GMI Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Orlando 2LT

[ne_one]

GMI Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Orlando 2LT
www.GMInsideNews.com
October 24, 2011
by Mark Rickan

With GM's withdrawal from the minivan market, the shuttering of Pontiac and the discontinuation of the Chevrolet HHR, the options for buyers looking for a multipurpose vehicle became limited. For Canadian consumers, the U-Body minivans in particular were a perennial favourite because they were both budget-friendly and capable haulers.

While the Theta platform twins (Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain) and Lamba-based triplets (Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia) have proven to be popular offerings in the mid and full-size crossover segments, their price point is decidedly upmarket and their stature somewhat imposing.

First unveiled as a concept at the Paris Motor Show in 2008, the Chevrolet Orlando is a five-door, seven passenger MPV that attempts to address the compact crossover void. Based on the Delta II platform that it shares with the Cruze and Volt, the Orlando is equipped with a 2.4L ECOTEC four cylinder engine that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Our test unit was the 2LT trim level, upgraded to include an automatic transmission.

As we toured through the rolling short hills of southern Ontario over several rainy autumn days, we compiled the following scorecard:

Design (8)

Looks are subjective and the Orlando is certainly a vehicle that elicits a wide spectrum of reactions. We found the high beltline and aggressive stance combined with the distinctive front and rear sculpting to be appealing. Make no mistake however, this is a vehicle designed foremost for its practicality and less for its styling.

The interior of the Orlando adopts the dual cockpit layout of the Cruze, providing an expansive dash that is complimented nicely by ambient lighting and an appropriate combination of brightwork. Not surprising for this segment, surfaces are comprised largely of hard plastic with softer material included for touch points. All controls are conveniently within the reach of the driver and the cloth seating is both comfortable and supportive.

Most importantly for an extended compact crossover, the split 2nd and 3rd row seating configurations provide for convenient access and comfort. Spring-loaded levers are included for moving the 2nd rows seats forward while the 3rd row seats fold flat, allowing for optimal use of storage space. We anticipate that most buyers will use the 3rd row for storage and seating for children but the available space is more than adequate for carrying adults up to about 180 cm in height.

Performance (8)

All Orlando trim levels are equipped with the same 174 HP 2.4L ECOTEC engine, with the entry-level LS model mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the high-end LTZ model paired with a 6-speed automatic.

We found acceleration to be responsive for this segment, providing power and torque that is surprisingly peppy for a vehicle of this heft. Pressed into action, bucking was evident around the 2,000 RPM mark as the 6-speed transmission hunted for its optimal gear placement.

The power-assisted steering is agile if occasionally overactive and body rolls are minimal.

In general, we found the overall driving experience of the Orlando to be pleasurable and comparable to its platform stable mates.

Quality (9)

The Orlando’s fit and finish is excellent and all elements clearly indicate that this vehicle has leveraged the experiences developing the Cruze for its design and manufacturing. Exterior panels are snug and interior components are aligned with precision. Materials are excellent for a vehicle in this segment and we expect that the workmanship will stand up over time.

If we have a minor quibble with the Orlando it’s because of the plastic levers and latches that are included for adjusting the front seats and rolling the second row seats forward. For mechanisms that will endure considerable wear and tear, the parts are quite flimsy and encourage gentle use.

Safety and Security (7)

The Orlando is equipped with a total of 6 air bags, providing frontal (driver & passenger), side impact (seat mounted, driver & passenger) and overhead (curtain 1st & 2nd row) protection. Noticeably absent are air bags for 3rd row passengers, a shortcoming that needs to be addressed for the Orlando to both remain competitive and to convince buyers of the viability of the seven passenger seating.

Other standard features in the safety category include side impact beams, OnStar assistance and StabiliTrak traction control.

Security options include stolen vehicle tracking and an anti-theft alarm system, exclusives in this segment.

Features (9)

The Orlando is well-appointed and we found even the entry-level LS model to include all of the amenities that one would expect in a vehicle of this type, including several nice-to-have items like convenient cubbies for storing personal effects.

Orlando trim-level upgrade options are luxury rather than utility-oriented and include features like UltraSonic park assist, an integrated navigation/infotainment system, power retractable sunroof and adjustable driver's seat positioning.

