First look: Chevrolet Orlando blooms in Paris

GENERAL Motors has unveiled a compact seven-seat crossover concept ahead of its world premiere at the Paris motor show next month.

Based on the same Delta platform that underpins the forthcoming Chevrolet Cruze – the small car set to succeed the current Holden Viva in Australia next year – the Orlando show car blurs the lines between MPV and SUV.

Although there is no official word on whether the concept will make it into production, GM has made it clear that it intends to expand it small car portfolio as high fuel prices encourage people to look at more economical offerings.

It looks to be a key vehicle for Europe and a strong candidate for sale in Australia as a modern iteration of the Daewoo Tacuma, albeit with a more aggressive exterior design.

According to the GM, the Orlando is a “clear indication that Chevrolet considers to enter the seven-seat family multi-purpose vehicle segment with a distinctive sport utility-like design, offering adaptable seating and impressive interior space”.

The Orlando seats seven with three rows in a theatre-style format. Contributing to the interior space is a 2760mm wheelbase and wide (but as yet unspecified) tracks. The passenger seats can all be folded down to create a spacious load area.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 110kW of power and 320nm of torque. “Following the recent announcement of the all-new Cruze sedan, the Orlando show car hints on another step forward in Chevrolet’s product portfolio and plan to offer customers around the globe impressive value in terms of quality, fuel efficiency and content,” GM said.