At the New York Auto Show today, Chevrolet took the wraps off its newest, and most important model – the 2016 Malibu. The all-new midsize sedan is pushing into this competitive segment with significant improvements over the outgoing model, including its exterior styling, fuel-efficiency, safety features, technological offerings and the addition of its very first hybrid model. Under development for three years, the Malibu has lost 300 lbs in the process.

The car has grown by 2.3 inches, offering a wheelbase that stretches an additional 3.6 inches longer than the outgoing model. Exterior design now draws on the Impala's looks, offering an overall premium feel with its sleeker, flatter design. Higher trim level models will also gain standard LED running lamps. Inside, a new center stack, chrome accents and a console storage area join the Chevy MyLink infotainment system with seven or eight-inch touchscreens. Gasoline powered models offer a 1.5-liter turbo four that makes 160 horsepwer and 184 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new hybrid combines a 1.8-liter four cylinder gasoline engine and an 80-cell, 1.5 kilowatt hour lithium ion battery pack. Electric power can run up to 55 mph, with a combined gasoline/hybrid output of 182 hp. Still on offer is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, now mated to an eight-speed automatic and making 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. With a long list of new standard and optional features, Chevy says the new Malibu is the perfect combination of "great fuel economy, connected technologies, wrapped in a gorgeous exterior". The Malibu will hit showrooms in late 2015, with the hybrid to follow next spring.