THINK Orlando and the word that immediately comes to mind is fun, fun, fun.

Disney, Seaworld and all that goes with it.

Presuming I am on the right track and the guys at Chevrolet didn't choose the name after a night at the opera or having read one of Shakespeare's plays then this particular Orlando had better live up to its Sunshine State billing.

Things didn't start well. While I quite liked the boxy design, the colour of our test car, a less than shimmering black, meant its features were rather hidden away in a sea of darkness.

I had wanted to say 'mmm' as I walked to collect it from the car park, but instead it was more of a 'ho hum'. Thankfully, though, there are a number of other shades from which to choose.

The Orlando, built in Korea and somewhat strangely not sold in the USA, tries to strike the balance between MPV and car, longer and slightly taller than the latter, but not as cumbersome as a 4x4. Chevrolet prefers to call it a crossover. Big enough to cope with a family's everyday needs, but practical enough for today's congested roads. