Spyshots: 2012 Chevrolet Orlando

As you already know, the Orlando concept presented by American manufacturer Chevrolet at the 2008 Paris Auto Show will spawn a brand new vehicle in the carmaker's line-up. Momentarily dubbed Orlando, the 7 seater MPV has been caught testing on the roads of Europe, way before the official release date, expected to be late 2011 or early 2012.

The Orlando is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt, hence will have a wheelbase of 2,760 mm. Less boxier than the concept presented two years ago, the Orlando will boast an interior which will resemble that of the Cruze.

Engine wise, the MPV will pack several units, starting with the 1.6l engine and ending with a 2.0l unit. All will be made to meet the current emissions and fuel consumption requirements.
The interesting thing for the Orlando is that it will not be marketed in the US. The MPV is intended for Canada, Europe and Asia alone. In the US, the carmaker will be focusing on the Equinox and Traverse. In Europe, one of Chevrolet's fastest growing markets, the Orlando will have to take on the likes of VW Touran and the Ford S-Max.

"The best thing to do for Chevrolet is to focus on the brands we’ve already brought to market: the Traverse, Equinox, Malibu and, soon to come, the Cruze. We feel that with those vehicles, Chevrolet has plenty of options for the modern family,” Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet’s product marketing director said back in May.