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Review: Chevrolet Orlando


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#1
KL3223

Posted 12 October 2011 - 05:17 AM

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This has been launched in Singapore....thot i post fyi.

Monday, Oct 03, 2011 The Business Times
Review: Chevrolet Orlando
By Samuel Ee

Rare is the car that has been named after a city and doesn't sound mildly awkward. Think Mitsubishi Sapporo and Seat Malaga.

The former could well pass for a brand of dry beer while the latter sounds like a very salty sausage. Maybe that's why the Germans prefer alphanumeric model designations. Yet, somehow, the Chevrolet Orlando manages to come off sounding almost cool.

Perhaps it's the styling. When Chevy first unveiled the Orlando, more than a few were surprised that a compact MPV could look so good. Here was a multi-purpose vehicle with seven seats but with crossover styling that showed off Continental flair and some SUV-like features like a high belt line and muscular wheel arches.


And all this in a mass market model made in a General Motors plant in South Korea.

The Orlando is based on the platform of the popular Cruze compact sedan although the five-door model with its three rows of seats is longer and wider. Its wheelbase has also been extended by 75 mm to 2,760 mm and it has a bigger 1.8-litre engine driving the front wheels.


At 4,652 mm long and 1,836 mm high, the Orlando's dimensions mean that it is parked in the same segment of compact MPVs occupied by models like the Volkswagen Touran, Citroën C4 Grand Picasso, Toyota Wish and Honda Stream.

One important difference, though, is its price - although it is in the more expensive COE Category B, it is comparable to or cheaper than the two above-mentioned Cat A European models, and costs well below the other two Japanese models.

Starting from $119,999 with COE, the Orlando 1.8 LS comes standard with a Navtrak navigation and entertainment system and reversing camera, leather seats and solar film.

For an extra $5,000, the Orlando 1.8 LT adds on cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, an electric sunroof, slightly nicer trim and bigger 17-inch rims (from 16 inches).

Both have the same practical seven-seat interior with a useful wide-angle mirror for improving passenger interaction. The three rows of seats are positioned theatre- style to allow those in the rear to enjoy relatively good forward visibility. But this also means the pair of third-row headrests can restrict what the driver sees through the rear view mirror.

In the performance department, the Orlando is competent. Its suspension system consists of a pair of MacPherson struts in front and a rear multi-link torsion beam. Like the Cruze sedan, the Orlando has capable handling qualities that allow fairly fast curves to be taken. All this while providing a pliantly comfortable ride for its seven occupants.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox which shifts smoothly while aiding fuel economy. But floor the accelerator and the 1.8-litre engine can get a bit too boomy for aural comfort.

Still, the Orlando is surprisingly likeable, both aesthetically and dynamically. The curvaceous centre console is well-designed, with the number and position of the various buttons and dials rather well thought out, so much so it's almost elegant. For example, the Orlando does not have climate control but the two temperature and fan speed dials are not only easy to use but do not look inadequate.

However, the meters don't look as snazzy as those in the competition. Even the multi-function display in the middle comes across as slightly basic.

But more importantly, the Orlando does what it is supposed to do and does it very well. It carries seven passengers comfortably, with the last row having sufficient head and leg room for normal-sized adults even if there is very little luggage space when the seats are up.

Best of all is the exterior styling of the car. After all, how many models can boast macho sheet metal to clothe a functional family-focused interior?


Chevrolet Orlando
Price: from $119,999 (with COE)
Engine: 1,796cc
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic transmission
Max Power: 141 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque: 176 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
0-100kmh: 11.6 secs
Top speed: 183 kmh
Distributor: Alpine Motors
Tel: 6511-3033


#2
jayraptor

Posted 18 October 2011 - 10:25 PM

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Chevrolet Orlando
Price: from $119,999 (with COE)
Engine: 1,796cc
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic transmission
Max Power: 141 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque: 176 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
0-100kmh: 11.6 secs
Top speed: 183 kmh
Distributor: Alpine Motors
Tel: 6511-3033[/quote]

Would love to see the Orlando being launched here. At least more option for proper MPV with proper engine and tech at lower price.

#3
magura

Posted 12 March 2012 - 06:31 AM

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QUOTE (KL3223 @ Oct 12 2011, 05:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This has been launched in Singapore....thot i post fyi.

Monday, Oct 03, 2011 The Business Times
Review: Chevrolet Orlando
By Samuel Ee

Rare is the car that has been named after a city and doesn't sound mildly awkward. Think Mitsubishi Sapporo and Seat Malaga.

The former could well pass for a brand of dry beer while the latter sounds like a very salty sausage. Maybe that's why the Germans prefer alphanumeric model designations. Yet, somehow, the Chevrolet Orlando manages to come off sounding almost cool.

