While the Chevy Orlando is a done deal in Europe, there's been no decision about bringing this small people mover over to the U.S., until now. They have just announced the car will be on sale in the U.S. in 2011.
What this sharply chiseled two-box subcompact offers is contemporary styling and three-row 7-passenger seating over the retro-inspired HHR, which carries only five occupants in two rows.
The Orlando shares its architecture with the Cruze as part of GM's global Delta platform. The vehicle's roomier interior is a result of its 108.6-in. wheelbase, more than two inches longer than its sedan counterpart. Its styling features the familiar-looking grille from the big-selling Malibu sedan, along with the aforementioned three rows of theater-style seating. The back two rows fold flat for excellent cargo space. The interior's materials are upscale for this price segment, and the cabin looks production-ready — another sign that the Orlando is ready for European prime time. With its chiseled sheetmetal and seating for seven, the Orlando looks like a more muscular and space-efficient version of Scion's popular xB.
Power comes from Chevy's fuel-sipping 2.0-liter common-rail diesel engine that makes 150 bhp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Like the Cruze, the Orlando has an independent front and torsion beam rear suspension and electric-assist power steering.
