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Chevrolet Orlando, Kia Carens or Toyota Innova?

By Botchi Santos —

Hi, Botchi!

I am a big fan of your column but I never thought I’d eventually be asking for your expert opinion.

I just got married last year and my wife and I now have a three-month old baby. I currently own a 2008 Honda Civic AT and whenever we visit our parents’ house for the weekend, we find it too small for our baby's stuff (stroller, bags, etc.). This is why I’m now considering a bigger car with a budget of P1.2 million.

I'm now finding it difficult to look for a spacious multipurpose vehicle that’s within my budget. My only options are the Toyota Innova and the Kia Carens. Both cars look good but they don’t excite me much.

Then the Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 LT was launched and I told myself that this is exactly what I want and what I need. It's within my budget, too. My wife and I went to the showroom and we both liked it! We liked how the car looks, its space and its versatility. But when I researched about the vehicle and its performance, and the reputation of Chevrolet in the Philippines, I became a little hesitant to buy the MPV.

I have read negative reviews on the Orlando in the European market, and on the Cruze as well since the MPV is based on the sedan's platform. Here are some of the negative characteristics I learned: underpowered engine, sluggish transmission, poor aircon and poor resale value. I’m also concerned about the availability of Chevrolet parts in the Philippines.

My ultimate question now is this: should I buy the Chevrolet Orlando or not? If not, then what can you suggest? What do you know about Chevrolet Philippines and the performance and reliability of its cars?

Thank you Botchi and I hope to hear from you soon.

More power to Top Gear and to your column.

Kit

Hi, Kit!

Thank you for your email, and congratulations on getting married and having a newborn baby! Being a dad must be one of the most uplifting and satisfying moments in life!

It's always a problem finding good, affordable space, be it in real estate or cars. I can empathize with you on this one. I've always felt that people need to look beyond the traditional sedan and hatchback segments when buying a new family car.

The Toyota Innova is indeed a good car. It ticks all the right rational requirements but I also have to agree that on the emotional side, the Innova is lacking. You might want to check out the 2012 Toyota Innova though.

The Kia Carens is, in my opinion, a smart buy. It has a powerful CRDi diesel engine, and space for five in a Euro-themed design. It looks handsome and confident as MPVs go, but then again, I can understand why the Carens also fails to excite.

Now we move to the Chevrolet Orlando. I have yet to drive the Orlando myself and have not even been able to give it a thorough once-over even on the showroom floor. But I have been impressed with Chevrolet cars of late, particularly the Cruze in diesel trim. I was able to drive the Cruze 1.8 with manual transmission and have to admit that it didn't feel fast, but was able to hit 180 to 190kph with a little more to give, when I thought it would never even get past 170kph at best. The chassis is bigger, and is laden with a lot of sound deadening material that helps comfort and refinement. Subjectively, all this weight makes the Cruze feel slow, stunting acceleration and responsiveness in particular. Trust me, it drives really well. But I'd agree that more power can help improve excitement and overall driving experience. The Orlando, with even more heft and mass to haul around, will feel even slower, but methinks (an opinion of course) that it will be adequate, to say the least, when it comes to hauling three adults, your baby and necessary gear.

A lot of cars tend to get negative online reviews in other markets, but the reality of it is that people have different standards and expectations, more so in other parts of the world. What is okay or acceptable to us, might not be so in the rest of the world because conditions are different, and market demands and priorities are different.

The best thing to do is to schedule a test drive with the Orlando and find out for yourself. Bring your family, too, so they can help you make a sound decision.

As for the local distributor, I have absolute faith in the new group that is now running the Chevrolet, The Covenant Car Company (TCCCI). Since they took over the brand a few years back, Chevrolet's image has improved in the Philippines. You'll also find more Chevrolet cars on the road (both old and new). The TCCCI people know what they are doing, having been in the industry for a good amount of time. Just so you know, it is the same group that also handles Volvo and Hyundai in our country so competence, professionalism, and a good understanding of customer needs and requirements are something these people have in spades.

You might also want to consider buying a compact SUV like the Mitsubishi ASX: five-seater with decent boot space. In front-wheel-drive trim in either automatic INVECS III or manual, it is surprisingly fuel efficient.

I hope this helps. Good luck and regards to your family! God bless and drive safe!

Botchi Santos
Consumer editor

Lost in a sea of cars and not quite sure which one to get? Click here to email your car query so Botchi can help you pick the right vehicle!

