Chevy Malibu Hybrid

General Motors officially launched the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu at a press event in Memphis, Tenn., in the first week of November. Auto journalists got their first opportunity to test drive the new hybrid version that has joined the model line. The Chevy Malibu hybrid claims EPA fuel economy ratings of 24 city and 32 highway.

Though these numbers are admittedly good, the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid model barely edges out its four-cylinder gas-powered counterpart in terms of efficiency, making it somewhat ineffectual with respect to the advantages a hybrid should offer. The standard model rates at 22 city and 30 highway, just two miles per gallon less than the hybrid.

And with the $1,800 premium on the Chevy Malibu hybrid, the benefits are almost indiscernible. To boot, the hybrid offers nothing extra in on-road power over the four-cylinder gasoline version, defying the expectations of most journalists at the launch event.

To add some perspective, the standard Nissan Altima has EPA ratings of 23 highway and 31 city, while its hybrid counterpart rates a whopping 36 highway and 42 city. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is also far and away superior in fuel economy to the standard gas version of the car. But with Chevy Malibu, you’re left asking ‘What’s the point?”

With such a narrow margin between the gas and hybrid powertrains, will the Chevy Malibu hybrid version be attractive to buyers? Some argue that it’s merely a showpiece in the line-up to make GM look more eco-conscious. Others speculate that it is a placeholder for a more effective hybrid sedan yet to come. Only time will tell.

The Chevy Malibu hybrid began showing up in dealerships on Nov. 1, 2007.