Practical as they are, the problem with MPVs is that, largely as a result of their space-maximising designs, they end up looking just like school run tools.
Now there's a mould-breaker in the mix. Chevrolet's new Orlando, which has just landed in South Africa, could prove a refreshing addition to this practical family transport club, where it will go up against the likes of Toyota's Verso, Peugeot's 5008, the Mazda5 and VW Touran.
We refer to this attempt by GM to plug the void left by the Opel Zafira as refreshing because its squared-off lines and slightly raised ride height make it appear somewhat tougher than its rivals. In fact what GM calls an “MPV at heart but crossover vehicle in style” is arguably a better attempt than the Peugeot 3008 at blending the two segments.
Sharing its platform and 1.8-litre engine with the Chevrolet Cruze sedan, the Orlando offers a flexible, seven-seat interior configuration. The theatre-style seating arrangement for the three rows of seats aims to offer good views, but with all seats in place the Orlando offers a paltry 89 litres worth of luggage space. Fold the third row down, however, and you'll have 458 litres up to the window line, increasing to 1499 litres if you also fold the middle row and load up to the roof.
Not only do the seats fold to create a flat load area, but the second row has a fold-and-tumble function for the two outer seats, allowing easier access to the third row.
Chevrolet's usual model designations apply to this model, with consumers having a choice between LS and LT specification levels.
The entry-level LS provides basics like air conditioning, tilt- and reach-adjustable steering, power mirrors and a six-speaker CD/MP3/Aux sound system in addition to niceties like cruise control, rear park assist and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Upgrade to the LT and you also receive climate control, automatic mirrors and wipers, leather trim and 18-inch alloy wheels among other additions. On the safety front, both models offer front, side and curtain airbags as well as ESP and traction control.
As mentioned, power comes from the familiar 1.8-litre 16-valve petrol engine, which produces 104kW at 6200rpm and 176Nm at 3800rpm and channels its power through the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Expect it to struggle at Reef altitudes though, judging by our previous experiences with the lighter 1.8-litre Cruze. GM claims combined fuel consumption of 7.2 litres per 100km and emissions of 171g/km.
Prices are well within the segment ballpark and include a three-year/60 000km service plan and a five-year/120 000km warranty with roadside assistance.
PRICES:
1.8 LS - R254 400
1.8 LT - R295 000
RIVALS:
Mazda5 2.0 - R252 800-R286 390
Peugeot 5008 1.6T - R282 000-R314 300
Peugeot 5008 2.0 HDi - R302 000
Toyota Verso 1.6 - R249 300-R262 700
Toyota Verso 1.8 - R289 200-R298 600
VW Touran 1.4 TSI - R299 800
VW Touran 2.0 TDI - R286 500-R301 000