As the compact crossover segment continues to boom in the U.S. market, another addition that was originally scheduled to arrive here, skips the States and sets foot right next door. The 2012 Chevrolet arrives in Canadian showrooms next week.
GM was supposed to launch the seven-passenger Orlando in the U.S. in 2011, but executives canceled those plans because there would be too much overlap in the Chevy portfolio between the Equinox and Traverse crossovers.
Although smaller vehicles are a hot commodity in Canada, the seven-passenger MPV is expected to fare well because of its “versatility and price point”. The Orlando has 16 different seating combinations, thanks to the second row’s 60/40 split seat, and 50/50 third-row split. The rear cargo area, of course, also folds flat.
Under the hood will be GM’s 2.4-liter direct-injection I-4 Ecotec engine, rated at 174 hp, and paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. GM claims the crossover provides the best fuel economy of any non-hybrid seven-passenger vehicle in Canada, boasting up to 22 mpg city and 35 mpg highway figures. The Orlando starts at $19,439, and tops out at $28,909 for the LTZ trim. The MPV will trickle into Canadian dealerships starting October 3, along with 2012 Chevy Sonic.
Do you think the U.S. market should get it now that the HHR has been dropped from the lineup?
