Chevrolet Orlando - 7 Seater Car

Despite the pressures Chevrolet is suffering in the car market, it continues to deliver what people need in terms of different models and styles of cars. Announced in December 2010, a new seven-seater model is to be launched in spring 2011, called the Chevrolet Orlando. All new Chevrolets come with a 5 year warrantee promising 5 years servicing, roadside assistance, annual vehicle check and MOT.

7 Seater Cars - Chevrolet Orlando

Chevrolet Orlando - Purchase Price

The recommended retail price for a Chevrolet Orlando starts at £16,395 for the 1.8-litre petrol engine and rises to beyond £22,195 for the LTZ trim. There are three engines; a 1.8 petrol and two diesels, a 2.0-litre 128bhp or a 2.0-litre 161bhp. There are three trim levels; LS, LT and LTZ specification. The LS is the least costly and comes as standard on the 1.8 petrol engine, which is the cheapest Orlando you can buy. That said, it is fairly well-equipped with standard features including electric front windows, air conditioning, six airbags, stability control, tinted windows, remote central locking and electric mirrors. The same spec for the 128bhp diesel will cost £17,645.

Chevrolet Orlando - Running Costs

Co2 Emissions range from a reasonably healthy 159g/km to a less economical 186g/km. This makes the Car Tax Bracket fall into G to J, (currently between £155 and £235 a year, April 2010-2011).

Chevrolet Orlando - Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

The LS1.8i Chevrolet Orlando can do between 29.1 and 47.9MPG with a combined cycle of 38.7mpg. The more efficient LTZ 2.0 VCDi diesel does between 35.8 and 57.7 MPG with a combined cycle of 47.1MPG

Chevrolet Orlando - Additional Features

The LT trim costs £1,000 more and brings a few more goodies to the MPV, including rear parking sensors, climate control, USB connectors, rear electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, an upgraded stereo and automatic transmission for the diesel engine. This takes the list price up to £20,395, which is still a bargain compared to some other seven-seaters on the market.

Chevrolet Orlando - LTZ Trim

The top-of-range LTZ trim starts at £18,195 for the petrol engine and includes cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers and headlights, chrome detailing and folding door mirrors. There is a manual gearbox for the 161bhp diesel to help take the extra power, which is priced at £20,195 with the LTZ trim.

Chevrolet Orlando - Executive Pack

For an additional £2,000, the Executive Pack can be fitted, which replaces the 17-inch wheels for 18-inch ones and comes with full leather upholstery, satellite navigation and heated front seats that give a luxurious feel to the Orlando.

7 Seater Cars - Chevrolet Orlando

Anyone buying a Chevrolet Orlando will most likely choose it to be a little different than the rest of the MPVs out on the road today. The fresh look and sleek body does appeal, but the whole package can be bettered with what is already for sale right now.

Chevrolet Orlando - Flex7 Seating Arrangement

The Chevrolet Orlando carries the same design as the Optra from the front and is based on the Vauxhall Astra platform, whcih also carries the well-regarded Zafira. That means that it will handle well and be much more car-like than a mini-van. The Orlando utilises Vauxhall's Flex7 seating arrangement, which takes the two-three-two layout and maximises space when the rear seats aren't needed as they fold away neatly into the floor.

Chevrolet Orlando - Performance

Top speed is around 111 miles per hour and getting to 62MPH takes around 11 seconds. As expected, the US prototype is a little dull and uninspiring to drive, but it grips the road well. When the Orlando hits UK shores, it will no doubt have the suspension and damping fettled to be able to cope with pot holes and uneven surfaces, which will no doubt add to the handling capabilities.

Chevrolet Orlando - Gearbox

The manual gearshift is a little agricultural and takes some time to get used to. An automatic would be the best bet - simply slide it into 'drive' and forget about it. The engines are strong but not as punchy as Renault's diesels or even Ford's.

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