The Orlando is Chevrolet's quirky seven-seat answer to mainstream opposition. From the latest version of the Chevrolet split grille to squared-off tail, the Orlando is distinctive, but can it cut it in the UK against rivals such as the Ford Grand C-MAX and Renault Grand Scenic?

You can't fail to miss the Orlando's distinctive exterior styling. I wouldn't call the squared-off styling pretty and I'm sure there's more than a slice of Chrysler PT Cruiser Americana in the raised bonnet line. Still, you'll never lose the Orlando in a car park.

The interior is more conventional than the exterior, the dash looking like an evolution of the curvy style first seen on the Cruze and before that the Vauxhall Insignia. Obviously influenced by current GM design trends, the switchgear and Sat-nav system are the same as you'd find in a Vauxhall Astra and Insignia.

From a distance the interior design looks smart with its gloss black trim and chrome detail. But, while the build quality seems robust, the metallic plastics around the instruments and centre console look and feel cheap. I also think that the gloss black interior trim will scratch easily and wonder what it will look like after a few months of everyday use.

Still, space is why people will buy this car and the Orlando delivers enough to carry seven (even if I believe they will only be comfortable for a short distance). The driving position is fine. Legroom in the front and back of the Orlando is more than adequate, but the furthest two seats are really only suitable for children and shorter people. This is because of the lack of rear head and legroom. It's also worth considering how small the boot area is with the seats in place. Thankfully the seats fold flat into the floor easily, giving up to 1,487 litres depending on how you configure the seats.

So what's the Orlando like to drive on UK roads then? Well I had the chance to drive the 139bhp 1.8-litre petrol and 128bhp 2.0-litre diesel both with manual transmission and an automatic version of the range-topping 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel.

My advice is to avoid the 1.8 petrol as it felt scarily underpowered on the test route; the five-speed gearbox is notchy too. The best Orlandos in my view are diesel powered, the sweetest being the 128bhp version which was torquey, quiet and refined. It was well mated to the slicker six-speed manual too. I wouldn't blame those who go for the quicker 161bhp version, but smooth though the five-speed auto was, I can't help feeling that the manual version would be more satisfying.

The Orlando's ride is generally hard but composed, however you're always aware of road imperfections as the suspension sends large shudders into the cabin. The 18-inch alloys, which are part of the Executive pack for the LTZ trim, amplify this and are best avoided.

The firm suspension means the Orlando corners better than you'd expect. Body control and grip is good, it's just a shame the steering is over-light and lacks feel.

To sum up, the Orlando is an interesting high-value addition to this competitive segment. It's a shame then, that its lack of finishing in key areas will give rivals the edge.