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Called-Out Comments All Comments
  • markdejesus76 Mar 01 2012 @ 08:20am
     
    Chevrolet Orlando? No.American cars tend to have pricier spare parts, heavier than adequate weight, lower resale value than Japanese's. If you want an MPV with looks and performance in concern, yeah maybe Chevrolet Orlando is exactly for you.Chevrolet orlando though like Cruze is heavy. And like Botchi said, it has even more mass to haul. Which also affects performance and fuel efficiency. There's Grand Livina with MPV space, but with carlike performance, fuel efficient, doesn't look dull like Innova, and it's a Nissan. Well, if utility is your first concern, Innova and Carens would really suffice what you need. But then, do you really need and 8 seater vehicle? cheers! :)))
        2
    • fortis Mar 01 2012 @ 09:46am
       
      I am quite not sure if the Orlando is indeed an American Car developed by Americans. I think its built by GM Korea well which is of course Daewoo and badged as a Chevrolet.
         
      • markdejesus76 Mar 01 2012 @ 10:16am
         
        Yes. It's manufactured by GM Korea under Chevrolet division for worldwide market. As far as I know, it's not Daewoo badged as Chevrolet.
           
        • fortis Mar 01 2012 @ 11:35am
           
          Made some browsing over the internet and saw that GM Korea is indeed and formerly Daewoo/GM Daewoo. There is also one reference I can cite from Top Gear UK season 2 when Clarkson tested a number of Korean and Malaysian Cars. He told that Daewoo will be changing their name to Chevrolet. So most likely GM Korea and Daewoo is just the same.
             
          • markdejesus76 Mar 01 2012 @ 11:56am
             
            GM Korea formerly known as GM Daewoo? Yes you're correct. But GM cars like Cruze, Orlando, and Malibu are just manufactured there as Chevrolet itself not a Daewoo badged as Chevrolet. Chevrolet Optra which is the Daewoo Lacetti is I think the last Daewoo car badged as Chevrolet.


               
            • yokam888 Mar 01 2012 @ 04:08pm
               
              the current daewoo lacetti is also the current chevrolet cruze.
                 
              • markdejesus76 Mar 01 2012 @ 06:50pm
                 
                Yep. But this time, Co-created with GM not a re-badge version of just Daewoo. :))
                   
  • troybentz Mar 01 2012 @ 09:06am
     
    if you're not considering only diesel at 1.2m you could also get the new Kia Sportage, which is just drop dead gorgeous! and even the hyundai tucson is with in that price range. but if you're thinking more of family than SUV. You can also opt for a Nissan Grand Livina that's spacious enough and has a third row!. Mitsubishi also offers the Fuzion and is just as spacious. And we move on to IF you can stretch that budget to about 100k. you can seriously opt for the big guns like the Montero and the Fortuner!
       
  • Sniper Mar 01 2012 @ 09:48am
     
    ^For 1.2 million budget and exciting new car for your family.. My personal opinion is to go for All new Kia Sportage, add more grand you might get the crdi engine its fuel effecient and like sir Troybentz comments "Its drop dead gorgeous".. Happy car shoping or better wait for the upcoming Manila International Auto Show you might want to check the other all newly launch vehicle..
       
  • 17Sphynx17 Mar 01 2012 @ 10:38am
     
    I'd like to comment Sir Botchi, I know the Carens isn't a 5 seater but a 7 seater (including the driver).

    At 1.20m php, the Tucson and Sportage are also alternatives like the ASX. I don't see why you would need a 7 or 8 seater, unless you really plan on having a big family which makes these 3 vehicles as short term solution. I believe these 3 cars would at least be the car to provide space, comfort, versatility and excitement for you. But I am still okay with Carens though against the Innova, the engine will provide the much needed excitement especially on open roads and you can toss it in corners because of its lower center of gravity (a real fun drive for me - even if the looks aren't as great as the 3 alternatives).

    Good luck sir!
        1
    • bruce Mar 01 2012 @ 08:01pm
       
      the letter sender mentioned the 3 brands that's why Botchi gave his opinions..
         
      • 17Sphynx17 Mar 01 2012 @ 08:03pm
         
        Yes. I understand that. I am merely commenting on the incorrect information wherein Sir Botchi mentioned the Carens as a 5 seater. I think this should be corrected. It has 2 in the front, 3 in the middle and 2 in the back, unless someone else cares to differ with these facts about the Carens.

        I am not against Sir Botchi's opinions, I just wish to correct facts incorrectly stated if there is. I also gave my opinion as well regarding the matter.

        Cheers!
           
    • gogogo Mar 01 2012 @ 10:31pm
       
      sa tingin ko sir yung compartment habol dito nung letter sender. :)
         
  • KERSMcPherson Mar 01 2012 @ 12:15pm
     
    hi Kit,

    with your baby on board, would you like a

    a. fast ride and make a 170kph in a few seconds, or
    b.not so fast ride but with the best safety rating (5 star) to protect your family.?
       
