2008 Chevrolet Malibu - Trim Levels - First Drive

Taking to the undulating, kudzu-lined byways of rural northeast Mississippi, the absolute rock-bottom priced LS model with no options except floor mats ($80) was the most comfortable riding example of the lot, owing largely to its cushy 16-inch tires. (Their five-spoke steel rims qualify as trompe-l'oeil, with bolt-on plastic wheel covers that completely conceal the steel, they're virtually indistinguishable from alloys to all but the most keen-eyed observer.) All four-cylinder Malibus get electric power steering, which was most notable for not feeling "electric." It's not communicative, but the weighting feels natural and variations in power assist are never apparent. LTZ V-6s get hydraulic steering, which transmits more road feel. Mid-level LTs and next spring's LTZ four get 17-inch tires, while the LTZ V-6 rolls on 18s, with each step down in sidewall height exacting a slight penalty in ride quality.

All model variants get OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, XM radio, six airbags, ABS and traction control, a rear window sunshade, and a 110-volt power outlet as standard. Mid-level LTs can be had with suede seat inserts and two-tone interior trim; LTZs get a choice of two-tone leather seating with Jaguar/Connolly hide-inspired contrasting piping. These are the dressiest Chevy interiors this side of the $8005 optional Draexlmaier Corvette package. It even sounds upscale inside, where dramatic acoustic countermeasures -- laminated windshield and front-side window glass, side-door acoustic vapor barriers, composite fender liners, and absorptive pads in the carpet, dash, and trunk liners -- bring a library-like hush to all models at highway speeds.

In the next few weeks, we'll sharpen our focus on this promising newcomer by mounting our cold, unemotional test equipment to it and reporting back with track tests and comparisons. But for now, the beauty seems to run as deep as we've been able to dive into the new Malibu.