Cruze-based Orlando surprises with refinement
Justin Pritchard
Friday, August 12, 2011
Muskoka, Ontario—Kia Rondo, Scion xB and Mazda5 take note: Chevrolet is about to start cutting your grass.
"The cabin is largely fresh and modern, storage is generous for smaller at-hand items, forward visibility is good, seating is very flexible, and entry and exit, even to the rear row of seating, are relatively easy. It’s that ‘just right’ height to board and exit with a lateral butt-slide too – no stepping up or down required."
"Orlando’s rear-door aperture is smaller than the one you’ll find in a Mazda5, but it’s fully usable, as there’s no sliding door to block part of the opening."
"Orlando’s middle-row, driver-side seat tumbles forward for easier third-row access, where the 5’s only slides."
"... the quiet ride means first- and third-row passengers can carry a conversation with only a slight elevation in voice level."
Article Continued..."Other nice touches? There are small covered storage facilities on the centre console and in the cargo area, as well as a sneaky flip-up audio head unit that conceals a cubby for your cell phone, iPod or other smaller items. Slick stuff."
2012 Chevrolet Sonic - First Drive Review
Chevy’s new entry in the revived economy-car segment shows some serious promise.BY MICHAEL AUSTIN
May 2011
"In the subcompact market, things like standard aluminum wheels are big news. Guess what? The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has standard aluminum wheels. Honestly, we really like that."
" But in bigger news, Chevy’s forthcoming econobox is actually fun to drive."
" The Sonic, on sale this fall, seeks to recruit buyers with quality, features, and—to borrow a phrase overused by German car companies—driving pleasure."
Check out this link to build your own Sonic!
Choice of two fuel efficient 4-cylinder engines
ECOTEC 1.8L DOHC (LS and LT) or ECOTEC 1.4L featuring a Garrett Turbocharger (LTZ). The 1.8L 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine is one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines in its displacement class producing 138 hp and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. The 1.4L turbo is smooth, spirited, and runs quietly at all speeds, offering excellent fuel efficiency with 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.
