Chevrolet Orlando (2011 – 2015) Review

Chevrolet Orlando (2011 – 2015) At A Glance

3/5

+Seven seats as standard. Easy and comfortable to drive. Decent value and well equipped. Five year/100,000 mile warranty. Chain-cam diesel engine.

-Entry-level 1.8-litre petrol is a bit underwhelming.

Insurance Groups are between 10–17
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

Chevrolet is a brand that has big plans for the future and they start with the Orlando. It's the first MPV from the firm since the awkwardly styled Tacuma (which was an old Daewoo model from 2000), a car that found few buyers. But the seven-seat Orlando is a different kettle of fish altogether and marks a new future for Chevrolet. A future which looks very bright if this is a taste of things to come.

It's nothing revolutionary or exciting, but Chevrolet has managed to get the key things right. The Orlando is easy to drive, it's spacious inside, has seven useable seats and is good value. Add in neat looks, good diesel engines and Chevrolet's five-year/100,000 mile warranty and it's not hard to see why this is an attractive package and a very strong alternative to established MPVs from the likes of Ford and Renault, as well those from Chevrolet's more direct competitors like Hyundai and Kia.

It stands out thanks to chunky styling which seems to be a combination between MPV and crossover (if such a thing exists) but the main thing is that it's distinctive and - dare we say it - quite handsome too. It's actually based on the Chevrolet Cruze and uses similar engines. Under the bonnet, there's a choice of three units, one petrol engine -  a 1.8 litre with 141bhp and two diesel units, the latest version of Chevrolet's 2.0 litre engine available with either 131bhp or the top 163bhp version.

But what is most impressive about the Orlando is the practicality it offers. The 'theatre-style' seating as Chevrolet rather grandly refer to it as, means that those in the back still get a good view forward, even from the third row, which is a must for travel sick youngsters. There are numerous seating layouts available with flat fold seats making changing the interior about a doddle. Storage seems endless with a huge number of cubbies and boxes dotted about.

And the name? Well apparently Chevrolet chose Orlando because it's where Disneyland is and because it’s synonymous with family fun. But this is certainly no Mickey Mouse MPV, instead it's a great value people carrier that has plenty to recommend it.

Road Test and Video Chevrolet Orlando Range  2010

Road Test Chevrolet Orlando 2.0 VCDi 163 2011

Real MPG average for a Chevrolet Orlando (2011 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

75%

Real MPG

21–48 mpg

MPGs submitted

55

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Where can I get Chevrolet car parts?

"I’m having issues sourcing Chevrolet Car parts. A few items need to be replaced on my Chevrolet Orlando but keep finding issues to sourcing the parts that are no longer available. When Chevrolet announced they were pulling out of the European Market in 2015 they said they would continue to supply original parts for a minimum of 10 years, with this still at least 2 years away but it seems to be not the case. Any recommendations?"
Unfortunately we cannot recommend any specific parts suppliers, but it may be that you have to search wider and consider using pattern parts as the supply of OEM parts has inevitably begun to dry up. You may also wish to consider looking at online auction websites for good quality used parts, as well as breakers yards, or you may wish to consider looking for Chevrolet owners clubs who may be able to assist with sourcing parts.
Answered by David Ross

Should I keep my Chevrolet Orlando?

"I purchased a 1.8 manual Chevrolet Orlando with 10,000 miles on the clock in April 2013 for £7500. However, I’ve just heard that Chevrolet is planning to pull out of Europe so how will this affect me? Should I try and sell now? My gut feel is that as it all works perfectly then keep it, service it well and it should look after me well. As it's Vauxhall's standard 1.8 engine I can't imagine anything really going wrong with it. What do you think? "
It was cheap for what it is, though pre reg unused Zafira B 1.6s have been going for £9,995. I wouldn't worry. Make a good taxi.
Answered by Honest John

I'd like to recommend Wolfrace for supplying 16-inch wheels for my Chevrolet Orlando.

"I needed a new set of tyres for my Chevrolet Orlando with 18-inch rims. They would cost me between £550-£600. Wolfrace did me a set of 16-inch alloys with decent quality tyres, balanced and fitted for £648 and I have still got my 18-inch wheels to sell. I now have a much more comfortable and I hope more economical ride. A no brainer really!"
That's a decent deal. www.tyremen.co.uk does a set of 16-inch Alutec alloys for £335 inc, plus the tyres. But, of course, the total cost depends on which tyres you go for. You could fit excellent Goodyear Vector 4 Season tyres and leave them on all year round. You need to disclose the ‘modification’ to your insurer but there should be no penalty.
Answered by Honest John

Should I use wax on my Chevrolet Orlando's paintwork?

"My 18-month-old Chevrolet Orlando has Velvet red metallic paintwork. After shampooing and drying it looks superb. Should I be waxing it? If so, what would you recommend and how often please"
I use Autoglym paint surface cleaner followed by Autoglym High Def Wax. Expensive, but worth it. Lasts about six months and a £40 tub lasts 2 - 3 years.
Answered by Honest John
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