Some parts of Chevrolet's range look a bit half-hearted (like the Lacetti), but the Orlando is a serious effort to take on European compact MPVs. This segment has grown hugely since Renault invented it with the first-generation Scenic and now every car maker wants a piece of the action. Chevrolet has sensibly decided to concentrate on the larger part of the segment with a seven seat model - it can then credibly promise more car for less money.
In truth, none of the competing models are full seven seaters - for that you need a bigger Ford Galaxy or VW Sharan. Ford calls this type of car 5+2, which is an honest appraisal: five full seats plus two seats that are OK for children or adults on short trips. The Chevrolet Orlando is competitive for space with rivals such as the Renault Grand Scenic and Ford Grand C-Max, but no more than that.
From the outside, the car looks quite imposing from the front and will impress the neighbours if you reverse it into the drive. However the styling gets less impressive as you move further back, with the tail being rather dull and blocky. In fact, from the rear, it looks like the stylist once saw a picture of a Ford S-Max and was desperately trying to remember how its angled tail-lights and window corners were done. The interior is actually quite impressive - neat and contemporary, so you do not think you are driving a bargain-basement car. We particularly like the disguised cubby hole where you can discreetly hide mobile phones and other small valuables.
On the road, the Orlando is perfectly acceptable - as long as you buy the diesel (as most people do with this type of car). The petrol struggles with the weight of the Orlando and burns fuel at a frightening rate. Even the diesel is only just acceptable on that score.
Overall the Chevrolet Orlando is worth a look, but we would suggest that you choose your version carefully. It is worth paying more for the diesel engine, but don't go too far up the range. It can become expensive at the top end, thanks to lots of toys that aren't actually very good. For example the sat-nav is fiddly to use and not worth the money - just get an aftermarket one and hide it in the cubby hole when parked.