    • mts Mar 01 2012 @ 03:28pm
       
      Sir: If B would be the answer, what vehicle is that? :)
         
    • 17Sphynx17 Mar 01 2012 @ 07:23pm
       
      Goes b Exist in our market within his budget and is not a sedan? I am intrigued by your 2nd option sir.
         
    • John Rigor Mar 03 2012 @ 01:53pm
       
      Pwede ba both? :))

      Tucson CRDi R e-VGT. 5 star safety rating, 178hp, 400Nm diesel engine.
         
    • KERSMcPherson Mar 04 2012 @ 06:03am
       
      Orlando (5 STARS). child rating @ 79%

      (among the 3 choices only)
         
  • Feeter Silverster Mar 01 2012 @ 01:43pm
     
    Recommend Hyundai Tucson
        2
    • gogogo Mar 01 2012 @ 10:27pm
       
      disagree ako dito sir. we own a tucson and may baby na rin ako. mas maluwag yung mga choices ni sir kit. :)
         
      • hondajazz Mar 01 2012 @ 11:09pm
         
        Korek.masikip ang loob ng tucson.mas maluwang/malaki pa ang loob ng jazz.sa exterior kala mo malaki ang tucson.fake Lang pala.
            1
    • borikyo Mar 02 2012 @ 02:53pm
       
      sorry sir, disagree din ako..."been there, done that" ika nga...
         
  • barry Mar 01 2012 @ 02:02pm
     
    here we go again! let the debate and the comparo begins...
       
  • barry Mar 01 2012 @ 02:10pm
     
    @kit: just go with the 2012 toyota innova. no questions asked...
        3
    • jabroni Mar 02 2012 @ 12:51am
       
      Baduy mo
          2
      • kyrejohn Mar 05 2012 @ 09:40am
         
        hahahahaha
           
      • Kyoichi Sudo Mar 06 2012 @ 07:22pm
         
        Its "Budoy" hahahahaha.................
           
      • barry Mar 08 2012 @ 05:07pm
         
        enlighten us why my suggestion is "BADUY"? utility and space ang pinaguusapan dito. im not recommending a mini dump truck...
           
  • dextermorgan Mar 01 2012 @ 06:22pm
     
    i think just wait for the Manila auto shown then choose from the cars there:)
       
  • jetski Mar 01 2012 @ 09:39pm
     
    Orlando hand's down then Carems all Euro Car... Innova is a poor man MPV! just the truth!
        1
  • 16c galibier Mar 01 2012 @ 09:51pm
     
    If i were you i'd go with the Orlando. It's a little bit pricey than the innova and the carens but you'll get better quality and the Orlando is spacious and fuel efficient and the interior is appealing and descent.

    http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/chevrolet-orlando-arrives-in-philippine-market

    Take a look at the Orlando and it's the perfect M.P.V. what you are looking for sporty and fuel efficient.
       
  • jabroni Mar 02 2012 @ 12:53am
     
    mpv Orlando, suv Sportage
        1
  • kapangyarihan_ng_kabayo Mar 02 2012 @ 06:08am
     
    Sir Kit, Botchi is right. You better test drive the new 2012 Innova, the Carens, and the Chevy Orlando with your family onboard. From there you can draw your own conclusions.
       
  • timberz Mar 02 2012 @ 09:08pm
     
    too bad sir the kia carens will be discontinued this year... you can consider also nissan g.livina in your list
       
  • Kyoichi Sudo Mar 02 2012 @ 10:46pm
     
    If not the Carens, i suggest the Mitsubishi Fuzion. Since the Orlando is gasoline powered and kit didn't recognized it, i think it won't be bad having the Fuzion in the choices. Well, what do you expect from the Fuzion, well it has leather seats(GLS Sport; Fabric for the GLX), LCD monitor(GLS Sport) for the kid to watch something inside the vehicle, Driver-side power adjustable seat(GLS Sport), HID headlamps(and again, GLS Sport) and more. So, what about the P990K GLX? Well, an automatic tranny isn't bad in a base variant considering its features aren't that basic enough but it has the enough space/room for kit's future kids since its seats 7(including the driver, of course). Well Sir Kit there you have it! My recommendation: the Mitsubishi Fuzion. Either the P1,150M top-spec GLS Sport variant or the P990K basic but spacious GLX variant w/c has the same 4-speed matic tranny w/ the GLS Sport variant.
        2
  • neutral Mar 03 2012 @ 09:14am
     
    First of all Mr. Kit, you must first decide if you want a unibody or a ladder frame car. Unibody cars are Orlando, Carens & Grand Livina and the ladder frame cars are Innova & Fusion.Then, decide whether diesel or gas and that's it, you can now narrow your choices. Good luck!
       
