The new Chevrolet Malibu, introduced in January at the Detroit Auto Show, has nothing to do with any Chevrolet Malibu you may have rented in the past. If you're looking at a mid-sized car and you don't have to move now, you'd do well to hang on and check out the Malibu when it becomes available.

This car is bigger, much nicer looking inside and out, and it will drive much better, too. (We know this because we've driven the Saturn Aura, which shares its engineering.)

Outside, the new Malibu looks substantial and attractive. The interior features a sweeping twin-cockpit design inspired by 1950s Corvettes.

General Motors has finally realized that, while people will happily buy boring sedans from Toyota, they will not buy them from GM. So GM has worked hard to improve the quality as well as the emotional appeal of its cars and trucks. The improved designs give you a reason to look and improved quality gives you no reason to turn away.

Available engines will be a 3.6-liter V-6 and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Optional features will include a panoramic sunroof that stretches over both front and back seats.