GM Vietnam introduces Chevrolet Orlando

>> GM rolls out stylish cars

The seven-seat Orlando will go on sale in late this month. The Orlando’s design – part MPV, part crossover – breaks the rules of a historically conservative segment, making a statement and standing out from the crowd. It is the perfect vehicle for today’s modern family and combines fun, entertainment and relaxation all in a single package.

The product’s name, Orlando, conveys the family-oriented character of the vehicle by creating a connection to a popular family destination in the US state of Florida.

“We are carving out a new segment in the market with the Orlando,” said Gaurav Gupta, managing director of GM Vietnam. “The Orlando not only brings great value for money to modern families on the move, but also brings something fresh to the domestic market – a certain function with attitude, as we put it.”

Gupta added, “The new Orlando limousine will draw people to the Chevrolet brand. It will play a key strategic role in Chevrolet’s aggressive product offensive in Vietnam.”

Chevrolet's new limousine has a bold look, with its low roofline and crossover-inspired silhouette, while retaining the distinctive and recognizable Chevrolet “face” depicted by the split radiator grille and bowtie badge. It also incorporates headlamps with piano black surrounding bezels and chrome parabolas.

Its profile is characterised by a low, swept roofline and muscular, protruding wheel arches that house 17-inch wheels.

At the rear, the Orlando has a number of features that showcase Chevrolet's new design language, including taillamps that have evolved from split function lamps. The center-mounted backup lamp, which sits in the rear bumper, is unique to the Orlando.

While the exterior of the new Chevrolet Orlando is sure to attract plenty of attention, the interior also features many of the latest design cues from Chevrolet such as a Corvette-inspired dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting in the center console.

Distinctive design is nothing without well-thought-out functionality. The “theater-style” seating arrangement of three rows of seats, the generous load area and the numerous storage solutions will grab the attention of family motorists.

In spite of the sweeping roofline, designers have succeeded in raising the second and third rows. This provides occupants an even better view both ahead and to the sides without compromising headroom.

Numerous seating configurations are possible with either the second or third rows folded independently or together to make a completely flat load area. The second row has a tumble-fold facility for both the left- and right-hand outer seats to allow easy access for passengers into and out of the third row.

The Orlando's load area is among the largest in the segment – 1,594 liters when both rows of seats are folded. The Orlando has a range of storage compartments, including a coin holder and two large cup holders in the center console, map and bottle holders integrated into the front and rear doors, and a number of individual compartments in the cargo area.

Perhaps the most ingenious storage area is hidden behind the front fascia of the audio system and within easy reach of both the driver and front-seat passenger. Designers have integrated a usefully large area, which was seen originally in the Orlando concept car. It is revealed by flipping up the face of the audio system. It is large enough to accommodate such items as a CD and MP3 player, sunglasses and wallets.

In addition, the Orlando has an air-conditioning unit for the rear seats and a rearview mirror that ensures the driver is not blinded by bright headlights of trailing vehicles. A flip-down child viewing mirror allows parents to observe their children in the second and third rows of seats, adding to the family-oriented character of the Orlando.  

The Chevrolet Orlando is powered by a 16-valve, four-cylinder 1.8-liter DOHC engine, which is matched with an advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The engine generates maximum power of 104 ps at 6,200 rpm, while maximum torque is 176 Nm at 3,800 rpm.

The Orlando is built on the highly acclaimed Chevrolet Cruze architecture. Like the Cruze, it has segment-leading ride and handling. At its heart is a body frame integral (BFI) structure that is among the stiffest in the compact van segment and offers the benefits of a sedan.

Occupant safety is of paramount importance in GM’s global product development strategy. Orlando owners will be reassured by both the attention to detail and the inclusion of the latest safety technology.

Most of the Orlando's body structure is constructed of high-strength steel (71 per cent) to form an effective passenger safety cage that provides protection in the event of a collision to the front, rear or side of the car. Should a collision occur, occupants will be protected by air bags in the front seats.

The Orlando has a comprehensive list of safety features. Crash sensor technology (CST) ensures that the doors unlock automatically upon detection of an impact. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) incorporates the traction control system (TCS), which enables it to sense slipping of the wheels and prevent the vehicle from sliding, optimising safety for users.