Head to Head

If you're looking for a car that exudes subtle, low key elegance, a mid-size executive sedan is the way to go. Cars from this segment may have a mainstream badge but offer levels of comfort and refinement you won't see in similarly priced pickups and SUVs.

After a lengthy hiatus, the name Malibu has officially returned to Philippine shores. It may no longer be the big sedan it used to be, the Chevrolet Malibu is an enticing package for those looking for a midsize executive sedan. It will be facing off the Hyundai Sonata, a car that has matured in a span of 30 years. The Sonata brings a strong value proposition to the table with a mix of features and technologies. So which sedan will pull your heartstrings? Let this week's head to head help you out.

Each car offers their respective country's interpretation of a mid-size sedan. Let's take a closer look at each contender.

The Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a 2.4 liter, four cylinder gas engine with CVVT. The result is a power rating of 178 PS and 229 Nm of torque. As for the Chevrolet Malibu, it too is is powered by a 2.4 liter, four cylinder gas engine with variable valve timing, as well as direct injection. Output for the Malibu is rated at 167 PS and 225 Nm of torque.

Being mid-size sedans, the Malibu and Sonata shift via a six-speed automatic transmission. Both also get manual modes for their respective transmissions. Another similarity is in their suspension set ups. These sedans ride on MacPherson struts in front and multi-link suspension at the rear.

While similar under the hood and chassis, these cars are noticeable different once you step inside. In the Sonata, it boasts of what Hyundai calls the T-Shaped Fascia for its dashboard. Sonata models also come standard with power seats for both front occupants. The driver gets an 8-way adjust while the front passenger gets 4-way adjust. Leather trim and seats are also standard for the Sonata. Move up to the 2.4 GLS Premium model and it adds a panoramic sunroof and memory seats for the driver. The Sonata GLS Premium also has air-conditioned seats.

Moving to the Chevrolet Malibu, one will notice the wraparound theme its dashboard employs. The Malibu also takes styling cues from its sporty stablemate, the Camaro. From the driver's seat, it gets hooded squared-off dials like in Chevy's muscle car. In the range-topping LTZ model, it gets leather seats all around with power adjust for front occupants. It also gets memory seats for the driver for ease of adjusting the seats. One notable novelty in the Malibu is a hidden compartment. The hidden compartment can be accessed by pressing a button on the infotainment system.

It will perhaps come as no surprise that these sedans come standard with the latest infotainment systems. In the Chevrolet Malibu, it comes with Smartphone synchronization and voice command function via the MyLink touchscreen system. MyLink also has Siri Eyes Free which allows limited hands-free interaction for message composition. On top of that it has USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth and sound is channeled though a premium audio system.

Moving to the Hyundai Sonata, it has a 4.3" LCD Touchscreen. Functions include CD, MP3, Aux Input, Bluetooth and USB and audio is coursed though six speakers. Smartphone users will also be able to integrate their devices to the infotainment system and the option to store and save contacts.

For exterior design, these sedans take on a different approaches while featuring each of their respective design languages. Hyundai calls the Sonata's design Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, focusing on aerodynamics with its swooping lines and upswept styling elements. As for the Malibu, it sticks to the conventional upright design with its signature and bold split grill and large headlights. As for the rear, more hints of the Camaro can be seen in its tail lights. All Sonata models ride on 18 inch alloy wheels while the Malibu gets 17 inch wheels on the base model and 18 inch wheels for the top trim level.

On the safety check, both have ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, Stability control and Traction control. The Sonata gets Front and Rear with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), parking camera, hill-start Assist Control, six airbags and, on the GLS Premium model, blind spot detection. The Malibu meanwhile gets a parking camera, six airbags and hill-start assist.

The Chevrolet Malibu is available in two variants. These are the LT and LTZ and prices range from Php 1,398,888 to Php 1,528,888. Moving to the Hyundai Sonata, it too is available in two variants, namely the 2.4 GLS and 2.4 GLS Premium. Prices for the Sonata start at Php 1,698,000 to Php 1,898,000.