December 14, 2012

Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 Launched in Malaysia !

 2012 is definitely a busy year for Chevrolet in Malaysia, with two models - Sonic and Orlando being launched in the same month. The seven-seater Orlando is priced at RM118,888 without insurance. Built on the same platform as Chevrolet Cruze's, the Orlando promises car-like handling characteristic but also with the practicality of a MPV.

 The Orlando has crossover appearance with bold styling and tapered rear quarters. Rugged looking like an SUV but sits slightly lower, thus reducing the centre of gravity. From the outside, the Orlando might look square-ish from some angles, but it also gives a sense of sturdiness.

The Orlando is powered by a 1.8-litre Ecotec engine which produces 141PS at 6200rpm and 176Nm of torque at 3800rpm, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.8-litre Ecotec engine might sounds underpower for a car as big as the Orlando, but its figures suggested that it is comparable to Innova's 2.0-litre engine's performance (136PS and 182Nm). 


With a wheelbase of 2760mm, the Orlando promises huge cabin space for its 7 occupants. Seating configuration is 2-3-2, and the 2nd row are split 60:40. Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd row can be folded flat to accomodate long luggage. Maximum volume measured up to the roof is 1499 litres and 856 litres to the window line, when the 2nd and 3rd row seats are folded flat. Given Chevrolet's long history in making great MPV (such as the Nabira), trust can be given to Chevrolet when it comes to practicality of the Orlando's cabin.

 ABS, EBD, BA, two airbags, traction control and ISOFix mounting are standard for the Orlando in terms of safety. With its closest competitors being the Nissan Grand Livina and Toyota Innova, Chevrolet Orlando, being the most expensive among the 3, has the best of both worlds. Orlando has sedan-like handling (thanks to European input in engineering) like the Grand Livina while possessing huge cabin space like the Innova.

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