Smokey Robinson once observed that "a taste of honey's worse than none at all." But GM ain't buyin' it. A little bit of hybrid honey is better than none, GM figures — and cheaper than a whole bunch.

Just don't call GM's new power-assist system a "hybrid," fer cryin' out loud! It's "light electrification," thank you very much.

General Motors has bestowed on various sedans — Buick Regal, Buick LaCrosse and, now, the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO — a drive system that the company calls "eAssist." It is (dare I say it?) a mild hybrid system that delivers notably improved fuel efficiency — roughly 18 percent better, compared to Malibu's former gasoline-only four-banger. At the same time, the 2013 Malibu ECO, starting at $25,995, costs less to buy than such full-hybrid competitors as the 2012 Ford Fusion ($29,395) or the 2012 Toyota Camry ($26,660) — prices that may rise for 2013.

Malibu's eAssist package consists of a 2.4-liter, 182-hp four-cylinder gasoline engine, six-speed automatic transmission, a 115v lithium-ion battery pack and an 11 kW electric motor/generator that replaces the alternator. eAssist not only assists the gasoline engine when it's under duress, such as hard acceleration or hill climbing, but also can shut down the gasoline engine at stops for additional fuel savings.

The result is an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 city/37 highway for Malibu ECO — notably better than the 22/33 rating of the 2012 Malibu four-cylinder, despite slightly more horsepower and torque. That said, it's still not in the same league as Malibu's full-hybrid competitors.

The primary difference between this "mild" hybrid and a "full" hybrid is that full hybrids, for short distances at low speeds, can run on pure electric power. Malibu ECO cannot. If the car is moving, the gasoline engine is turning.

For that reason, Malibu ECO, though handily beating the EPA ratings of non-hybrid competitors, does not approach the fuel economy ratings of the Camry hybrid (43 city/39 hwy/41 combined) or the Fusion hybrid (41 city/36 hwy/39 combined).

Still, eAssist makes this eighth-generation Malibu the most fuel-efficient Malibu ever, boasting a 580-mile cruising range. Also, it's said to be peppy — GM figures a zero-to-60 sprint takes less than 9 seconds — and, for a lower price, it's loaded with amenities while boasting snappy new styling.

In ECO, that styling incorporates some fuel-saving characteristics of its own, including electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille for enhanced aerodynamics at higher speeds and lightweight components such as an aluminum hood and rear bumper beam for weight savings. In addition, a 4.5-inch shorter wheelbase and 2-inch wider track give the car a Velcroed-to-the-road look.

Inside, Eco's décor features metallic, chrome or wood accents, ice blue ambient lighting, contrasting upholstery stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces and strategic applications of noise-deadening materials for a hushed cabin.

A family car's cabin can never have too much storage, and Malibu rises to the challenge with plenty of places to put stuff, including a cleverly designed radio face that swivels up to reveal a six-inch-deep storage area hidden behind the seven-inch touch-screen display.

Regarding infotainment, Chevy's new MyLink package and OnStar are standard on Malibu Eco, integrating online services like Pandora internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio. MyLink also integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of some smart phone apps.

Look for the Malibu ECO to hit showrooms in February or March. Subsequently, this "light electrification" Malibu will be followed by Malibus powered by a standard 2.5-liter, 190-hp I-4.

Intriguingly, the Chevy Malibu, as of 2013, is out of the V-6 business.