Chevrolet unveils updated 2014 Malibu sedan

Chevrolet has unveiled a roomier and more efficient version of its Malibu mid-size sedan for the 2014 model year.

Arriving about 12 months early due to tepid sales, the 2014 Malibu aims to remedy some of the shortfalls of the previous year sedan. Most notably, enhancements to the 2014 Malibu include revised exterior styling, 1.25 inches more of rear-seat legroom, a new-look center stack, a more efficient 2.5L engine, a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine and a re-tuned suspension.

Chevrolet has also added Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety systems to the Malibu's option list for 2014.

“The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we’re not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.”

One of the biggest gripes nagging the 2013 Malibu was rear-seat legroom -- or rather lack-there-of -- which was a key focus of the sedan's rushed mid-cycle refresh. Although engineers were confined by the car's current architecture, they were able to increase rear-seat room by trimming half an inch from the front seat cushions and revising the rear seats so passengers sit farther back.

Under hood, the Malibu comes fitted with a new 2.5L four-cylinder that sacrifices some power in the name of improved economy. The 2.5L is now rated at 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to last year's 197 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque.

Now equipped with an automatic start-stop system, the 2.5L-equipped 2014 Malibu is rated at 23mpg in the city, marking a 1mpg improvement over the outgoing car. Highway mileage is also up 1mpg to 35mpg.

The Malibu's optional 2.0L turbocharged engine has also been reworked for the 2014 model year. Torque now stands at 295 lb-ft – up from 260 lb-ft – while horsepower is unchanged at 259.

Drivers should be able to enjoy the turbo's new-found twist thanks to a revised suspension, which Chevy says cuts down on body roll and returns a smoother ride.

Chevrolet says the 2014 Malibu will arrive in dealer showrooms this fall.