Chevrolet Orlando 2.0 VCDi Exec ON THE ROAD

Review by Rob McSorley

Photos by Mat Brooks

The Chevrolet Orlando is a bit of an unknown entity in the UK. As the name suggests it was originally intended to be manufactured in the states where it has been a huge hit as it was primarily designed for the American market. Now a few years into its life it's a curious looking MPV with its chunky, almost retro Americanized styling but is actually an indirect replacement for the ugly, unloved Tacuma. We got our hands on a top spec LTZ model to find out if the C-Max and Scenic have reason to be concerned.

From the outset the Orlando ticks all the right boxes in our eyes. It looks chunky and purposeful yet manages to hide its MPV roots well. Its long wheelbase, stubby front with gargantuan headlights and grill suit the bluff shape well. It cleverly manages to hide its size well thanks to its squared-off arches and beefy pillars. It also looks as fresh as the day it first went on sale. Our test car looks decidedly premium in silver with its massive alloy wheels.

Inside the family-orientated Chevy is where it really comes into its own. The cabin is thoughtfully designed and felt classier than we would have expected from the brand with well chosen materials including swish piano black trim on the dash. It's a great place to spend time especially at night when all of the logically placed controls including the stylish dials are back lit in light blue.

Everywhere you look there are neat storage areas for all of the kids stuff including an ingenious cubby hidden behind the stereo controls. Why hasn't anyone thought of that before? Space is generous for all five passengers and the commanding driving position is a real plus. Those who choose to sit in the rearmost seats may be a little cramped but no more so than in any of the Orlando's rivals. There is also very limited boot space when all sevens seats are in place. That said the seats themselves are not only comfortable, here clad in leather, but are also easy to fold, tilt and pivot into a variety of positions.

As you would expect of a range-topper, equipment levels are more than generous with standard fit rear parking sensors, climate control, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, traction control and those epic 17 inch wheels. Our car also came with a really rather good Satellite Navigation system, a snip at £765. It all adds up to list price of £22,500 which seems a lot for a Chevrolet but more basic versions are still well equipped and cost a smidge under £17,000.

Very few mid size MPVs handle any better than average, the S-Max is probably the only exception. Thankfully the Orlando is a lot better than most. Comfort levels are good with a well-judged, nicely damped ride only marred slightly by the large wheels. Body movements are well controlled and grip levels plentiful. It all adds up to a decent experience for most drivers. The steering however let's it down a little as it is over assisted and lacking feel but only enthusiastic drivers will really notice. We also found that visibility was a little disappointing as a result of the chunky styling.

Powering our car is a 1998 cc, 160 bhp, four cylinder diesel engine seen in other GM models such as the Vauxhall Insignia. Mated to a six speed automatic gearbox it make good use of its healthy 360 Nm of torque which can be accessed at just 2000 rpm. Power delivery is smooth and progressive and gear changes are unobtrusive making the sprint to 60 mph seem a lot quicker than the official 10.6 seconds would suggest. Refinement is also first class with very little diesel clatter and all speeds making for a beautifully hushed cabin for all the family to enjoy.

With such a powerful engine under the bonnet mated to an automatic gearbox this Orlando costs a little more to run than some rivals. Falling into VED Band J Orlando owners will need deep pockets having to fork out £460 each year. Furthermore we found than around town economy really suffered returning just 27 mpg although on longer stints we saw 45 mpg. That said all Chevrolets come with an excellent 5 year warranty which should hold plenty of appeal.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £22,500

Engine: 2.0 litre 16v 160bhp - 0-62 mph: 10.6secs - Maximum Speed: 121 mph -

Economy: 30.4mpg (urban) –49.6mpg (extra-urban), 40.1mpg (combined) - Emissions: 186 g/km (Band J) - VED (12 months): £460
Dimensions: Length: 4652mm - Width: 1836mm - Height: 1633 mm - Wheelbase: 2760 mm

*data from Chevrolet UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

There is no doubting that the Orlando will be the ideal family car for a lot of people. It looks great, has a very nice cabin with plenty of flexibility and space for all of the family. It is also well equipped, very comfortable and drives well enough. We really like the engine's refinement and power delivery which when mated to the automatic gearbox makes swift progress effortless. We did however find the Orlando's fuel economy a tad disappointing and it isn't cheap enough to tax. On the plus side all Orlando's are well equipped and come with a 5 year warranty so there should be a model for everyone's budget. Overall the Orlando is definitely worth a look.

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