For 2009, the Malibu Hybrid is rated at 26 city and 34 highway, meaning a much healthier 4-mpg boost over the base-level Malibu—compared to the 2-mpg benefit in last year's model. We took the 2009 Malibu Hybrid on a 156-mile loop and managed 29.8 miles per gallon.
A General Motors spokesperson told Automotive News that the company planned to sell 27,000 mild hybrid vehicles this year, but is falling short because its supplier, Cobasys, provided faulty batteries. In an exclusive interview with HybridCars.com, a Cobasys executive—who asked not to be named—responded to GM statements and press reports, saying, “A lot of it is not correct," but declined to elaborate further.
