SMOOTH FAMILY OPERATOR

Orlando ticks all the boxes, writes mom-behind-the-wheel Lucia Poorter

THE CHEVROLET Orlando 1.8 petrol, which retains some of the original American Chevrolet design but is built in South Korea, is a smooth ride and drives like a dream.

I was particularly reassured by the fact that it is supported by Korean GM Daewoo engineering, given the high level of competence associated with this nation.

The engine barely made a sound above the din of late-afternoon traffic. I loved the large windscreen, which offered a better view than the sedan and the 4x4 I am used to driving. Powerful wipers effectively cleared it during hefty downpours that characterise Joburg summer afternoons. On a trip to the Magaliesberg, when the skies suddenly darkened, my family and I were impressed by the built-in rain sensor.

The gears change easily, requiring only an upward ring shift into reverse. I liked the all-black interior, which is apparently the European preference. The interior blue lighting gave it a futuristic feel, and I enjoyed the gauge signals in red, yellow and green.

The air conditioner worked well, as did the climate control. The air quality sensor to filter air was a much-appreciated bonus when I found myself stuck behind a smoky bus during my first morning in traffic.

The manufacturers do not skimp on “infotainment”, and the car is equipped with a state-of-theart music system. It has the usual AM and FM radio settings that can be set to your favourite stations. The system accommodates CDS and MP3S, and you can connect an ipod, MP3 player, USB stick or portable CD player.

Infotainment can also be controlled from the steering wheel.

There are two cup holders between the front seats, a feature I find essential on a long family trip with children. There is also a cubbyhole for storing sunglasses and other small items.

Despite being bulkier than a sedan, the Orlando’s drivability made it a nimble traffic negotiator. I averaged just above 9 litres per 100km in town, which came down to 7.6l/100km on a trip into the country.

A trip computer, which is operated from the steering wheel, calculates variables such as average fuel consumption and speed.

I was concerned that the 1.8-litre petrol engine might lack power, but this proved not to be the case (possibly due to the vehicle’s light weight). Although the real test would have been a fully loaded car, with a trailer, on a trip to the coast, I was confident that the Orlando would manage this comfortably. The engine seemed a fair compromise in terms of combining fuel economy with a larger size.

The Orlando is a seven-seater, with a third row of two seats in the boot that can be lifted down. This is more than adequate for lifting children around town, and, at a push, could accommodate older children on a longer trip. The front seats felt more compact than a Toyota or Merc, but this possibly just requires getting used to. The seats themselves are designed with comfort in mind.

I found the Orlando’s 4.65m length easy enough to park in public garages, and it fitted comfortably in my garage. With the third- row seats down, there is ample boot space.

The Orlando is considered more stylish and sleek than its SUV competitors. It has much to commend it in terms of the thought that has gone into its many safety features, and its solid performance.

The Orlando also comes with a 60 000km or three-year service plan.

If you are in the market for a family transporter, this is definitely a proposition. I was sad to let it go.