Used car road test – 2013 Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 LS Chevrolet targeted the fast-growing Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) market by launching the Chevy Orlando in mid 2011.
Used car road test – 2013 Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 LS Chevrolet targeted the fast-growing Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) market by launching the Chevy Orlando in mid 2011.
It competes in a competitive segment with the likes of the Peugeot 5008, Renault Scenic, Toyota Innova and the VW Sharan. The styling of the Orlando is distinctly Chevrolet, with a bold front with fog lights and an interior that will allow a large family to travel in comfort.
The Orlando has three rows of seats and can accommodate up to seven passengers. The seating design is superb, providing a multiple range of seating and luggage accommodating options. Both rows of rear seats and the front passenger seat can fold completely flat to provide a massive 856L of luggage space.
This luxurious MPV is powered by an economical 1.8-litre four-cylinder power plant, providing 104 kW of power at 6 200 r/min with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.2 litres/100Km.
On the open road the Orlando cruised quite happily without having to gear down on up-hills. This of course may alter with a car load of people and a trailer, but power has been balanced with economy, without leaving it underpowered.
The road holding was impressive and is a credit to the design engineers. They have provided Chevy with a wonderfully balanced vehicle that provides ample space while not losing any road handling ability or giving any top heavy responses when cornering or braking.
With the family in mind, the Orlando is a safety first vehicle that boasts an ultra strong roll cage incorporated into the vehicle's chassis. It has a host of safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, side impact bars and side door impact beams, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control and dual Isofix system for securely anchoring child seats.
Features on the LS model we tested include air-conditioning, front loading CD/radio audio system with MP3-compatibilty and an auxiliary input, front and rear fog lamps, adjustable steering column, electric windows, and steering wheel-mounted controls.
An added extra on our test car was a tow bar that will provide a towing capacity of up to 1100kg. Manoeuvring the MPV into parking spaces is made easier with a park assist system and a centrally placed and very large reverse light that gives good visibility for reversing at night.
The best news for any would-be buyer is that with less than 8000km on the clock and with a price tag of only R219 000 this vehicle is a steal.
Additional benefits include the balance of a five year/120 000km warrantee and a three year/60 000km service plan thrown in, making this a very good purchase option indeed.
For further information or to book a test drive, you can call Kenrich motors on 046 622-7312 or Dean Kent on 082 573 3379.
Fact File: Make:Chevrolet Model: Orlando LS Year:2013 Mileage:7700 Engine:1.8L Petrol Transmission:5 speed manual Fuel Tank:64L Consumption:7.2L / 100Km (claimed) Selling price:R219 000 Warrantee:Balance of 5 year / 120 000km Service Plan:Balance of 3 year / 60 000km
