Photo credit: Chevrolet
In the automotive landscape, the sedan is a vanishing segment – lingering as a surge of demand has arisen for both trucks and SUVs. However, General Motors has not stopped making new sedan vehicles. The automaker is doing everything in its power to keep selling cars like the Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu is currently at its ninth-generation. The Malibu is expanding with a new spec as it enters its sixth year on the market with a new 2021 Sport Edition package. There is some speculation the Chevrolet Malibu might eventually be made into a new crossover SUV at some point. The Chevrolet Impala was discontinued, so if the Malibu doesn’t change, it might be discontinued. Chevrolet is also incorporating new safety features to help address ongoing issues.
More on the Malibu Special Edition
Drivers who opt for the Sport Edition will gain a black nameplate badge, black bowtie emblems, and black-painted alloy wheels including 19 inches in diameter, encased in 245-section all-season tires. The Sport Edition is based on the LT trim level, a slight downgrade from Premier trim. Chevrolet has added a Jet Black exterior paint option More is expected to package, the Malibu is also set to get a couple of other fresh changes for 2021. Namely, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are going wireless, where before a USB cable connection was required, and a newly available safety feature has been added to all Malibu models to inspire seat belt use.
New “Buckle To Drive” Feature
The new safety feature, entitled “Buckle to Drive”, will eventually find its way into multiple General Motor vehicles. So far it has been added to the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. This system works to help drivers ensure that are securely fastened with their seatbelt. In fact, the driver can not shift out of park until the car recognizes that their seat belt has been fastened. This is an available feature, should an owner not want to include this new addition, but GM will be moving this safety precaution as a feature to more vehicles. The system was designed for teen drivers and won’t allow the car to go into gear unless the driver’s seatbelt is buckled. GM also has another safety feature called Rear Seat Reminder, which alerts the driver to check the back seat once the ignition is turned off if the rear doors were opened sometime during the trip.
“Buckle to Drive is Chevrolet’s latest feature designed to encourage young drivers to develop safe driving habits right from the start. Buckle to Drive is embedded in Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system and is aimed at helping remind teens to buckle up every time they get behind the wheel,” said Tricia Morrow, Chevrolet safety engineer.
More Safety Features Coming
GM has also introduced a new Rear Seat Reminder safety feature. This is an important feature that can be used to help drivers with small pets or babies, as many times there have been accidents where an owner forgets to check the vehicle. Eventually, the U.S. Congress might make car child alerts mandatory in all new vehicles. The bill being proposed by Congress would expect the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address new laws for automakers early this decade. These laws would define “a distinct auditory and visual alert” to caution drivers to check their back seat when leaving a car. For our readers, let us know what you think on social media.
Drive New Chevy Vehicles With Our Help
We hope you visit us at Miami Lakes Automall, where our friendly team is excited to show off our entire new Chevrolet lineup, including the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. We can help with any selling, buying or leasing offers. Have a trade-in for us? We can help with that as well.
Do you currently have a vehicle that isn’t running like it used to? Make an online service appointment and we will do our part. We’re happy to offer our help with car maintenance and repairs. Don’t wait any longer to fix up your car. We look forward to providing an entire automotive experience. Find all that and more at Miami Lakes Automall today!