Last week I wrote about the Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid SUV, which is a great green vehicle for anyone interested in buying an SUV that is more affordable and much safer for the environment than the other average models on the market. This week I discovered a smaller, greener sedan that is perfect for the everyday driver.

The 2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid is an eco-upgrade to the original Malibu, which won the Car of the Year award at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. It has tons of green features, it starts at an affordable price, and even more importantly, it comes with the added safety of OnStar service.

Why It’s Green in Malibu

There’s no doubt that the hybrid vehicle is quickly becoming one of the most popular cars on the market today. Every car manufacturer is making them, and every brand has its own ‘bonus’ features to make it stand out from the crowd.

In addition to regular features like automatic climate control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, body-color power adjustable mirrors and 16-inch flangeless aluminum wheels, the Malibu Hybrid boasts these green features:

• Gets an estimated 24 city/ 32 highway mpg (2 mpg improvement over the regular Malibu model)
• Hybrid Instrument Panel
  • Charge/assist gauge that shows you how much of the hybrid battery you are using and when it’s being charged
  • An ECO light that shows your fuel efficiency
• ECOTEC 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder Hybrid engine
• GM Hybrid Propulsion Electric System
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
• Four-speed automatic Hybrid transmission
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System (allows you to adjust engine torque and/or brake pressure on individual wheels so you can get the vehicle back on track in slippery or emergency situations)

This model has a ‘mild-hybrid system,’ which is cheaper than a full hybrid system, but it offers the same fuel-efficient benefits. Mild-hybrid systems have engines that shut off automatically when you are stopped, which greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Drive Green, Drive Safe

Another reason why this hybrid stands above others is that it comes with OnStar service.

Have you seen those commercials where stars like Tiger Woods and Jerry Seinfeld get locked out of their cars, but they make a simple call and get the doors opened automatically? How cool is that! This kind of service reduces greenhouse gas emissions because it means one less car has to get on the road to come help you!

Other features of OnStar include:

• Vehicle diagnostic checks emailed to you
• Automatic airbag response (an adviser calls you if your airbag doesn’t deploy and sends emergency services if you don’t respond)
• A red emergency button you can push if you need help
• Stolen vehicle location assistance

These are just a few of the features you get with the OnStar service from General Motors. You can access a full list of features here.

What Else Do You Need?

Starting at $22,790 and with limited availability early this year, I think that these hybrids are going to sell-out fast! It’s very rare to find a green vehicle with such amazing safety features like this Malibu hybrid because it not only protects the environment, but it also protects you. And when you’re safe, then you can be a healthy environmentalist!