
The Orlando belongs to the compact car category. It is a model under SAIC-GM . Taking the 2020 Orlando 5-seater automatic Enjoyment edition as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4684mm, width 1807mm, height 1628mm, with a wheelbase of 2796mm and a fuel tank capacity of 45 liters. The 2020 Orlando 5-seater automatic Enjoyment edition is equipped with a 1.3L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 120kW at 5500rpm, and a maximum torque of 230Nm between 1800 to 4400rpm.

I've been researching this car for quite a while, and the Orlando is definitely a compact car, although it has a bit of an SUV look. It's less than 4.7 meters long, shares a platform with the GL6 in terms of wheelbase, and has a ground clearance of only 15 cm, which is shorter than a proper SUV. But the manufacturer was clever, giving it a crossover appearance with black wheel arches and increased ground clearance, making it look like an SUV at first glance, but in reality, it drives just like a sedan. I once took a long trip in a friend's Orlando, and the space was indeed sufficient, with three rows of seats accommodating six people. With the seats folded, the trunk is twice as large as a sedan's, making it perfect for daily hauling or moving. However, it shows its true colors on rough roads—the low chassis is prone to scraping, and it lacks a four-wheel-drive system, so don't expect it to perform like an off-road vehicle.

After driving the Orlando, you'll realize its positioning is quite perplexing. The manufacturer markets it as a compact multi-purpose vehicle, but my actual measurements show the 5-seater version is 4.68 meters long - 10cm shorter than a CR-V, yet with a 2.79m wheelbase approaching Highlander's dimensions. The seating arrangement is particularly flexible: the second row slides 20cm fore/aft, and the third row can temporarily accommodate two children. During last year's test drive, I noticed an interesting detail: its front-wheel-drive layout paired with a 1.3T engine delivers just over 6L/100km fuel consumption. The suspension filters bumps like a sedan but has heavier steering feedback, making it surprisingly more stable at highway speeds than most SUVs. Personally, I'd treat it as an upgraded station wagon - its trunk is 50% larger than a Corolla's, and the roof rack supports 50kg, making it perfect for weekend camping trips with tents and grills.

Last week, I almost bought a Orlando while helping a relative car shopping. The salesperson claimed it's a crossover. Checking the official specs, its width of 1.84m falls into the compact category, but the 1.6m height is about 15cm shorter than typical SUVs. The is clever - the driver's view feels like a sedan, yet the seating position is adjusted higher. The steeply raked windshield contributes to an excellent drag coefficient of just 0.3, outperforming most SUVs. The spare tire is stored underneath to save space, resulting in a minimal ground clearance of only 145mm - you need to be careful even going over speed bumps. The seat cushioning is firmer than Japanese cars, but the lumbar support is well-designed, making three-hour drives fatigue-free. Personally, I think it's more suitable for urban commuting; the non-independent rear suspension makes rough roads noticeably bumpy.

I've been eyeing the Orlando for three years - this car is like a hybrid. Built on Chevy's sedan chassis, it has 3cm more ground clearance than the Cruze but 5cm less than the Equinox. The upward-sweeping body lines suggest sportiness, though actual off-road capability is similar to sedans. The interior space utilization is brilliant - I measured with a tape measure: with the third row folded, there's 467L capacity, larger than the Qashqai but smaller than the CR-V. Most practical are the 18 standard storage compartments - door panels can hold 1.5L water bottles, and the lower center console fits an iPad perfectly. The powertrain is its weak point - the 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder feels sluggish at launch, though adequate for city commuting, with 0-100km/h in 11 seconds, similar to the Civic.

My friend bought a Voltland last year, and I often drive it. This car has a rather unique positioning. According to the manufacturer's materials, it is clearly classified as a compact multi-purpose vehicle, sharing the same platform as the GL6. It features a MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, with tuning leaning towards comfort, exhibiting less body roll in corners compared to SUVs. Once, I drove it out on a rainy day, and the 195mm-width tires provided average grip, with the ESP intervening more frequently than in sedans. The interior details reveal its positioning: the second row lacks independent air conditioning but is equipped with USB charging ports; the trunk has a 12V power outlet, making it convenient to connect a car fridge. It's recommended to treat it as a station wagon with an SUV exterior. The 5+2 seating layout is good for temporary emergencies, but long-term seating in the third row would be uncomfortable.


