Chevrolet Orlando reborn as a crossover in China

The Chevrolet Orlando, which has been around since 2011, is set to be reborn as a crossover in China. The original car, a rather uniquely styled MPV sold across the world, including here, has been gradually discontinued over the past few years. The switch from MPV to a more in-trend crossover style was also used by Renault for the Espace.

Nothing groundbreaking (or jaw dropping, like the just-revealed Chevy Blazer) in the design, with a face that’s recognisable as a Chevrolet. It’s made up of a slim grille that connects the headlamps, sitting above a huge mouth of a lower intake and vertical intakes on the lower sides. Like the Blazer, the side glass area has a tiny “bridge” that connects to the rear screen.

The rear end is rather plain and generic, but the taillamp clusters have the same scalloped bottom as the headlamps. There are LED signatures too. There will be a sporty top variant with black replacing chrome/body colour on the exterior – the Chevy bow tie logo and model badging, grille and side mirrors are parts that get blacked out. A panoramic glass roof is also available.

China’s Autohome lists the new Orlando’s dimensions as 4,684 mm long, 1,807 mm wide and 1,628 mm tall, which is 32 mm longer, 29 mm narrower and 5 mm lower than the original MPV. Wheelbase length has grown by 36 mm to 2,796 mm. It is reported that both five- and seven-seat versions will be available.

There’s a “530T” badge at the back, but it’s speculated that the Orlando could be powered by a 1.3 litre turbo engine with 156 hp, mated to either a six-speed automatic or stick shift. The Chinese-made new Chevrolet Orlando is set to officially debut later this year in the world’s largest auto market.

GALLERY: First-gen Chevrolet Orlando

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