Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vs. Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (both available to subscribers) represent two very different approaches to saving fuel. The Malibu's mild hybrid system supplies an electric boost while accelerating and shuts down the engine when idling (the Saturn Aura Hybrid uses the same powertain). The Jetta's new clean diesel engine delivers impressive fuel economy without most traditional diesel annoyances.
Both cars have impressive fuel economy for a family sedan, with 27 mpg overall from the Malibu Hybrid and 33 mpg for the Jetta. But there are other efficient options. The less-expensive Toyota Corolla is similar in size to the Jetta and returns 32 mpg with an automatic. The full-hybrid Toyota Prius got 44 mpg, and the larger Toyota Camry hybrid got 34 mpg in our tests. None require the added expense of diesel (about 60 cents or 20 percent more per gallon at press time).
The TDI is among a new wave of turbocharged diesels that deliver performance comparable to a gas engine without the stink, smoke, and clatter of older diesels.
New exhaust-system treatments, such as soot traps and catalytic converters, along with newly mandated ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, make those diesels clean. But they're still less so than gasoline engines.
Compared with the Jetta's base 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, the Jetta TDI returns 9 mpg more overall. Highway fuel economy is a very impressive 47 mpg.
The Jetta handles nimbly and has a taut but well-controlled ride. Emergency handling is stable and secure at its limits. The 140-hp, 2.0-liter diesel has plentiful torque at cruising speeds, but it's a little slow accelerating in rolling starts. The automated manual DSG transmission shifts quickly.
The Jetta's engine is noisier than most gasoline engines when it's at idle, but it's quiet when underway. The well-finished interior has supportive but somewhat narrow front seats. The rear seat is snug for three. Controls are simple. We don't have reliability data on the new diesel; other Jettas have average reliability.
Think of this new Malibu as a "hybrid lite." Its hybrid system saves gas by assisting the engine during takeoffs. But unlike a full hybrid, the Malibu cannot power the car by battery alone. When it's stopped, the engine shuts off; release the brake pedal and the engine restarts smoothly and quickly. Momentum recharges a battery during coasting or braking.
Compared with the regular Malibu tested in this issue, the Malibu Hybrid gains only 2 mpg overall. Fuel-economy benefits are mostly limited to urban driving; highway mileage is the same.
One reason for that is the Hybrid's use of a less-efficient four-speed automatic transmission instead of the conventional Malibu's newer six-speed. Other hybrid family sedans, such as the Camry and Nissan Altima, post much larger fuel economy gains over their regular four-cylinder equivalents: 10 and 7 mpg, respectively. Though fuel savings are modest, the Malibu, like the Jetta TDI, qualifies for the full hybrid federal tax credit, currently $1,300.
Otherwise, the Malibu Hybrid retains the traits that make the regular Malibu (available to subscribers) a well-rounded family sedan. We lack reliability data for the hybrid, but regular Malibu four-cylinders are above average.
