2012-2017 Chevrolet Orlando
History
Mention the words "Chevrolet" and "people carrier", the results will shock you especially that the General isn't known for vans or MPVs and these types are sold mostly in Europe, Asia, and South America. In its home market, it had given up on that category especially minivans aren't anymore best sellers.
Riding on a platform which is shared with the Chevrolet Cruze and Opel Astra, the Orlando was first previewed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with production starting two years later. It was mostly sold in Europe and Asia, with some going to Canada but not to their southern neighbors. For several markets, it replaced a number of vehicles.
For the Philippine market, Chevrolet had given up on people carriers with previous attempts such as the German based Zafira and Chinese derived Venture that were killed a decade ago. A few years later with a new distributor to boot, the Bow Tie brand returned to selling MPVs with the Orlando being the leader of the pack and rivaling the one car that cannot be beaten down in one segment: the Toyota Innova. It was silently removed in 2016 after falling sales with just one variant sold, the LT.
Value and Costs
Similar to gasoline powered rivals like the Mitsubishi Fuzion, expect poor resales for first owners but bargains among second hand buyers like you. With the vehicle discontinued recently, you can snatch the oldest unit available for as low as P430,000. Chevrolet offers a brand new warranty good for five years and transferable to the next owner, which means with not much changes done throughout, may land you a good chance of getting a unit covered with it without getting shortchanged. With that in mind, focus more on the condition.
Engine parts and mechanical related pieces are shared with the Cruze sedan, which is a good thing. Finding exterior parts aren't that easy since this isn't a best seller to begin with. Fuel consumption, obviously, is slightly lower than the Cruze due to a heavy body but on par with the Innova gasoline.
Exterior and Interior
Boxy is the theme for this vehicle, with a front which you can't mistaken for a different brand. However, the long side is a dead giveaway of such vehicle type while the rear is bland.
Own its sedan equivalent? Then you will feel at home since the layout is somewhat similar with some unique touches exclusive to this vehicle which includes the audio panel which can be flipped to reveal a storage bin. It has three rows of seats good for seven bodies and it does its job well, except for the third row that is best for small people.
Engine
Unlike competitors (and its apparent weakness), only one engine comes standard: a 2H0 1.8 gasoline with 139hp at 6,200rpm and 176Nm at 3,800rpm that is shared with, you guessed it right, the Cruze. Sure, it is smooth as silk and can deliver the goods despite the weight deficit, we feel that a diesel would be a perfect fit for this car and for its intended purpose.
Driving Impressions
Thanks to a sedan based underpinnings, you will definitely have fun with this vehicle and turning this one does not have the feeling of driving a truck. Driving this one at high speeds will return you some noise that intrudes the cabin.
Verdict
If there is one car to beat, it is the Toyota Innova. The Orlando, named after a city in Florida but not sold there, has the credentials such as great handling and refinement but lacks what is needed and wanted in this segment.
The Good:
- Drives like a car
- High quality interior
- Fits seven decently
The Bad:
- Engine may get strained
- No diesel option
- Somewhat noisy at high speeds
The Pick: 1.8 LT
Engine: 1,796cc 2H0 I4 gasoline
Power: 139hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque: 176Nm @ 3,800rpm
Fuel Consumption: 6-9km/L (city), 9-12km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Suspension: Front McPherson strut, rear axle compound crank
MORE INFO
Price (New): P1,1,888,888-P1,238,888
Price (Now): P430,000-P660,000
On Sale: 2012-2016
Rivals: Kia Carens, Mitsubishi Fuzion, Toyota Innova
Resources:
http://www.chevroletownersclub.co.uk/forum/orlando_forum18.html?SID=3072-eb64d1fe3ez2cbc931f81178472222#.WeVhv1uCzIU
Contacts:
Chevrolet Pasig - (02) 672-1485