Fuel Economy (8)

EnerGuide rated at 6.9L/100 km, the Orlando offers best-in-class highway mileage. Consumption for city driving is rated at 10.6L/100 km, nominally higher than the 9.7 L/100 km provided by the Mazda5.

During our test run of over 400 km, we observed combined mileage of 9.7L/100 km (24 mpg), a result that we found to be very reasonable given the size and weight of the Orlando. At the same time, we are convinced that this vehicle would be significantly more compelling if it were offered with eAssist.

Value (8)

With a starting price of just under $20,000, the Orlando is positioned competitively within the compact crossover segment and to also appeal to buyers considering mini vans and mid-size crossovers.

We suspect that most buyers will opt for the 1LT and 2LT models, foregoing the pricier trinkets of the LTZ. While nicely-equipped, the base LS model does not include air conditioning, a feature that has become increasingly essential to those enduring summers close to the 49th parallel.

Overall Rating: 8.1/10

Likes:

• extensive features at a competitive price point
• exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride
• nimble handling for a vehicle of this size
• second and third row split folding seats are accessible and easy to configure

Dislikes:

• low-resolution infotainment display is more Atari than Xbox
• lower body cladding detracts from visual appeal
• hard plastic interior

Bottom line:

If you're in the market for a versatile, well-equipped MPV that comes in at an attractive price point, the Chevrolet Orlando should definitely be on your shortlist.

Vehicle Summary:

[Dr. Show-Me]

GM should produce the Orlando in the US. It should be the replacement of the HHR, as a compact station wagon/cuv for those who need/want a compact 7 passenger vehicle.

[Evo69]

Should have gotten a 6 for the styling. Good write up, clearly not a vehicle for me but people looking for a lower priced practical car will appreciate its value and usefulness..

[CaddyLac10]

The Orlando looks like a solid product and I want to like it, but man, the exterior is horrible. It looks dated, bland, and just awkward.

The interior actually looks good with solid fit and finish, but I just don't understand why the exterior wasn't given any thought. It's clear that design was second the value proposition that this vehicle represents.

The HHR was cool in some ways. This isn't. There's no place for it in the US. Considering all of the other utility/crossover choices in the US, it would get passed up by the public because there's nothing compelling enough about it.

[EcoBustier69]

GM could make it a competitor/alternative to the C-Max, especially if they come out with a hybrid/e-assist version. Small mini-vans/crossovers are great for empty nesters and young families.

[Koasterking]

other than re-doing the headlights and taillights, and sharpening up the grill, it would be a nice small utility vehicle. an AWD model would suit me well

[Perian]

Judging by the license plate width, do we really need a 12" wide Chevy emblem on the grill?
.

[solman98]

[SIZE="5"]

We suspect that most buyers will opt for the 1LT and 2LT models, foregoing the pricier trinkets of the LTZ. While nicely-equipped, the base LS model does not include air conditioning, a feature that has become increasingly essential to those enduring summers close to the 49th parallel.

This suprised me. Should be standard across the board.

[upinottawa]

I still find it odd that the LTZ model is the only model that offers the bright surround mouldings on the front grill and window sills. I don't think that there is an option to add such mouldings to the 2LT.

Mark, how does this vehicle compare (size, drive, overall experience) to the updated Dodge Journey?

[Michael_S]

No airbag protection for third row passengers? Taking a page from the Kia Sorento and Subaru Tribeca, I see. I'm disappointed.

On the other hand, I don't like the thought of having people riding with their seat backs against the rear window anyway. I wouldn't get a Mazda 5 if I was going to put kids in the third row, either.

[mbukukanyau]

How did Chevrolet miss the Airbags on the third row seats... Man!! This would be perfect as a HHR replacement for us. This seems to be a half assed effort, no wonder they will not bring it to the States.

[chevypowa670]

I like the new rating system.

[Rex Raider]

The very base model Kia Rondo also doesn't feature air conditioning. It's a Canada thing.

[silvergoat2k6]

What a bland and boring looking vehicle...and $30K also. Perhaps GM knows something we don't by not selling this in the U.S.

[danup]

This is a cheap-looking car with a cheap-looking interior—Chevy's cheapest-looking since before they got interior religion with the 08 Malibu. There's obviously a place for affordable cars that don't blow you away visually, but I think Chevy could have done better by the Orlando concept than this.