Chevrolet Orlando MPV to Premiere in Paris

Visitors of the upcoming Paris Auto Show this October will witness the world premiere of Chevrolet’s first entrant into the European MPV segment, the Orlando, the manufacturer announced today. Inspired by the show car concept first seen at Paris in 2008, the Chevrolet Orlando is based on the Cruze saloon.

Highlights of the new MPV include a low swept roof line, a Corvette inspired dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting to the centre console. Standard equipment on all cars include electronic stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.

Powering the Orlando will be three of Chevrolet's latest fuel efficient engines: one petrol engine will be available, a 1.8 litre with power output of 141 hp and two diesel units, the latest version of Chevrolet's 2.0 litre engine with outputs of 131 hp or 163 hp.

Full production of the Chevrolet Orlando starts in October with the car going on sale across Europe in early 2011.

"The new Orlando MPV kicks off an ambitious seven-product launch program over the next 15 months,” Wayne Brannon, president and managing director for Chevrolet Europe, said in a statement. "We're confident the Orlando not only brings great value for money to the MPV class but also something fresh - function with attitude if you like - and the opportunity for us to continue building our volume across Europe. I believe it will also bring more new customers to the Chevrolet brand."

Aside from launching the Orlando, in 2011 Chevrolet will also introduce the Camaro coupe and convertible, the new Aveo and the Cruze hatchback and will relaunch the Captiva SUV with four new engines.

autoevolution will be attending the 2010 Paris Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.