Perhaps it's the styling. When Chevy first unveiled the Orlando, more than a few were surprised that a compact MPV could look so good. Here was a multi-purpose vehicle with seven seats but with crossover styling that showed off Continental flair and some SUV-like features like a high belt line and muscular wheel arches.


And all this in a mass market model made in a General Motors plant in South Korea.

The Orlando is based on the platform of the popular Cruze compact sedan although the five-door model with its three rows of seats is longer and wider. Its wheelbase has also been extended by 75 mm to 2,760 mm and it has a bigger 1.8-litre engine driving the front wheels.


At 4,652 mm long and 1,836 mm high, the Orlando's dimensions mean that it is parked in the same segment of compact MPVs occupied by models like the Volkswagen Touran, Citroën C4 Grand Picasso, Toyota Wish and Honda Stream.

One important difference, though, is its price - although it is in the more expensive COE Category B, it is comparable to or cheaper than the two above-mentioned Cat A European models, and costs well below the other two Japanese models.

Starting from $119,999 with COE, the Orlando 1.8 LS comes standard with a Navtrak navigation and entertainment system and reversing camera, leather seats and solar film.

For an extra $5,000, the Orlando 1.8 LT adds on cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, an electric sunroof, slightly nicer trim and bigger 17-inch rims (from 16 inches).

Both have the same practical seven-seat interior with a useful wide-angle mirror for improving passenger interaction. The three rows of seats are positioned theatre- style to allow those in the rear to enjoy relatively good forward visibility. But this also means the pair of third-row headrests can restrict what the driver sees through the rear view mirror.

In the performance department, the Orlando is competent. Its suspension system consists of a pair of MacPherson struts in front and a rear multi-link torsion beam. Like the Cruze sedan, the Orlando has capable handling qualities that allow fairly fast curves to be taken. All this while providing a pliantly comfortable ride for its seven occupants.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox which shifts smoothly while aiding fuel economy. But floor the accelerator and the 1.8-litre engine can get a bit too boomy for aural comfort.

Still, the Orlando is surprisingly likeable, both aesthetically and dynamically. The curvaceous centre console is well-designed, with the number and position of the various buttons and dials rather well thought out, so much so it's almost elegant. For example, the Orlando does not have climate control but the two temperature and fan speed dials are not only easy to use but do not look inadequate.

However, the meters don't look as snazzy as those in the competition. Even the multi-function display in the middle comes across as slightly basic.

But more importantly, the Orlando does what it is supposed to do and does it very well. It carries seven passengers comfortably, with the last row having sufficient head and leg room for normal-sized adults even if there is very little luggage space when the seats are up.

Best of all is the exterior styling of the car. After all, how many models can boast macho sheet metal to clothe a functional family-focused interior?


Chevrolet Orlando
Price: from $119,999 (with COE)
Engine: 1,796cc
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic transmission
Max Power: 141 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque: 176 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
0-100kmh: 11.6 secs
Top speed: 183 kmh
Distributor: Alpine Motors
Tel: 6511-3033


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Review by Honest John' UK on the Orlando as follows:

Few MPVs are sparkling to drive and the Orlando isn't one of them. But then it's not really supposed to be. Instead it's easy and relaxing from behind the wheel with light controls and fairly positive manual gearchange. It's adequate but not especially memorable. Parking and tight manoeuvres are made easier thanks to the light steering and visibility is generally good, although the rear pillars are a bit thick. Fortunately all models, with the exception of the entry LS version, have rear parking sensors fitted.

It rides well and is fairly softly sprung so it's good over bumps and potholes but the trade off is roll in corners which is especially noticeable with a full complement of passengers plus luggage on board. The ride quality deteriorates markedly on the top spec 18-inch alloys with 235/45 R18 tyres and really undermines comfort for everyone travelling,

There's only one petrol engine available - a 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit with variable valve timing that produces 141bhp and 176Nm of torque. It's not a bad engine but is underwhelming when you compare it to other petrols like Ford's new 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit, although it's at least fairly economical with a claimed average of 39mpg while CO2 emissions are 172g/km.

Chevrolet expects most people will go for a diesel Orlando and it's easy to see why. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is available in two versions - a standard 130bhp model and a higher power 163bhp variant. The more powerful version is the only Orlando available with an automatic gearbox which is a six-speed transmission which delivers smooth if not especially fast changes.

It's a strong and smooth diesel which is fairly quiet on the move too, thanks to decent sound insulation. Like the handling, it's nothing to write home about, but goes about its business in a fuss free and straightforward manner. Both power variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and most driver's will find the 130bhp version more than adequate for everyday driving.

