Chevrolet has announced that the 2013 Chevy will go on sale next year, but only in the fuel-sipping, hybrid fighting ECO trim level. The 2013 Chevy Malibu ECO will be the only version of the new redesigned Malibu that is on sale in the beginning of next year, other trim levels will come next summer, according to Autoblog. The 2012 Malibu will continue to be sold alongside its redesigned younger brother until the other trim levels are launched.
The 2013 Chevy Malibu will be the first GM vehicle to use the new eAssist technology, which uses a lithium-ion battery and electric motor in conjunction with its gasoline engine to provide electric assist, regenerative braking and start-stop ability. The system is not a true hybrid system like those found in competitive cars because the electric motor does not work completely independently of the gasoline one. This means you can’t use it for sneaky drivebys like U-Turn, but you will get the high gas mileage figures. GM estimates the 2013 Chevy Malibu ECO will be rated at 26-mpg city and 38-mpg highway.

The 2013 Chevy Malibu will be the least expensive electric-assisted midsized car when it goes on sale, beating the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by at least $500. The 2013 Malibu ECO is also more powerful than the Camry Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid with its 182-hp engine.