It has been a few years since my last seat time in a Chevy Malibu, and I was expecting the worst.

What I found in the Malibu Turbo is an eager plaything with gobs of power all over the rev range and a firm feel from the ‘Bu’s latest leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Pls note: Mis-Adventures in video camera tech continue. The audio of these videos is really, really bad, and makes the Malibu seem much louder than it is.

A brief presentation today with Chevy offered some insights into the three areas of dramatic overhaul for the 2014 Malibu, which holds base prices below $23,000:

– Power: Base Malibu’s now hit 36 mpg with Chevy’s dual-battery stop/start technology. All have new suspension and chassis changes, especially the new Turbo 2.0-liter EcoTec upgrade. (Tester was this Turbo! A hoot in the snowy, cold weather.)

– Tech: Virtually a different car from an entertainment and connectivity perspective. The 2013 Malibu was the first iteration of MyLink, which had some teething troubles that are now solved.

The 2014 Malibu brings an all-new MyLink setup with some of the fastest button responses this driver has experienced, as well as an honestly seamless Bluetooth pairing with my iPhone. Once linked, steering-wheel controls allow the phone to be put aside in favor of the MyLink monitor’s larger, 8-inch screen.

– Style: New looks up front, with trimmer lights and more Impala-inspired lines.

Exteriors – Mini Gallery

Interior – Mini Gallery