New York show: Chevrolet to debut next Malibu

CHEVROLET released a teaser image of its next-generation Malibu mid-sized sedan in the build up to a full reveal at the New York International Auto Show next month, hinting at a sleeker and more sporty offering.

Detail in the dimly lit profile shot is light, but the image does reveal at a significantly redesigned Malibu with more slender headlights and grille, which appear to align with the the family design language and the recently updated Buick Regal.

While its nose has been reworked, it is the tail that has undergone a majority of the fettling with a more flowing and flattened roofline from the middle of the car to the back, which gives the mid-sizer the looks of a liftback.

A subtle duck-tail spoiler lends a more sporty look than the outgoing model and the chunky double rear lights have been binned in favour of slimmer tapering units.

Part of the redesign was necessary to lengthen the Malibu's wheelbase by about 100mm, which has addressed the previous vehicle's lack of rear legroom, boosting cabin space for second-row occupants.

Passengers in both rows will also appreciate the double sunroof that is fitted to the featured vehicle.

The silhouette shows Chevrolet's mid-sized sedan heading in a new more coupe styling direction with a flowing nose to tail profile not dissimilar to BMW's 4 Series Gran Coupe, while some cues such as the chrome accented lower vents remain.

Despite its increased size, Chevrolet has scrubbed a significant 136kg from the vehicle's weight, benefiting performance and efficiency, says the company.

Holden is yet to confirm whether the next-generation Malibu will be coming Down Under but senior product communications manager Kate Lonsdale told GoAuto Holden is committed to taking “the best cars from the GM global portfolio”.

“As such we will be taking a close look at the next-gen Malibu, but at this stage we are not in a position to make an announcement regarding the future of Malibu in Australia,” she said.

The current-generation Holden Malibu has struggled to get a foothold against the Toyota Camry and Mazda6 big-hitters, clocking up 1635 registrations in 2014, but Ms Lonsdale said the model still has potential in the Australian market.

“Malibu has a lot to offer so maybe the sales don't reflect that but it's certainly an important car for us,” she said.

“It's an important market for us... and it's an important part of our product portfolio.”

GoAuto understands that Holden's Australian design studio had no involvement with the shaping of the new-gen Malibu.

General Motors global design vice president Ed Welburn said the new Malibu's styling takes it into sportier territory.

“Malibu’s gorgeous styling is the result of a masterful understanding of proportions,” he said. “The roofline has been stretched rearward giving a more sleek profile, while the front wheels have moved forward and front and rear overhangs have been reduced.

“Along with the sculpted body side, these cues help Malibu appear more dynamic and sophisticated.”

More detail and technical specification will be released each week in the build up to the vehicle's official debut at the New York show, which opens its gates on April 1.