To go Hybrid or not? That’s the question posed by the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu that’s now available in three flavours: base four-cylinder, V6, or a fuel-sipping gasoline/electric Hybrid model.

The term “fuel economy” was once an overworked cliché that barely registered with most road users. Now it’s a major preoccupation with manufacturers since rising gas prices are a growing concern for buyers.

Fortunately, there are a number of choices to ease the pain at the pumps and the Malibu Hybrid is among the most affordable. It’s also high on practicality, offering plenty of room for both front and rear passengers plus a trunk that’s larger than that of a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. It’s also equal to that of the Saturn Aura, another General Motors sedan available with a hybrid power team. In the hybrid class, only the Lexus LS600hL delivers greater interior space, but at a $125,400 list price, you could purchase four Malibu Hybrids and still have change left over to park a sub-compact Chevy Aveo in your storage shed.

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Publication: Cariboo Press
ByLine: Kelowna Capital News - Lifestyles
Date: Fri 02 May 2008

Can you have your full-size SUV cake and eat it too at a time when pundits are hinting at $1.50/litre this summer for gas?
General Motors, in conjunction with Chrysler and BMW, is working on what is called a two-mode Hybrid System currently found in the GMC Yukon and Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado and Cadillac Escalade.
This is a ‘full’ hybrid system in that it can operate on electric power, gasoline power or a combination of both for a claimed saving of up to 25 per cent.
While the GM Hybrid system is one of several affordable hybrid technologies, it is the most capable for large vehicles. Read the rest of this entry »

When GM introduced the previous generation Saturn Vue Green Line in 2006, it was the General’s first crack at a production hybrid. While the old Vue was nothing to write home about, the mild hybrid system it carried did provide a new and relatively inexpensive (if less effective) option to those looking for a bit more mileage out of a crossover. The original Vue Green Line had a relatively short life as it debuted during the last model year of the old CUVs life-cycle.
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