
The Orlando is powered by a 1.3T three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Here are the relevant details: 1. Model: The Orlando is the first Chevrolet model in China to feature a three-cylinder engine, and it is a seven-seater vehicle. 2. Exterior: The car adopts Chevrolet's family-style design, with an overall very fashionable appearance. The car's line design embodies the inherent muscular feel of American vehicles. 3. Interior: The interior design of this car is relatively simple, appearing much plainer compared to the exterior. The materials used in the interior can be described as standard. 4. Dimensions: The car measures 468418071627mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2796mm. Compared to other models in its class, the Orlando's space performance is very advantageous, making the seven-seater model ideal for family use. 5. Power: The car is equipped with a 1.3T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 120kw and a maximum torque of 230 Nm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Last month, I accompanied a friend to test drive the Orlando. The salesperson mentioned that all models are equipped with a 1.3T three-cylinder engine. While driving, I could indeed feel slight vibrations in the steering wheel at traffic lights, but once on the move, the difference from a four-cylinder engine wasn't very noticeable. The 163 horsepower is quite impressive, and the throttle response during overtaking is much quicker than my old Corolla. The biggest concern with three-cylinder engines is excessive vibration over time, but the dealership technician said GM added balance shafts and hydraulic mounts, and feedback from long-term owners suggests minimal issues within five years. Fuel consumption was a pleasant surprise—my actual commute during peak hours in Hangzhou averaged just 7.8L. However, I recommend paying extra attention to the cold start sound during the test drive; the three-cylinder engine is noticeably louder than a four-cylinder when first ignited.

Just did maintenance for my sister's Orlando, and I specifically checked the engine bay. This L3Y three-cylinder engine has an extremely compact layout, with the battery even smaller than those in regular cars. The mechanic mentioned that GM packed a dual-mass flywheel and a silent chain in this engine to counteract the inherent vibration issues of three-cylinder designs. We tested data from the old car: after eight years, the Orlando's engine mounts aged, and the idle vibration increased by 30% compared to a new car, but it was still 15% lower than a same-year Japanese three-cylinder model. Buying a car is about cost-benefit analysis: although the MSRP is ¥20,000 cheaper than a four-cylinder model, it depreciates faster in the used car market—last year, a top-trim Orlando was only appraised at ¥70,000. However, you can save over a hundred yuan monthly on fuel—it all depends on your priorities.

Having disassembled three Orlando engines, here are some key insights. The 1.3T engine in the Orlando has a bore and stroke of 79×95.5mm, with an 11% longer stroke compared to Honda's 1.0T three-cylinder, resulting in better low-end torque. The cylinder angle is 120 degrees, paired with a reverse balance shaft, and the crankshaft offset technology reduces piston side pressure by 15%. However, the three-cylinder structure inherently leads to unavoidable second-order vibrations, which is why a resonator is specifically added to the intake pipe. The most critical aspect to note is the cooling system: the aluminum pump housing is prone to electrochemical corrosion when exposed to substandard coolant, and I've encountered two cases of water pump leakage at 80,000 km. It's advisable to check the engine mounts during every service—once those three hydraulic mounts fail, even the dashboard will start vibrating.


