The 2009 Malibu Hybrid: Going, going, gone, and none too quickly.

General Motors’ experience with Hybrid drivetrains has been, in a word, interesting. While the modern two-mode hybrid system found in the full-size SUV and truck line is easily equal to or better than every hybrid system on the market today, the General’s first attempt at marrying electric motors with gasoline engines was absolutely atrocious. Ridiculously obscure and quite possibly the worst truck I’d every operated, the 2005 Sierra Hybrid was complete crap. With hybrid functionality that was limited to simply shut the engine off during extended stops, it had little effect on real-world fuel economy for those not trapped with inner city commutes, and did nothing to help the truck down the road. Thus, until the engine started up, the truck remained completely immobilized. Combine that with the lag between pressing on the gas pedal and the engine actually starting up, and you frequently got the hybrid equivalent of dumping the clutch when the engine finally came to life.

So, on what end of the spectrum does this leave the Malibu Hybrid?

Well, technologically, the Malibu Hybrid’s electrical componentry is dangerously close to the low levels of implementation seen in the 2005 Sierra Hybrid. Replacing the 2.4L Ecotec four cylinder’s alternator with a 36-volt generator/motor, the motor’s 110 lb. Ft. of torque is most commonly used to start and stop the engine vis a vis the old Sierra setup. However, unlike that old truck, the motor does provide some assistance during wide-open throttle manoeuvres; something that likely rarely occurs, given the car’s demographic.

That said, under way, most drivers will most likely be tempted to give the big sedan a fair bit of welly just to keep up with traffic. With just 164 horsepower towing around the Malibu’s 3,538 pounds, gusto is not in this cars vocabulary. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the passing scenery, as will anyone stuck behind you, because this car is downright slow. The four speed automatic transmission doesn’t help matters either, with long gears and even longer gaps between them. Obviously optimized to produce the best highway mileage, the gearbox suffers from serious performance anxiety on any uphill traverses, shunting between fourth, third, and even second with almost rhythmic repetition. And just as predictable is the frustration felt by the driver as he or she tries to cajole the balky sedan uphill with some semblance of grace.

But it’s not all bad. Inside, the Hybrid contains all the same amenities and comforts as the standard Malibu. However, to keep the Hybrid’s costs within the budget of those buyers concerned with fuel prices (because let’s face it, the owner of a Ferrari 599 probably doesn’t even notice the price of gas), the trim spec is relatively low. With three interior colour choices including Ebony, Titanium and Cocoa/Cashmere, the interior is very well laid out, and the textures of things like the center stack and dashboard are leaps and bounds better than previous models. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, an instrument panel driver information centre, a pair of auxiliary power outlets, power-adjustable driver seat and an AM/FM radio with CD and MP3 playback capability.

Outside, very little distinguishes the hybrid from standard Malibus, with the only noticeable differences being the badging and the Hybrid’s low-rolling resistance 17” tires. Otherwise, the same attractively aggressive grille adorns the front, and the abbreviated trunklid styling also remains.

During my tour of duty with the Malibu Hybrid, I had some serious trouble placing Chevy’s four-door hybrid sedan in my own personal matrix. In complete honesty, it can’t hold a candle to its larger two-mode brethren, but is definitely nowhere near the atrocious afterthought that was the 2005 Sierra Hybrid. The driving experience is anything but entertaining, and the low rolling resistance tires howl in protest at even the most sedate of enthusiastic manoeuvres. Pull a u-ey in a cul-de-sac? You’ll sound like you’re leaving a NASCAR pit; it’s almost comical when such sounds are paired with such slow speeds. Shuttling around town, the auto-stop feature is far more fluid than the old Sierra’s, in as far as to be almost unnoticeable. Of course, it would just be nicer to have more assuredness of the engine’s operation while trying to overtake a heavily laden conjoined semi truck on an uphill grade.

Overall, the Malibu Hybrid is a good vehicle that simply comes across as a little behind the times. In all honesty, it is to the Camry Hybrid as Evander Holyfield’s ear was to Mike Tyson. And much like that chunk of Holyfield’s ear, the Malibu Hybrid too is not long for this earth. Announced just a few days ago, GM has chosen (wisely) to cancel their mild hybrid lineup that includes the Malibu. With 2010 model year production limited to filling pre-existing orders and no plans for any sort of 2011 resurgence, it’s probably for better that GM put this one out to pasture.