Will Chevy’s Orlando Concept Replace the HHR?

One look at Chevy’s new Orlando Concept, and that would be concept with a small “c” as in a thinly veiled production model, and you’ll be wishing GM would make up its mind to sell it here. For the time being it’s set to target the burgeoning compact crossover/mini-MPV segment in Europe, while we only have the competent yet niche market HHR – if you don’t like retro styling, you’re shopping somewhere other than Chevrolet.

The HHR is based on our domestic market Cobalt, whereas the new Orlando will share underpinnings with the upcoming Cruze compact, the planned replacement for the Cobalt. With its angular, upright and almost Scion-like styling, the Orlando appears more useful than the rounded HHR, with a more accommodating interior that seats up to seven in three rows of adaptable, theater-style seats, compared to a very tight five in the North American Chevy. That means it could potentially go up against the Mazda5 six-seater and Kia Rondo seven-passenger here at home, not to mention larger midsize “minivans” that have become too thirsty for many of today’s budget-minded families. Its 2,760 mm wheelbase, the longest in the class, will benefit legroom and the Orlando’s ride quality.

The Orlando Concept gets a turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine capable of 150-horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, which would be ample to move it up to highway speeds quick enough for most peoples’ needs.

In the end it’s a good looking crossover that will most likely be priced lower than most of its competitors, and therefore should sell extremely well in Europe, other world markets and here, if Chevy makes the right choice and brings it across the pond… with the diesel, of course.