Media hype surrounding hybrid vehicles has many people believing that they're the cure for all the world's ills. What the fuel ratings tell us here is that the so-called green Malibu Hybrid is primarily suited for the city.

In spite of atrocious road and weather conditions that included a snowstorm and freezing rain, a two-way trip from Montreal to Windsor on Highway 401 resulted in a surprising fuel economy average of 8 liters per 100 kilometers, with an average speed of 91 km/h. That's roughly the same number posted by GM (7.65 L/100 km).

The originality and attention to detail in the 2009 Malibu's exterior design mark a radical departure from typical Chevrolet products.

Meanwhile, according to the automaker, the Malibu Hybrid achieves 6.85 liters per 100 kilometers in combined city-highway use. That's an 11-percent drop for a $1,300 premium when you purchase the hybrid instead of the Malibu 2LT. That's enough for drivers who spend more time on the highway than in the city to stop considering the Malibu Hybrid -- although, personally, the artificial feel of the latter's power steering alone justifies the rejection of this model. (I can say the same about the Saturn Aura Green Line, by the way.)

For comparison's sake, a Toyota Camry Hybrid burns up to 27 percent less fuel than a regular Camry SE powered by a 4-cylinder engine; so, in this case, the gas savings are considerable. Too bad the price gap is equally considerable: $5,225! Is that really the price you have to pay just to protect the environment? Adding insult to injury, a bit ironically, is the fact that developing and producing a hybrid has a greater impact on Mother Nature than a non-hybrid car.

Of course, that's a debate for another day. The bottom line here is, Malibu buyers will enjoy a much better time driving a 2LT model.


Photo Credit : Luc Gagné