NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd has just given MPV segment buyers a better choice with a bold and remarkably striking seven-seater MPV, the Chevrolet Orlando. An MPV at heart but ‘crossover’ vehicle in style, the Orlando stands out in a demanding and somewhat conservative market segment.
“The Chevrolet Orlando has the aesthetics of an SUV, the convenient size of a crossover and the three-row seating, seven-passenger capacity of a minivan. It’s a refreshing blend of practicality, style and comfort in a value-for-money package with highly competitive running costs,” said Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of NAZA Group of Companies.
Breaking from the conventional mold that saw MPV owners categorized as being somewhat untrendy, the Orlando instead adopts a bolder look with its low roofline, tapered rear, prominent wheel arches and crossover-inspired silhouette. The brand DNA is unmistakably Chevrolet with the trademark split radiator grill and bow-tie emblem defining the vehicle’s façade.
The Orlando is in fact a 7-seater based on the GM’s global delta platform with a crossover styling that appeals to a wider range of drivers. The Orlando shares a number of the attributes of that platform including excellent ride and handling characteristics and a rewarding driving experience. With its stylish functionality and sporty appearance, it is indeed a refreshing alternative to other family vehicles currently on the road.
The interior design of the Orlando draws on numerous Chevrolet design cues. Amongst these are the sporty Corvette inspired dual cockpit layout and blue ambient back-lighting for the centre console. Both distinctive and functional, the interior layout provides for excellent ergonomics with all major controls well placed within intuitive reach of the driver.
The ‘theatre-style’, raised tier format of seating arrangement for the three rows of seats maximizes interior space utilization to provide comfortable accommodation for seven passengers together with a generous load carrying area. Despite the sleek roofline of the Orlando, the design team has succeeded in creating sufficient interior headroom to allow the second and third rows of seats to be raised to allow the occupants of these seats to enjoy enhanced forward and sideways views. This is achieved without any compromise to headroom, in fact the headroom in the third row of seats in the Orlando exceeds that of a number of its competitors.
Versatile seating combinations enable families to adjust according to load requirements. This remarkably spacious vehicle offers several seating configurations with the second and third rows folding independently or in tandem to enable a completely flat load area – thus providing generous luggage space, ideal for those local family holidays! Both the left and right outer seats in the second row have a tumble fold ability, which eases access for passengers moving into and out of the third row seats.
With the rear of the vehicle configured for maximum load carrying capacity, the Orlando offers one of the most voluminous capacities in the monocab MPV class. With both the second and third rows of seats folded down the capacity of the Orlando is a cavernous 1499 litres. Loaded to the window line the capacity is 856 litres.
Numerous small compartments within the cab itself provide an abundance of handy hideaways for nick-nacks. The most distinctive storage feature is hidden behind the front fascia of the stereo. This is ideal for placing items such as sunglasses or wallets and with a standard auxiliary jack and USB port for MP3 and iPod connectivity, as well as additional Bluetooth wireless connectivity are designed with convenience and practicality in mind.
As always, occupant safety is a prime consideration in designing vehicles for family transport. The Orlando is fitted with two airbags and the body has been designed around a passenger safety cell philosophy with high strength steel used in all areas where high body strength is required. For discerning parents with children or babies on board, ISOFIX fitments are provided for child seats and baby bassinets at the second row of the seats. Two steel anchors between the rear seat back and seat cushion, and a further top tether which is fitted to seat back to ensure the child seats can be installed securely.
Effective protection is provided by, what can best be described as, a passenger safety cage to cover the incidence of front, side-on and rear collisions. Aside from the use of high-strength materials, the basic design incorporates crumple zones to absorb the initial impact and strategically placed chassis members designed to effectively dissipate impact energy through the body structure. Fitted with the latest in crash technology, the Orlando doors automatically unlock upon detection of impact.
The Orlando is powered by a 1.8 litre fuel-efficient, 16-valve petrol engine with multi-point fuel injection. This engine produces maximum power of 141hp @ 6200 r/min and peak torque of 176 Nm @ 3800 r/min. Drive is via a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers fuel economy measured by GM engineers of 7.9liters/100 km for combined cycle operation.
The LT specification level is formulated around the latest global Chevrolet trim levels. Both offer a comprehensive list of standard features and exceptional value. Standard items on the LT trim level include 17” alloy wheels; power steering; height and depth adjustable steering wheel; air conditioner; power side mirrors; rear park assist; cruise control; a full suite of electronic driver aids including ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, Traction Control, and Brake Assist.
The ultimate family vehicle makes its way to Naza Quest Sdn Bhd showrooms throughout Malaysia this December. The 1.8 litre petrol engine is offered at RM 118,888.00 with warranty for 5 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) and engine oil change at every 15,000km interval – only with GM Tech Dexos Oil at any Chevrolet authorized service centre.
More exciting information about Chevrolet Malaysia & the new Chevrolet Orlando may be obtained at www.chevrolet.com.my and http://www.facebook.com/MYChevrolet. Follow @Chevrolet_MY for the latest updates and offerings of Chevrolet Malaysia.
