YOU probably couldn’t get a more American sounding car than a Chevrolet Orlando if you tried.
It combines one of the USA’s near legendary car marques with a holiday destination that even the most geographically challenged person could instantly identify as being in the land of Uncle Sam.
Which is kind of odd considering the car is actually built in Korea.
What were once known as Daewoos are now Chevrolets following a rebranding by General Motors, presumably based on the fact people can be more easily persuaded to part with their cash for a sexy sounding Chevrolet, rather than a dull old Daewoo.
The brand is still very much a budget one but it also offers decent enough quality at a very affordable price.
The Orlando is a clever creation, a kind of multi-purpose family car that’s part MPV, part crossover and arguably even has a touch of the SUV about it.
The fact it’s difficult to categorise is actually one of its strengths.
Here’s a car that is not only refreshingly different but immensely practical and also great value for money.
If it’s going to be placed in any category then probably the compact MPV segment is the closest you’ll get.
Comparing it to competitors it has plenty going for it, chiefly its scale and size, which means it sits somewhere between a compact and a full size MPV.
It looks rather striking, with a beefy and muscular profile and a hint of Americana.
Considering a lot of similar vehicles actually look rather lacklustre and uninspiring the designers have done a decent job.
Korean cars of old were always a bit of a let-down on the inside, characterised by cheap plastics and garish dashboards but the inside of the Orlando is certainly a pleasant place to be.
The switchgear and instrumentation are of noticeably good quality and the cabin has a nice ambience and open feel.
On the move the Orlando is surprisingly good. Given it sits pretty high there’s a touch of pitch and roll but to be fair it’s kept to a minimum and it goes round corners rather nicely, with overall handling that’s fairly impressive for an MPV.
Rise quality is commendable and the Orlando certainly passes the test as a comfortable motorway cruiser too.
The extra row of seats in compact MPVs and their ilk tend to be the kind that are only really suited to occasional rather than prolonged use but one of the Orlando’s major plus points is how well they measure up – both in terms of the standard of comfort and the amount of legroom they offer.
As is generally the case boot space is fairly minimal when they’re in use but with them down the load area is cavernous.
As far as engines go the diesel is definitely the better option. What it lacks in refinement it more than makes up for in grunt and if you’re going to be using it to transport a large-ish family and their belongings around you’ll probably need it.
Overall the Orlando is a welcome addition to the family car market. It’s a little bit individual, immensely practical, easy to live with as an everyday driver’s car and excellent value.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Orlando 2.0 VCDi LS
Price: £17,655
Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,998, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 9.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 47.1
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BIK rating: 24%
Warranty: 5yrs/ 100,000 miles