Model Year | 2015 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Saturn ASTRA | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,614 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,331 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,753 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,458 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,539 kg | 1,325 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 46 L | 24 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 988 mm | 3 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,369 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,316 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,067 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 973 mm | -20 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,341 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,306 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 897 mm | 38 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,963 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 462 L | 354 L | 108 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 | 1,269 L | 15.3 |
2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | Chevrolet's designers styled the new Malibu's instrument panel to appear low and out of the way, such that the front seat feels especially roomy and the view forward seems more open than in most competitors, including the Kia (the instrument panel in which seems significantly higher and more imposing). In the tested car, which had every option except the panoramic sunroof, headroom was so abundant I could have worn a fedora. The Kia Optima might have as much front headroom when similarly without a sunroof. The official specs, which often don't reflect real world differences, suggest it should have even more than the Malibu. But you cannot get a highly equipped Optima without the sunroof, as it's part of a large package on the SX and standard on the SX Limited. Though the Malibu's windshield is relatively large, you won't find outward visibility among the reasons to buy one. The Chevrolet's front pillars remain on the thick side, its instrument panel is considerably deeper than the Kia's, and the view to the sides and rear also could be more open. In the Optima, the view to the sides is more open but that to the rear is not. I did find the Cherolet's front seats more form-fitting and comfortable than the Optima's. The Kia's quilted seats aren't as cushy as they appear. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Both front & rear compartments very roomy & comfortable. Again, this is noted improvement over our 2009 Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2009 Saturn ASTRA Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Tilt/telescopic steering and with 8 way adjustable drivers seat. I was able to find my near perfect driving position. Every automaker should make a drivers seat manual lumbar standard, then it would be perfect. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room in the back for 2 full size adults or 3 children/teens. With the hatch, there is lots of room for bulky stuff. Like a Mini-SUV in cargo hauling. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The European styled seats are great! Very supportive, but not too firm, and the seat back adjustment is exceptionally simple. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Leather seats with lumbar is very comfortable. Lots of leg room, even for tall people. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I run 6', 300# and this is one of the few smaller cars I can drive in reasonable comfort while taking the back roads. Nice lateral support and my back doesn't give me fits when I get out. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I have the cloth seats, which I had read didn't offer good back or thigh support. I find this to be very untrue even without adjustable lumbar support. I did switch out my stock steering wheel with a leather VXR wheel from Britain, which REALLY gave this car a premium feel. The stock seats support my back very well (6'2") and also find there to be just enough leg room with my seat almost all the way back, thigh support is a bit lacking, but for such a tiny car they really did a good job making it feel like a much bigger car. I also highly recommend buying and installing the Boomerang armrest and cup holder to maximize your Astra comfort. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
at 6ft 1 in , has plenty of leg and head room. Comfortable to get in and out of see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seat fits just right. Plenty of adjustment range between seat and steering wheel. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Harder than most american seats. Very comfortable for long hauls. No need for armrest! see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2009 Saturn ASTRA Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Narrow seats and tough entry/exit due to low roofline. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
See above. see full Saturn ASTRA review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
My only concern about front seat room isn't about the seats at all, but that the peddles in the 5 speed are very small and very very close together, which for me with size 13 feet can create a problem. I have caught my feet together and accidently stomped on the break when trying to push in the clutch, which upsets everyone driving behind me, but provides a good laugh for me. see full Saturn ASTRA review |