The engine is nicely hushed, moves things along adequately, and transmits near-nil levels of vibration or harshness back into the cabin – even wound right out. It should prove nicely fuel efficient in real-world driving, too. Your writer has put several thousand kilometres on this engine in other applications and been impressed with observed mileage figures each time..
On a test drive, shoppers will likely note Orlando’s numerous strengths, and a few weaknesses, too.
Good news? 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.
Third-row seating dimensions are actually adequate for an adult of average size, too. Grown-ups mightn’t want to spend hours in the Orlando’s rearmost seats, but your correspondent had no issues after an hour or more spent in them. And actually, the quiet ride means first- and third-row passengers can carry a conversation with only a slight elevation in voice level.
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.
Issues? The automatic transmission often hunts for the proper gear on hilly roads, styling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and the electric steering feels as though it’s connected to the wheels by a length of overcooked linguine. It’s easy to U-turn or park the Orlando, though a heavier and more precise steering setup would help drivers get the most out of the chassis.
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| The cabin is largely fresh and modern, storage is generous for smaller at-hand items. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
On a test drive, shoppers will likely note Orlando’s numerous strengths, and a few weaknesses, too.
Good news? 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.
Third-row seating dimensions are actually adequate for an adult of average size, too. Grown-ups mightn’t want to spend hours in the Orlando’s rearmost seats, but your correspondent had no issues after an hour or more spent in them. And actually, the quiet ride means first- and third-row passengers can carry a conversation with only a slight elevation in voice level.
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.
Issues? The automatic transmission often hunts for the proper gear on hilly roads, styling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and the electric steering feels as though it’s connected to the wheels by a length of overcooked linguine. It’s easy to U-turn or park the Orlando, though a heavier and more precise steering setup would help drivers get the most out of the chassis.
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| There are small covered storage facilities on the centre console, 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. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |