| First Drive | Valencia, Spain | Chevrolet Orlando |

Since General Motors imploded and called upon the US Government for a multi-billion dollar bailout, the remit is crystal clear: make cars that people want to buy. We find out if the new Chevrolet Orlando MPV fits the bill.

In the Metal

There's nothing revolutionary about any of the design aspects of the Orlando. In fact, it is safe to say it errs more on the side of caution rather than a big, bold MPV statement we might have seen before the GM apocalyptic financial meltdown. That said, this more conservative approach will surely be more acceptable to us Brits as we've never fully accepted the US way of mini-van styling.

So far so good, then? Well, not quite. See, the one major problem this car does have, and it is an obvious one, is that this Chevrolet still seems to be a work-in-progress. Cast your mind back a few years, the time just before Hyundai and Kia took a more European stance on their designs - the Orlando is basically at that same stage. Its overall appearance is in no way offensive to the eye; it just doesn't hold the same flair and ingenuity as the Peugeot 5008 or the build quality of the SEAT Alhambra, two of its immediate competitors.

The interior, although bolted together with a reasonable amount of proficiency, comprises of acres of cheap materials and lacks any real zing. And even though all seven seats perform a myriad of actions to allow the rear to transform into a useful load are, they are somewhat more functional than being super comfortable. And this is the crux of the Orlando's problem: there is blatant lack of finesse that becomes more and more apparent the longer time is spent in it.

What you get for your Money

This car will be more likely to be bought on price and aesthetics long before handling and ride will be judged as a major consideration. And, on that basis it will woo the consumer. The entry trim level LS kicks the pricing off at £16,395 and boasts a better-than-expected smattering of standard equipment. Included in this package are air conditioning, front electric windows, ESC stability control, six airbags, three 12V power sockets, tinted windows and follow-me-home headlights.

A further £1,000 gets the LT, the next trim level up. Rear parking sensors, a USB port, front fog lights, 16-inch alloys, rear electric windows and an upgraded sounded system are just some of additions that make this the best value out of all the three specs. If you're not bothered by 17-inch alloys, a cheap-looking gloss black centre console and some other can-live-without niceties then don't bother with the top-end LTZ because it really doesn't warrant the extra cost.

Driving it

The Orlando is perfect for a family drive, much better in fact than its MPV title would give it credit for. It feels sharper than many of its immediate rivals and drives far more like a conventional hatchback than a tall people mover. The steering would benefit from a little more weight but the car does have excellent body control and stays composed at all speeds.

There's a choice of two engines. The entry level - and sole petrol option - is a 1.8-litre unit. This may seem like a small engine for a car of this size but it does feel eager and, despite the weight it has to carry, will reach 62mph from rest in 11.2 seconds. Even with a few passengers on board it performs well and only with a full load of seven people and luggage does it start to feel like its labouring. On the diesel front is a 2.0VCDi with a choice of 128- or 161bhp outputs. The lower-powered version has plenty of low-down pulling power with little lag and will take a full load of passenger and bags without denting the performance too much. This will do 0-62mph benchmark in 9.9 seconds.



Worth Noting

The higher-powered diesel offers the better prospect for anyone likely to have all seven seats filled the majority of the time with greater pulling power and a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds. The manual gearbox - six-speed on the diesel, five-speed on the petrol - is not as slick as it could be. There is the option to order the 161bhp diesel with a six-speed auto and this proved to be the best overall engine/gearbox combo, although it does send the price to just over £20,000.

Summary

Even though it has one or two natty touches, the Chevrolet Orlando will never set the motoring world alight. It has been built to appeal to those on a budget, and it on first appearances it shows. However, the real joy of this Chevy is that it does drive really well and the engines are far from lacking. What else it shows us is that maybe, just maybe, General Motors is now listening to its customers needs and for that reason alone it should be commended.