2008 Malibu Actin' More Like Its Namesake

The exterior of the previous incarnation of the Chevy Malibu was one ugly car. It was boxy, it had weird proportions and at best it was dull. It had a versatile interior, but (call me shallow), I would not have bought one even if they discounted it down to the price of the Accent. The 2008 Malibu dumps the 70's geekiness for a GQ-sleek sedan that reminds me of a Lexus GS or 2008 Accord from the side. You can get chromed wheels (up to 18"). What is really cool is the interior. The info cluster is kind of old school sporty. You also have a choice of several delicious seat upholstery designs including a two tone option called Cocoa Casmere leather (shown is the Ebony/Brick leather). It's fun and upscale. Sort of like the ritzy beach town where it gets its name from.
One thing puzzling is that it offers a hybrid model that gets not even 3mpg more than the normal 4-cyclinder (24/32 vs 22/30 according to fueleconomy.gov). Is Chevy and Malibu also ditzy like a stereotypical blonde from a beach town?

Hyundai should get into the beach car name thing...the Hyundai Hollister...gnarly, huh?