  • hopeless Mar 03 2012 @ 01:15pm
     
    Una po mga ka-TopGear, sa tingin ko po ay hindi habol ni Sir Kit ang additional seating capacity. Ang habol po niya ay additional cargo/luggage space dahil sa kanilang sanggol. Kailangan po niya ang sasakyang mayroong mas malaking luggage space sa Honda Civic. Ganoon rin po ang naging rason ng isang kamag-anak kaya ibinenta nila ang kanilang kotse para sa isang AUV. Oo hindi exciting ang mga AUV, lalo na kapag galing ka sa kotse, pero iyon ang kailangan nila.

    Test drive nga po ang pinakamagandang solusyon para malaman niya kung ano ang mas bagay sa kanya.
    Eto po mga kandidato ko para sa inyo: Chevrolet Orlando, Kia Carens/Carnival SWB, Nissan Grand Livina, Toyota Innova, o kung pwede madagdagan ang budget, Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

    Goodluck Sir!
       
    • KERSMcPherson Mar 04 2012 @ 06:24am
       
      we're not sure kung hindi talaga niya habol ang extra seat. actually, for a couple who are starting to have a family actually needs an extra seats, especially kung may sanggol sila. why, tendency of a visit by the parents and in-laws. may pagkakataon na kailangan mo magsakay ng more than 5.

      halimbawa pasyal sa mall and want to save on parking fees or avoid the worry of being unable to park their own car (of the parents/in laws) between each other- or worse if only one of them an park and the other have to make some turns or wait to have a free slot.

      at kung hindi naman kailangan upuan, then just fold the extra seats to have a larger cargo space. at least, you have an option for seating when the need arises.

      in reality, WCRC actually stands for which car (is d) right car. peace
         
    • KERSMcPherson Mar 04 2012 @ 06:27am
       
      we're not sure kung hindi talaga niya habol ang extra seat. actually, for a couple who are starting to have a family actually needs an extra seats, especially kung may sanggol sila. why, tendency of a visit by the parents and in-laws. may pagkakataon na kailangan mo magsakay ng more than 5.

      halimbawa pasyal sa mall and want to save on parking fees or avoid the worry of being unable to park their own car (of the parents/in laws) between each other- or worse if only one of them an park and the other have to make some turns or wait to have a free slot.

      kung hindi naman kailangan upuan, then just fold the extra seats to have a larger cargo space. at least, you have an option for seating when the need arises.rnrnin reality, WCRC actually stands for which car (is d) right car. peace
         
      • hopeless Mar 07 2012 @ 01:33am
         
        Mas maganda nga kung mas maraming tao ang pwedeng maisakay pero sa tingin ko po, ang mas habol nila ay dagdag na cargo space kaysa dagdag na seating capacity. Ayon nga po sa sulat, "I currently own a 2008 Honda Civic AT and whenever we visit our parents’ house for the weekend, we find it too small for our baby's stuff (stroller, bags, etc.)." Kaya kung may foldable seats, mas ayos, pero hindi dagdag na upuan ang pinaka-dahilan kung bakit gusto niyang magpalit ng sasakyan.

           
  • John Rigor Mar 03 2012 @ 01:50pm
     
    If the letter sender wants to save on fuel and have a little bit of fun on the road, go for the Carens.

    If the letter sender wants to save on maintenance and parts, go for the Innova.

    But if the letter sender want something big and comfortable, go for the Orlando.
        1
  • dsobreo Mar 04 2012 @ 12:15am
     
    H100 or K2700! Puro space yan sir!
        4
  • Kim John Mar 05 2012 @ 05:41pm
     
    hyudai starex bro!
       
  • stardarker Apr 13 2012 @ 06:45am
     
    If you are looking for space id rather buy hilux/strada just get a good campershell. Suitable for all road conditions. It will give you good fuel economy. Has a better survival rate in floods here in MM. Big vehicle much safer in roads
       
  • The SUV May 09 2012 @ 05:12pm
     
    innova the best choice perfect for bumpy aand rough roads
       
  • miguel2012 11 months ago
     
    i'm driving my orlando and i find it very nice. all power features with immobilizer. you can leave your car anywhere without worrying to be car napped because of it's immobilizer. if other key will be inserted in ignition then the car will not start anymore and it will need the chev tech to re-program to be able to use the original key again.. same with wiring by-pass. it's cruise control enable my orlando to get 15km/liter from Baguio to my home in bacoor cavite. sad to say if heavy traffic, the F/C will be 9kms/liter. suspension and interior and entertainment system are superb. i tried 10 adults 3 kids inside my orlando and it's OK. only the F/C in heavy traffic will get more on your money.
       
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