NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: New Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet has revealed full details and images of its all-new Malibu, including the first hybrid version of its long-running mid-size sedan, but Holden remains silent on the prospects of it replacing its unloved predecessor in Australia.

Pictured here undisguised for the first time ahead of its world debut at tonight's New York motor show, the ninth Malibu since 1964 will be built in Kansas before hitting US showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year – just three years after its slow-selling predecessor was launched.

However, Holden is yet to confirm whether it – or the new hybrid version – will be released Down Under, where the homegrown VF Commodore will in 2018 be replaced by an all-new imported version of Opel's German-made Insignia, which will be based on the same Epsilon 2 platform.

“Holden is committed to leveraging GM’s global product portfolio to provide the best vehicles for our customers," said the company in response to questions about local availability of the 2016 Malibu. "We continuously review all potential products that may suit Australia, but have no announcements at this time.”

Larger, lighter and more high-tech than before, the Mk9 Malibu is GM's answer to the Toyota Camry, which will itself be replaced by an imported model in Australia by 2018 and which outsells the current Malibu by more than two to one in North America.

In the US, the outgoing Malibu is also outsold by the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion (Mondeo) and Hyundai Sonata, although in Australia the pecking order is Camry, Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat, Mondeo, Hyundai i40, VW Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Altima, Accord and Malibu.

To rectify this, the new Malibu's sleeker body is 58mm longer and its wheelbase is 91mm longer than before, liberating 33mm more rear legroom, yet it weighs about 135kg less than before, making it one of the lightest in its segment rather than one of the heaviest.

Power comes from a new downsized 119kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine at base level, plus 186kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo and 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol fours – the latter being GM’s first-ever front-wheel drive model with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new Malibu also brings its first petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which GM claims is more efficient than the (US) Camry's, Mondeo's and Sonata's, with mileage of more than 45mpg (5.2L/100km). The 1.5-litre turbo model is claimed to offer 37mpg (6.4L/100km).

The 136kW full parallel hybrid model borrows technology from the second-generation Chevrolet Volt – which is also yet to be confirmed for Australian release by Holden – including a version of the Volt’s two-motor drivetrain, plus a new 1.8-litre petrol engine.

An 80-cell, 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the hybrid system. GM says it can power the Malibu Hybrid to 88km on electricity alone. It shares the 2016 Volt’s blended regenerative braking system, which stores kinetic energy recovered during braking.

“Mid-size customers tell us they want great fuel economy, connected technologies, wrapped in a gorgeous exterior. This is exactly what the 2016 Malibu was engineered to do,” said Jesse Ortega, Malibu chief engineer.

Standard safety features include 10 standard airbags, while options will include driver aids like Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Parking Assist, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Intellibeam high-beam control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Automatic Braking and Automatic Parking Assist.

Some US models also come with 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch colour touch-screen with MyLink infotainment system and wi-fi hotspot, plus ventilated seats and LED daytime running lights and tail-lights.