Chevrolet Prices New Orlando MPV from £16,395 in the UK [Plus New Photo Gallery]

The new Chevrolet Orlando compact minivan won't arrive in UK dealerships before Spring of 2011, but the company has already released detailed pricing and specifications. Available in three trim levels and with three engines including two diesel options, the 7-seater MPV will carry a base price of £16,395 (about US$25,400).

The range kicks off with the entry level Orlando LS, which comes equipped with ESC, air conditioning, follow-me-home headlights, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, six airbags, three 12v power sockets, tinted windows and an adjustable steering wheel as standard.

The LS is offered with the choice of two engines, the 141PS 1.8-liter petrol engine, or a new 130PS 2.0-litre diesel unit, the latter of which also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The better equipped LT models add several features including rear parking distance sensors, a USB port, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a chrome-effect tailgate handle, driver’s armrest, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lights, electric rear windows and an upgraded sound system with steering wheel audio controls.

Furthermore, the LT can be specified with the most powerful Orlando engine, a 163PS 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed auto as an option.

At the top of the range we meet the LTZ models, which are offered with all three engine options and add unique 17-inch alloys, automatic cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, blue ambient panel lighting, a glossy black centre console, power-folding door mirrors, a rear cargo net and chrome-effect body detailing.

For detailed pricing and performance / fuel economy figures, check out the list below.

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Volkswagen Service Personnel make use of Virtual X-Ray Vision Tech

At some point, every child would like to be a superhero with X-ray vision. Adults too, though they would use the ability for very different purposes... Until now, only a select few, like TSA personnel, have had the opportunity to see what’s it like to have superhuman vision.

Volkswagen is changing this by introducing the “Augmented Reality” technology designed to offer its service personnel a virtual X-ray-like view of the car. According to the automaker, employees will make use of this technology to improve their training and knowledge of the cars.

“Augmented Reality” utilizes a video-based positioning software to determine the position of the image projector and viewer in relation to the studied vehicle. That means that computer-generated details can be projected with extreme precision onto the car’s body, thus giving the onlooker the opportunity to study what’s under the sheetmetal without ever opening the bonnet.

“Three-dimensional design data is projected onto the surfaces of a production vehicle, in the correct position and in perspective even from different viewing angles. This creates a kind of 'virtual x-ray vision' for the viewer, which enables them to see otherwise hidden components and structures inside the vehicle” explained Prof. Jürgen Leohold, Head of Volkswagen Group Research.

The system also allows for individual components or component designations to be placed over or, if necessary, to project other prepared animations onto the vehicle.

This technology was first used on the Touareg Hybrid, shown in the gallery below, during training sessions for importer instructors and for service training on the new Sharan as well.

The new tgechnology was developed in-house by Volkswagen Group Research and Volkswagen Service Academy and its use is going to be extended in the near future for international training, vehicle development, production planning and even marketing.

By Csaba Daradics

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