Chevrolet Orlando MPV Paris debut

The Chevrolet Orlando MPV (left) seems a bit bland after the concept (right)

Chevrolet first penned the idea of the Chevrolet Orlando with a concept in 2008 (which you can see on the right in the picture above). That has now turned in to the production Orlando which will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, but it does seem to have lost something in the process of going from concept to production. Quelle surprise (well, it is the Paris Motor Show).

It’s actually quite hard to pin down what has happened to turn the quite butch-looking MPV Concept in to the rather bland and boxy production car, but I guess that is what always happens to concepts (with a few exceptions, like the Morgan Eva GT). Anyway, moaning that the Orlando has lost its visual appeal as a production car is pointless. It’s here, so what does it offer?

A reasonable amount, if you can get round how it looks. Despite being based on the same underpinnings as the Chevy Cruze (and the Volt / Ampera for that matter) it manages to squeeze in seven seats to make it a proper mini people carrier.

There’s a choice of oily bits with a petrol – 1.8 litre with 141 hp - and a diesel lump in two flavours – 131hp (low output) or 163 hp (high output).

The interior has a ‘Corvette inspired dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting to the centre console’ and some clever seating, with the rear rows of seats raised and able to move fold and remove to give plenty of flexibility. There is also a novel storage area behind the dash, accessed by opening the facia of the audio system, and various other storage spaces for bits and bobs scattered around.

Chevrolet say there will be four trim levels available with even the lowest spec getting ESP, AirCon and electric mirrors (I know – contain yourself) and production starts in October with customer cars hitting the roads in early 2011.

No word on price, but they should be sensible. If you can get past the bland looks the Orlando could prove to be worth considering if you need to move a brood cost-effectively.

By Cars UK