Chevrolet has taken the wraps off its striking new Orlando MPV at the Paris motor show.
The compact seven-seat crossover MPV was first seen as a concept in Paris two years ago and much of that car’s styling has made it into the production version that will reach UK showrooms in early 2011.
See the official pics of the new Chevrolet Orlando MPV - plus new Paris motor show pics
Although some of the concept’s sharper lines at the front have been rounded off, much of the rear three-quarters of the concept remains unchanged, including its sloping window line and narrow glasshouse, while its pronounced wheel arches can house alloys up to 18 inches in size.
The Orlando uses General Motors' Delta platform, also seen on the new Vauxhall Astra and Chevrolet’s new Cruze range. Its UK engine line-up includes a 139bhp 1.8-litre petrol unit and a 2.0-litre diesel with either 129bhp or 161bhp.
See the spy pics of the Orlando in winter testing
Chevrolet claims its dual cockpit is inspired by the Corvette and features the firm’s new blue-backlit centre console.
The load area is described as “generous”, while the rear two rows of seats are raised, in spite of the low roofline, in a theatre-style arrangement to give rear passengers a better forward and side view. As in the norm in the class, there's a variety of seating configurations to boost load capacity.
Several storage compartments are offered, including the concept’s storage area hidden behind the front fascia of the audio system; this is revealed by flipping the face of the audio and is described as a “usefully large area”. The Orlando also offers USB, MP3 and iPod connectivity.
Read more on Corvette's return to the UK
Standard equipment includes ESC, air-con and six airbags, and four trim levels will be offered in the UK.
Chevrolet has told Autocar that the Orlando will be priced to “offer value next to other seven-seaters in the class”, including the Vauxhall Zafira and Ford S-Max, “with no compromise in quality”.
Chevrolet Europe managing director Wayne Brannon said the Orlando was important for building the Chevrolet brand in Europe and bringing in new customers. He added it would be one of seven new product launches for the brand in the next 15 months.
The Orlando is one of four new cars launched by Chevrolet at Paris, including its new Aveo and Cruze.
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Re: Chevrolet Orlando MPV launched
Is it strikingly boring? The concept looked really good, this is just meh.
Re: Chevrolet Orlando MPV launched
I actually think it looks quite nice, I like the "Chunky" tough sort of styling. I much prefer it to, for instance the Grand Scenic which it will compete against I imagine. It will probably be well kitted out and well priced so I was in the market I would definately consider it.
Re: Chevrolet Orlando MPV launched
The Meriva has 5 seats. This has 7.
I would have been vaguely interested in this car if it were a bit more interesting externally but this has been watered down considerably from the concept. It's dull now where the concept was sharp.
The reference in the article to 'no compromise in quality' made me wince a little. I've just spent 2 years in a top of the range 7 seater Chevrolet with a list price of £25k and there were plenty of compromises in quality actually. Interior quality is particularly weak. The computer still to this day has no idea what it is doing- I gave up trying to get it sorted. The 'chrome' has blown on the rear hatch detail. Fuel consumption bore no resemblance to the quoted figures. Performance was barely adequate. Servicing was a nightmare as there are so few dealers in my neck of the woods. Etc. Etc....