GM announced major updates to its Chevrolet Malibu for the 2014 model-year, including more interior space, a new Ecotec* 2.5L standard engine, new safety features, and suspension system improvements.

You can see a photo gallery of the updated sedan here.

GM made a number of powertrain improvements for MY-2014. The automaker said the new Ecotec* 2.5L engine uses variable valve lift control and start/stop technology to boost the vehicle’s fuel economy over the previous model. GM estimates the vehicle can achieve up to 23 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, a 5% city mileage improvement and a 3% highway mileage increase. The new Ecotec* 2.5L engine is SAE-certified at 196 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque, according to GM. The automaker added it updated the transmission’s shift points for quicker shifting and an improved performance feel.

For the available 2.0L turbo* engine, GM improved its available torque, increasing this figure by 14% to an SAE-certified 295 lb.-ft. The engine can also deliver an SAE-certified 259 hp, GM stated.

The automaker also made a number of changes to the vehicle’s exterior and interior design. GM updated the sedan’s front end, with a more prominent lower grille and a hood that extends down over the leading edge of the upper grille, which is now narrower.

Inside the sedan, the automaker redesigned the front seatbacks to add more knee room in the back seats and changed the cushion sculpting and material to let passengers in the back sit deeper in the rear seats. The automaker said it cut a half inch from the rear seat cushion’s front for more comfort behind passengers’ legs. Up front, GM’s engineers redesigned the center console with a longer armrest and added two cupholders and storage space for up to two cell phones.

Another major update to the 2014 Malibu was to its suspension and chassis. The automaker said the 2014 Chevrolet Impala inspired these updates, which include rebound springs internal to the struts that help produce a smoother ride and improve body roll control and weight transfer during acceleration or turning. The automaker said it revised the electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort steering to improve the sedan’s steering feel.

GM added new safety features to the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. They include a new Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert options. The 2014 Malibu comes standard with 10 airbags and a rear-view camera system is optional.

*UPDATED June 6, 2013.