The Chevy Malibu is priced at only 21 thousand dollars with the basic trim and four-cylinder engine. With two power train options – a 2.4-liter with 169 hp and a 3.6-liter V6 with 252 hp – he fights directly against the Ford Fusion.
The Fusion has a starting price of $19,800 when powered by the 2.5 liter engine with 175 hp. Ford offers two different V6 options: a traditional V6 with 263 hp and a more fuel efficient Flex Fuel version that accepts Ethanol E85 together with petrol and delivers 245 hp.
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| Ford's Flex Fules logo: E85 friendly engine. |
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| Chevrolet's V6 power train. |
I tested the Flex Fuel V6 Fusion and the V6 Malibu, both with top trim levels and 6-speed automatic transmissions. Both of them had leather seats with power adjustments, moon-roof, Bluetooth technology and onboard computer. However, overall the Ford just seemed to deliver more, inside and out. It is roomier and the seats are far more comfortable. The sound system is better and the air conditioning has dual zones. Meanwhile, the Malibu has prettier finishing with a nice wood trim, but some details are just not up-to-date, like not having a backseat armrest, a telescoping steering wheel and still presenting a separate remote control for the keyless entry system.
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| Beige leather interior of the Malibu. |
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| Light gray with special stiching on the Fusion. |
Driving made the differences even more noticeable. The Chevrolet carries the weight of the traditional American cars with a soft suspension and poor handling. The V6 is slow and gas consumption is bad. The Fusion has a sportier feel, without compromising comfort, direct steering, an excellent quick transmission and the sensation of a lot more power available with very reasonable consumption.
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| Malibu's gauges. |
Therefore, I feel that the Malibu could still learn some tricks with the Fusion!
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| Ford Fusion gauges. |
