. Advanced driver assistance technologies are also likely to be introduced. Under the skin, the hardware updates seem to be minimal, but there are speculations that the 1.6-litre oil-burner from the new Cruze and Equinox might be fitted into the updated Malibu.
The all-new Malibu is expected to be unveiled next year only, as a 2019 model year.
