Back in April at the New York Auto Show, Chevrolet announced the 2019 Malibu will be getting the RS treatment when it goes on sale this fall. No pricing details were announced at the time, but CarsDirect reports the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS will start at $24,995 including an $875 destination fee according to order guides. That makes it $1,000 more than the 2019 Malibu LS, which starts at $23,995, but it does include a lot of extra equipment.

The RS appearance package gives the mid-size sedan a sportier look, with 18-inch wheels, a blacked-out grille, a rear spoiler, black bowtie emblems, and a dual-outlet exhaust.

Inside, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black cloth seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen. If, however, you were hoping the RS version upgrades the Malibu's performance, you're going to be disappointed. Like the L and LS models, the 2019 Malibu RS is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new continuously variable transmission. The subcompact Chevrolet Spark is already offered with a CVT, but this the first time the Malibu will be available with the transmission.

As CarsDirect points out, the Malibu RS is relatively affordable compared to its mid-size sedan rivals. At $24,995, it's cheaper than the Toyota Camry S, which starts at $26,270, and the Honda Accord Sport, which will set you back $26,675. That said, the Mazda6 Sport is slightly more affordable at $23,895 with a six-speed automatic transmission.