Chevrolet's Malibu midsize sedan is a welcoming family car revamped for 2013 with handsome styling, a quieter, refined interior and a pleasant ride.

The Malibu's eAssist electric motor supplements its four-cylinder gasoline engine. Unlike full hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Malibu Eco cannot travel solely on electric power, even for short spurts. Still, the 2013 Malibu Eco earned a fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon in city driving and 37 mpg on highways from the federal government.

The ratings compare attractively to the 22/33 mpg rating of the predecessor, 2012 Malibu with a four cylinder and no accompanying electric motor.

The 2013 Malibu Eco is already at dealer showrooms and is being sold alongside 2012 non-Eco Malibus.Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $25,995 for a base 2013 Malibu Eco with front-wheel drive, 182-horsepower, Ecotec, direct gasoline injection, four-cylinder engine mated to a 15-kilowatt electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.

Standard features include a six-speed automatic transmission, cloth-covered seats, remote vehicle entry, power windows and door locks, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch wheels, antilock brakes, curtain and knee air bags and electronic stability control. It is the first Malibu to offer an onboard navigation system.

Competitors include the 2012 Hyundai Sonata mid-size sedan which has a 198-horsepower four cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission and a government fuel economy rating of 28/35 mpg. Starting retail price is $21,570.

The 2012 Sonata Hybrid, with 166-horsepower four cylinder mated to an electric motor and lithium polymer battery pack, starts at $26,625 and has a fuel economy rating of 35/40 mpg,

Another Malibu competitor is the 2012 Ford Fusion sedan, which has a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $22,495 with 175-horsepower four cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission and a fuel mileage rating of 23/33 mpg. Meanwhile, the 2012 Fusion Hybrid, with 156-horsepower four cylinder mated to an electric motor and nickel metal hydride battery pack, starts at $29,570. The Fusion Hybrid is rated at 41/36 mpg and uses a continuously variable transmission.

The test Malibu Eco impressed with its exterior styling. The Eco model includes some underneath plastic panels and automatic moving "shutters" behind the grille to help smooth airflow and boost fuel economy.

There was some wind noise. But overall, the interior was quieter than in previous Malibus, and road noise was minimized.

Read more:

2013 Malibu Eco offers high mpg in a quiet, refined package