With the Chevrolet Orlando is the first time represented in the compact van segment. We have tested the top model in the series.

Chevrolet has always been a family brand, so it was only a matter of time before Europe in a suitable family van enters the market. With the Chevrolet Orlando now has the ideal companion for young families, but also for business in the offer.

The 465.2 cm long compact MPV offers up to seven passengers and is distinguished by a bully, yet sporty design of its competitors. Carries forward the Chevrolet Orlando, the typical nose with the large Chevrolet logo on the radiator grille cross bar.

The world of Orlando begins at € 18 990, as LS 1.8 with 147 hp gasoline engine. For our test we chose the top model in the series, the 2.0 liter diesel with 163 hp, automatic transmission and LTZ + versions.

The Chevrolet Orlando. Never before has a versatile seven-seater looked so good. A spacious, comfortable family van with an individual design that stands out pleasantly from the crowd.

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Here's all aboard, the car's heart could desire. Among others, there is next to ABS, ESP, six airbags, parking assistance, leather seats, audio system with six speakers, a navigation system with 7 "display, an automatic climate control, electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable, heated, and folding exterior mirrors and 18 "alloy rims.

This sounds all very expensive, but when you look at the list price is the first big surprise. The only option there is a metallic coating and including the top of this comes to Orlando 28 980 €. A price at which we had to look twice, if that can really be. Skeptical as the motoring journalist after all, is expected to be elsewhere now, of course, compromise, justify the low price - in other words for testing.

When you first look into the interior, the Orlando presents ever very comfortable. The large leather seats have been watching very comfortable, and this impression is confirmed then also on a long motorway stage.

The landscape follows the new Chevrolet fittings design and is very dynamic, but also clearly designed. One feels at home straight away. The mix of Chevrolet design (eg the design of the speedometer unit) and Opel parts (eg the light switch and the steering column stalk) it fits very well. During processing, there is no reason to complain, no rattling or crunching interfere, and the noise insulation is first class. Even at high motorway speeds, it still remains exceptionally quiet interior.

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Even space is excellent, although when used as a 7-seater hardly any luggage compartment and also the access to third Series is a bit cramped. To transport the kids to the sports field but have enough space for all. In five-seat configuration the boot capacity reaches 458-856 liters. As usual for a U.S. car, but still spoils of Orlando with many storage areas and cupholders and a decent glove compartment. The only thing that one notices in the interior of the saving measures, is that the automatic air conditioning is not controlled separately, which can get over but easy - usually can persuade the Chevrolet full time in this chapter.

Still remains to handle the drive section, where the key data to sound ever positive. The 2.0-liter diesel with 163 hp (120 kW) has a maximum torque of 360 Nm at 2,000 rev / min.

This power is sufficient to convey the 1.65-ton Chevrolet in 11 seconds from 0 to 100 km / hr. The top speed is 195 km / h. In practice, the Orlando looks even faster, and also in the intermediate sprint, for example after a construction-end, one quickly reaches the desired speed.

The engine does its work very quietly and confidently, and you never have the feeling to need more power. The combination of the engine with the 6-speed automatic is also very pleasant. So it can actually go totally relaxed, and the shifting of the automatic are graded so well that you have the possibility of manual sorting of course never actually takes.

However, are getting used to the brakes. First, a little spongy and pedal with a long-way, they attack with a firm foot but still very good. The chassis is completely tuned it back on to the European taste, although the Orlando its origin can not entirely deny.

In fast cornering, you soon at the borders, and the Orlando starts to swim a little. Still, he can then start slightly and keep on track, but the orientation is clearly toward comfort, what passes for a family van in order. After all, he ironed out even the biggest potholes gone brilliantly and brings the passengers to their destination comfortably.

Despite its length and becoming narrower toward the rear windows of Orlando is very clear. The box-shaped design and the high hood allow good visibility. The parking assistance system also facilitates maneuvering in tight parking spaces, which is also in the city of Orlando operation to prove his fitness.

And consumption, there are no negative surprises, because the drinking habits of the old U.S. battleships have with the Orlando absolutely nothing in common. The factory-specified 7 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, we could not reach, with 7.6 liters of Orlando protects the family budget but still quite good. After all, one has 163 hp and an automatic transmission, which by nature are not the ingredients for an enormous economy. But the fun is not too short.

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