Chevrolet Orlando Review: Is It Worth Buying In Malaysia?

by Alex Braham 58 views

Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a Chevrolet Orlando in Malaysia? Let's dive deep into a comprehensive review to help you decide if this MPV is the right fit for you and your family. We'll explore everything from its performance and handling to its interior comfort, features, and overall value proposition in the Malaysian market. Buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview of the Chevrolet Orlando

The Chevrolet Orlando is a compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that aims to blend the practicality of a minivan with the more manageable size and fuel efficiency of a car. Introduced to the Malaysian market, it sought to offer families an affordable and versatile transportation solution. The Orlando boasts a spacious interior with up to seven seats, making it suitable for larger families or those who frequently need to transport extra passengers. Its design prioritizes functionality, with a focus on maximizing interior space and providing ample storage options.

However, the Orlando faced stiff competition in Malaysia from other established MPV models known for their reliability, features, and brand reputation. As a result, it's crucial to assess the Orlando's strengths and weaknesses in the context of the Malaysian market to determine its overall appeal and value. This review will delve into various aspects of the Orlando, including its performance, handling, interior, features, and reliability, to provide potential buyers with a balanced perspective.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the Chevrolet Orlando generally offers a decent experience for everyday driving. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers adequate power for city commutes and highway cruising. However, don't expect blistering acceleration or sporty performance. The engine is tuned more for fuel efficiency and smooth power delivery, which is perfectly fine for a family-oriented MPV.

The Orlando's handling is also quite predictable and comfortable. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for passengers. However, it's not the most engaging vehicle to drive, and there's noticeable body roll in corners. Overall, the Orlando prioritizes comfort and practicality over sporty handling, which is in line with its intended purpose as a family-friendly MPV. For those looking for a more engaging driving experience, other MPVs in the market might be a better choice.

Interior Space and Comfort

One of the strongest selling points of the Chevrolet Orlando is its spacious and versatile interior. With three rows of seats, it can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The front seats offer good support and adjustability, while the second-row seats provide ample legroom and headroom for adults. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they're still usable for short trips. The Orlando also boasts a generous amount of cargo space, especially with the third-row seats folded down. This makes it ideal for families who need to haul groceries, luggage, or other bulky items.

In terms of comfort, the Orlando offers a decent ride quality, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. However, the interior materials and finishes are not the most luxurious. You'll find plenty of hard plastics throughout the cabin, which can detract from the overall sense of quality. The seat upholstery is also fairly basic, and the sound insulation could be better. Overall, the Orlando's interior prioritizes practicality and space over premium materials and refinement. If you're looking for a luxurious and upscale interior, you might be disappointed. However, if you value space, versatility, and practicality, the Orlando's interior is a definite plus.

Features and Technology

When it comes to features and technology, the Chevrolet Orlando offers a decent array of equipment, but it's not the most cutting-edge in its class. Depending on the trim level, you can expect to find features such as air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a basic audio system, and a multi-information display. Some models may also come with alloy wheels, fog lamps, and a roof rack. However, don't expect to find advanced features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, or advanced driver-assistance systems.

The Orlando's technology offerings are fairly basic compared to newer MPVs on the market. The audio system is adequate for playing music, but it lacks features such as Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration. The multi-information display provides basic information about the vehicle, such as fuel consumption and trip data. Overall, the Orlando's features and technology are functional but not particularly impressive. If you're looking for a vehicle with the latest and greatest technology, you might want to consider other options. However, if you're on a budget and prioritize practicality over advanced features, the Orlando's equipment list should suffice.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability is a crucial factor to consider when buying any car, and the Chevrolet Orlando is no exception. While the Orlando is generally considered to be a relatively reliable vehicle, it's important to be aware of some potential issues. Some owners have reported problems with the transmission, electrical system, and air conditioning. It's also worth noting that Chevrolet has since exited the Malaysian market, which could make it more challenging to find spare parts and qualified mechanics.

Maintenance costs for the Orlando are generally reasonable, but they could be higher compared to more popular MPV models. It's essential to keep up with regular maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups, to ensure the Orlando remains in good running condition. Due to Chevrolet's departure from Malaysia, it's advisable to find a trusted independent mechanic who is familiar with the Orlando and can provide reliable service and repairs. Overall, the Orlando's reliability is decent, but it's crucial to be aware of potential issues and plan for maintenance accordingly.

Fuel Efficiency

For fuel efficiency, the Chevrolet Orlando offers decent mileage for its class. The 1.8-liter engine is designed to balance power and fuel economy, providing reasonable consumption figures for both city and highway driving. You can expect to achieve around 8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed driving conditions, which is comparable to other MPVs in its segment. However, fuel economy can vary depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and the overall condition of the vehicle.

To maximize fuel efficiency, it's essential to drive smoothly, avoid aggressive acceleration, and maintain a steady speed on the highway. Regular maintenance, such as keeping the tires properly inflated and changing the air filter, can also help improve fuel economy. Overall, the Orlando's fuel efficiency is acceptable for a family-oriented MPV, but it's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. If fuel economy is a top priority, you might want to consider other MPVs with smaller engines or hybrid powertrains.

Pricing and Value

In terms of pricing, the Chevrolet Orlando was positioned as an affordable MPV in the Malaysian market. However, since Chevrolet has exited Malaysia, the Orlando is only available as a used car. Prices for used Orlando models can vary depending on the year, condition, and mileage. It's essential to do your research and compare prices from different sellers to ensure you're getting a fair deal. When evaluating the Orlando's value, it's crucial to consider its age, condition, and the availability of spare parts and service. Given Chevrolet's departure from Malaysia, it might be more challenging to maintain the Orlando in the long run.

Overall, the Orlando offers decent value for money, especially if you're looking for a spacious and practical MPV on a budget. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider the potential challenges associated with owning a Chevrolet in Malaysia. If you're willing to accept these challenges, the Orlando can be a good option for families who need a versatile and affordable transportation solution.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Chevrolet Orlando in Malaysia:

Pros:

  • Spacious and versatile interior
  • Affordable price (used market)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
  • Comfortable ride

Cons:

  • Basic features and technology
  • Plain interior design
  • Potential reliability issues
  • Limited availability of spare parts and service
  • Chevrolet's exit from Malaysia

Alternatives to the Chevrolet Orlando

If you're not convinced that the Chevrolet Orlando is the right MPV for you, there are several alternatives to consider in the Malaysian market. Some popular options include the Proton Exora, Perodua Alza, Toyota Avanza, and Honda BR-V. These MPVs offer similar levels of practicality and affordability, but they may have different strengths and weaknesses. It's essential to research each model carefully and compare them based on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion: Is the Chevrolet Orlando Worth Buying?

So, is the Chevrolet Orlando worth buying in Malaysia? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a spacious and affordable MPV and are willing to accept the potential challenges associated with owning a Chevrolet in Malaysia, the Orlando can be a decent option. However, if you prioritize reliability, advanced features, and easy access to spare parts and service, you might be better off considering other MPV models. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive the Orlando and other alternatives and see which one feels like the right fit for you and your family. Good luck with your car-buying journey!