It has 315Nm of torque which is available at 2000rpm plus it delivers its power smoothly across the rev range. Our one criticism is that coming off the power seems to make the Orlando slightly jolt as if it's braking, so it's not always a smooth car to drive if you're in traffic. The more powerful verison has the same issue, but both versions are efficient and return a claimed 47mpg while CO2 emissions of 159g/km mean they sit inside the UK company write-down limit for business users.

The 163bhp variant has more torque with 360Nm but rarely feels that much quicker in normal driving, either away from a standstill or when accelerating in-gear, for instance when joining a motorway. But if you want to the top LTZ model this is the only diesel available - the 130bhp version only comes in LS and LT trim


1.8 LT 5dr People Carrier £17,510 38.7 mpg 11.2 s Details

1.8 LT Auto 5dr People Carrier £18,420 35.7 mpg 11.8 s Details

1.8 LTZ 5dr People Carrier £18,310 38.7 mpg 11.2 s Details

2.0 VCDi (130ps) LS 5dr People Carrier £17,655 47.1 mpg 9.9 s Details

2.0 VCDi (130ps) LT 5dr People Carrier £18,755 47.1 mpg 9.9 s Details

2.0 VCDi (163ps) LT Auto 5dr People Carrier £20,515 40.4 mpg 10.6 s Details

2.0 VCDi (163ps) LTZ 5dr People Carrier £20,305 47.1 mpg 9.7 s Details

2.0 VCDi (163ps) LTZ Auto 5dr People Carrier £21,315 40.4 mpg 10.6 s Details

2.0 VCDi (163ps) LTZ Auto with Exec Pack 5dr People Carrier £23,195 40.4 mpg 10.6 s Details

2.0 VCDi (163ps) LTZ Executive 5dr People Carrier £22,305 47.1 mpg 9.7 s Details

2.0 VCDi (163ps) LTZ Executive Auto 5dr People Carrier £22,315 40.4 mpg 10.6 s Details

2.0 VCDi (163ps) LTZ with Exec Pack 5dr People Carrier £22,195 47.1 mpg 9.7 s Details


....Obviously, the diesel are better option since based on the review...the petrol is way underpowered & thirsty




#4
iceketam

Posted 12 March 2012 - 02:11 PM

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smile_thumbup.gif

#5
fernandobu

Posted 19 April 2012 - 02:51 PM

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The Orlando is a fun MPV to drive very responsive and very agile! In terms of performance I guess the engine have enough torque to pull up to speed.
Driving in green
see available autoparts

#6
magura

Posted 26 May 2012 - 03:17 PM

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QUOTE (fernandobu @ Apr 19 2012, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The Orlando is a fun MPV to drive very responsive and very agile! In terms of performance I guess the engine have enough torque to pull up to speed.


Yup, if they bring the diesel version. As per the Honest John's review....just forget the 1.8 petrol, waayyyy underpowered & thirsty compared to the diesel

smile_wink.gif

#7
ckl050877

Posted 13 December 2012 - 09:27 PM

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It is launched at RM118,888 wihtout insurance. I think it has the right price tag. Look at so called MPVs (for economical) around us, Avanza, Grand Livina, Exora, Alza. They are small. If we want something bigger in size, we have to buy expensive MPV, around RM140k+. Of course, I exclude Innova here. Innova is more like a van for me.

If you want a more affordable MPV, trying to avoid those mini MPV, Orlando is a good choice, purely based on its price tag.

#8
alphawolf

Posted 14 December 2012 - 10:22 AM

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Orlando is a well-engineered car, a lot better than the vastly overrated Avanza and Innova. I agreed that those 2 are just vans, and very over-priced for it's standard of engineering and safety.

However, as mentioned many many times over many threads, the biggest problem is not with the Chevrolet cars, but with Naza. A huge shame really smile_disapprove.gif

#9
sianglee

Posted 14 December 2012 - 03:19 PM

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Went to show room just now, noticed that second row air cond with no electric blower one, just diverting air flow from the front...
May not as efficient for fast cooling under hot sun as innova or exora with add. air blower...

Got only two airbag, pretty minimum compliance to safety req...

#10
alphawolf

Posted 14 December 2012 - 05:12 PM

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QUOTE (sianglee @ Dec 14 2012, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Went to show room just now, noticed that second row air cond with no electric blower one, just diverting air flow from the front...
May not as efficient for fast cooling under hot sun as innova or exora with add. air blower...

Got only two airbag, pretty minimum compliance to safety req...


smile_blackeye.gif guess due to the need to keep it as cheap as possible here, Naza only imports the cheapest model and the least safety.

The Orlandos for the rest of the world are well-equipped. It exports to UK, the US, Europe etc. Avanzas and Innovas are not exported there, so it's still engineered for the 3rd world..