Autoblog first impression of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (and hybrid version)

Autoblog's Chris Tutor has spent some time with the new 2008 Chevy Malibu and his impression is wonderfully favorable. As AutoblogGreen readers know, this sedan also comes in a hybrid version, but it's not much of an eco-car. The hybrid Malibu uses a the same belt-alternator-starter mild hybrid system with a a nickel metal hydride battery that is used in the Saturn Aura and the Saturn Vue mated to a 2.4L EcoTec four cylinder. Chris spent a little bit of time with the hybrid version, and found it drove pretty much the same as the standard version. He thinks it'll be mostly people who "want to look more green than their neighbors" who will fork over the extra $1,800 for the slight increase in MPG. The standard version gets 22/30 city/highway mpg and the hybrid 24/32. Hop on over to Autoblog for the full review of the 2008 Chevy Malibu and lots of pics.