2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced at $25,995

We’ve been hearing a lot about the 2013 Chevy Malibu of late, now GM has given us a further update. This time it concerns pricing on the Eco model, which will start at $25,995.

Said price does include a $760 destination charge but not taxes, dealer fees, licensing and others usually required to actually get a car on the road.

Chevrolet says the ’13 Malibu Eco (which will be available in dealerships during the first quarter of next year), will deliver a projected 26 mpg in city driving and 38 on the open road.

That puts it within range of other mid-size Hybrid and diesel sedans, notably the Ford Fusion (36 mpg highway), Hyundai Sonata (40 mpg) and Toyota Camry (39 mpg) Hybrids, plus the VW Passat TDI (40 mpg), while providing a lower entry price point.

Besides the EcoAssist driveline (which includes an electric motor and lithium ion battery pack in addition to a 2.4-liter Ecotec four, standard six-speed automatic transmission, stop/start technology and regenerative braking), the Malibu Eco also sports 17-inch wheels and low rolling resistance tires and a number of weight saving measures, such as an aluminum hood and rear bumper beam, lightweight carpet and dash materials, which shave approximately 130 lbs of mass.

The Eco is actually the first of the 2013 Malibus to launch in the U.S., other trim levels, the LS, LT and LTZ will follow in the summer of 2012. It’s perhaps a smart move, bringing the specialty offering to market first and then following it up with the bread and butter models. Given that approach, many are curious to see how the much touted new Malibu will fare in the market. If it follows a similar path to the Cruze, then it’s likely the recently revamped Toyota Camry will face some serious competition in the months ahead.