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Vehicle Highlights

Fact file: Chevrolet Orlando

Function with attitude

• Segment: MPV/family van
• In the model range since: early 2011

As Chevrolet's first entrant into the European MPV/family van segment, the Euro NCAP five-star rated Orlando combines fuel efficiency, seven-seater practicality and interior flexibility with string crossover-style design, making it a true family car for the times.

The Orlando's vehicle architecture is based on Chevrolet's successful and award winning Cruze sedan, already proven to offer excellent ride and handling.

Under the hood, there is a choice of three of Chevrolet's latest fuel efficient engines: one gasoline engine, a 1.8 liter mustering 141 hp, and two diesel units, the latest version of Chevrolet's 2.0-liter engine with outputs of 131 hp and 163 hp, respectively.

Chevrolet's compact MPV eschews the bland designs sometimes seen in the segment, and instead adopts a bolder look with its low roofline and crossover-inspired silhouette while retaining the distinctive and recognizable Chevrolet 'face' depicted by the split radiator grille and golden bow-tie badge.

The Orlando's low swept roof line is complemented by the muscular, protruding wheel-arches, housing 16, 17 or 18-inch wheels.

The interior features the latest Chevrolet design cues, from the Corvette-inspired dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting to the center console. However, it's the theater-style seating arrangement of the Orlando's three rows of seats, the generous load area and the numerous storage solutions that have captured the attention of family-minded motorists.

Despite the sweeping roof-line, the designers have succeeded in raising the second and third row of seats, which means the Orlando occupants get an even better view both forward and sideward. Thanks to the wide variety of seating configurations possible, the Orlando can be quickly transformed into one of the most voluminous vans in the class when it comes to carrying loads.

Every available space of the interior was taken up to provide ample storage space – in a range of compartments of different shapes and sizes situated in the center console, front and rear doors, rear cargo area and even the roof – to safely hold all the bottles, bags, newspaper, equipment, tools, boxes or anything else that makes its way into the car.

Perhaps the most ingenious is a storage area hidden behind front faceplate of the audio, and within easy reach of the both the driver and passenger. Seen originally on the Orlando concept car, the space is large enough  to hold items such as an MP3 player, sunglasses and wallets. A USB port – ideal for re-charging an MP3 player or iPod when on the move – has also been included.

Customers may choose from three trim levels for increasing levels of comfort, but all cars come with electronic stability control, six air-bags and power-adjustable mirrors as standard.

Status: April 2012