The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu will repeat the choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V-6. The gas-electric Chevy Malibu Hybrid was discontinued during 2009 because of slow sales. It used very elementary hybrid technology and didn’t save enough fuel compared to the conventional four-cylinder Malibu to justify its $4,000 price premium. For 2010, the 2.4-liter four was rated at 169 horsepower, the V-6 at 252; those numbers are not apt to change for 2011. The four is available with a four- and a six-speed automatic transmission, the V-6 with the six-speed automatic only. The six-speed comes with steering-wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to mimic manual-type gear changes. Every 2011 Chevy Malibu will have four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control to fight lock-ups in emergency stops. Traction control that aids off-the-line grip also is standard, as is an antiskid system (also called electronic stability control) to fight sideways slides. Malibu is among the heaviest cars in its class and feels only adequately powered with the four-cylinder engine. The livelier V-6 brings performance in line with that of V-6 editions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. With the weight of its engine and transmission over the driving wheels, Malibu has good traction in snow. And while handling in general is competent and secure, the large, weighty Malibu never feels as athletic or composed as comparable versions of Accord, Altima, or even the Ford Fusion. Malibu regains points with fine bump absorption and a notably quiet bearing.