New Malibu to be Offered in Australia as a Holden, will Sit Between the Cruze and the Commodore

Last week, GM released the first teaser photo of its upcoming Chevrolet Malibu ahead of its global debut on Monday, April 18. The next generation of the Malibu is the first Chevy mid-sized model designed for the global market and will be sold in up to 100 countries around the world including Australia where it will be launched under the Holden brand.

The Holden Malibu will arrive in Australia for the first time in 2012 with a range of four cylinder engines, effectively replacing the unpopular Epica, a badge-engineered version of the South Korean Daewoo Tosca, which itself had taken the place of the Vectra.

“The Malibu will play an important role within the Holden line-up, providing a spacious and efficient four-cylinder alternative for Australian customers,” said Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux.

The Holden official added that the new Malibu will fit between the compact-sized Cruze Series II, which is now manufactured in Australia for the local market, and the larger Commodore.

“[The] Malibu will bridge the gap between our incredibly successful Cruze small car and Australia’s favourite car, the best-selling Commodore. It will be a standout on the road, with striking styling in the same vein as recent additions to the GM portfolio, including the new-generation Barina and Cruze hatch. Like the Holden Cruze, Malibu will surprise customers with its array of clever technologies and features,” Devereux added.

The styling changes over the Chevrolet-badged Malibu are expected to be limited to a Holden-specific grille and possibly, some other minor details too.

CHEVROLET MALIBU

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HOLDEN EPICA