Chevrolet’s best-selling car, the midsize Malibu sedan, gets a complete makeover for 2013, and one of the four models has already gone on sale — the fuel-saving Eco version.

An already great car has gotten even better with the redesign, and the boost in fuel economy couldn’t come at a better time.

While the Eco model is available now, the other three trim levels will go into production in late summer — the base LS, the midlevel LT and the top-of-the-line LTZ.

The Eco comes with General Motors’ new eAssist system, also available in the Buick Regal and LaCrosse. It’s considered a mild hybrid, using a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack to power a 15-horsepower electric motor built into the car’s six-speed automatic transmission.

Most of the car’s power comes from the Ecotec 2.4-liter cylinder gasoline engine, which has 182 horsepower. The electric motor is intended primarily to boost acceleration at highway speeds, giving the car the feel of a V-6.

EPA ratings are 25 mpg city/37 highway, compared with 22 city/33 highway for the gasoline-only 2012 Malibu with a similar four-cylinder engine.

The eAssist system isn’t able to do all of the things some full hybrids can accomplish, such as propel the car on battery power alone for extended distances. But the limited hybrid system doesn’t add a lot of weight (65 pounds in this case) or require lots of extra space for the hybrid components.

As with other hybrids, though, the Malibu has automatic start/stop that cuts off the gasoline engine when the vehicle stops and/or idles, which helps conserve fuel.

It also has regenerative braking, which transforms forward momentum into energy when brakes are applied to help recharge the lithium-ion battery pack (in the trunk). The battery also is used to power accessories when the engine is in auto-stop mode.

Fuel economy is better in hybrid versions of the Hyundai Sonata (35 city /40 highway), Ford Fusion (41 city/36 highway) and Camry (43 city/39 highway), particularly in city driving. And the slightly pricier Volkswagen Passat diesel has better fuel economy (30/40) without any hybrid equipment.

The new Malibu is roomier than the model it replaces — the cabin has 4 more cubic feet of space, and the trunk is now 14.3 cubic feet, up one from the 2012 model.

Sporting a Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior, my Malibu Eco was eye-catching, with a wide, athletic stance and bold exterior. Some of its features are borrowed from the current Corvette and Camaro, GM says.

The integrated rear spoiler, active grille shutters and underbody panels also make the Malibu very aerodynamic, which helps increase fuel economy, as do the low-rolling-resistance tires. They were mounted on attractive sculpted, five-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels.

With a 15.8-gallon fuel tank, the Malibu Eco theoretically could go up to 550 miles between trips to the filling station. Of course, driving habits figure into the individual driver’s average.

An Eco gauge on the car’s driver-information system monitors and responds to the driver’s style and encourages fuel-saving changes. I achieved 28.4 mpg, according to the driver information system, while averaging 32.1 mph. I didn’t use the Eco gauge to try to improve my driving habits, though, and I only traveled short distances near home.

The cruise control — located on the tilt/telescopic steering wheel — can help improve fuel economy, especially on long trips, and was one of the easiest I have used.

Malibu’s cockpit area was striking, comfortable and user-friendly, with power/adjustable heated bucket seats with lumbar support; wood trim on the armrests, console, dash and steering wheel; and an easy-to-use seven-inch color touch screen for the MyLink radio and hands-free phone.

Ambient ice-blue lighting around the dash and extending to the door panels reflected off the chrome trim, giving a “jukebox” appearance, which I really liked.

The Pioneer Premium audio system with nine speakers and 250-watt amplifier provided great sound, and was easy to use with the MyLink screen. The display features graphics specific to the genre — an acoustic guitar for country music, a microphone for talk radio, and so forth.

Voice control allows simple commands using a button on the steering wheel for phone calls or music from the radio, including satellite; portable sources, including Stitcher SmartRadio; or Internet via Pandora. The possibilities are mind boggling — for a boomer, at least.

The Gracenote feature identifies artist name, genre and cover art, and allows the operator to use artist nicknames, such as “Fab Four” or “The Boss” to find music.

Chevrolet always includes OnStar, automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation. OnStar also includes vehicle diagnostics, with a monthly email report with the results of hundreds of checks of the engine, transmission, brakes and other systems.

Standard safety features include eight air bags, including knee air bags for the driver and front passenger, and front and rear head-curtain air bags. Also on the list: electronic stability control with traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and child locks on the rear doors and windows.

Also included are battery rundown protection, a theft-deterrent system, tire-pressure monitoring and repair kit, power door locks with extended-range remote keyless entry, daytime running lights, halogen headlights, and heated/power outside mirrors.

The cabin has several storage cubbies, including a lighted one hidden behind the touch screen and one in front of the driver’s left knee.

My tester came with two of the four available Malibu options packages included as standard equipment in the Eco model’s price.

One was the Power Convenience Package, which brought an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control, backup-camera system, remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and universal garage door opener.

The other was the Premium Audio Package, which added the nine-speaker Pioneer audio system with high-output amplifier, fog lights, and leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel.

Total sticker price for my tester was $29,380, including the special paint, Cocoa Fashion Trim on the steering wheel, shifter knob, armrests and door panels, and freight.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

Base price: $25,235

As tested: $29,380

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive midsize family sedan

Engine: Ecotec 2.4 DOHC 182-hp 4-cylinder with direct injection and Variable Valve Timing; six-speed automatic with overdrive; eAssist technology with 15 kW electric motor generator

Mileage: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway