The Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
Soon after announcing a stretched, luxury ‘executive hatchback’ Signum version of its Opel Vectra midsize European sedan, General Motors has unveiled a similar derivative of the next generation North American Chevrolet Malibu called the Maxx.

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According to the Detroit News, General Motors is describing the new model, launched at last week’s New York motor show, as an “extended sedan.”


A maximum sized version of the all-new Malibu mid-size sedan first shown in January, the Malibu Maxx features a fifth door that serves primarily as a rear cargo hatch, the Detroit News said.


The paper said the Maxx’s is six inches (150mm) longer than the Malibu sedan, but overall length is a half-inch shorter than the Malibu, providing interior space – 106 cubic feet – that’s generous for a vehicle its size.


In contrast, Opel’s Signum, like the Malibu twins built on the new universal GM Epsilon platform, has a 5.2-inch wheelbase stretch but is 1.6 inches longer than the Vectra sedan, and fractionally taller.

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The Detroit News said GM is aiming the Malibu duo squarely at the same consumers who have made the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord perennial best sellers.


The paper noted that sales at Chevrolet, GM’s biggest division, have slumped 16% so far this year, with car demand down 8% and added that the entry-level, mid-size car segment – comprising 22% of US industry sales – remains critical to GM.


With 22.8 cubic feet of interior space, Chevrolet claims the Malibu Maxx is nearly 50% larger than other mid-sized sedans, the Detroit News said.









The Opel -Vauxhall Signum
The paper said the Maxx will be powered by a 200 bhp 3.5 litre, V6 engine that produces 200 horsepower. A rear power outlet is standard along with a multipurpose rear cargo panel with four positions that allow for two-level loading.


The cargo panel can also be set up as a picnic table, an idea pioneered by Honda with its first CR-V SUV.


Opel, meanwhile, will offer the Signum with standard and turbocharged petrol two-and 2.2-litre fours and three diesel engines including a common rail turbocharged Isuzu V6.


The Detroit News said the Malibu sedan and Malibu Maxx are the first two North American applications of the new Epsilon “architecture,” the same foundation on which the Saab 9-3 as well as the Vectra are built.


The Epsilon platform’s hallmark is more refined handling, less vibration and a quieter ride, according to the paper.


The Malibu Maxx will go into production in the fourth quarter of this year, with the model accounting for 35% of all Malibu sales, the Detroit News said.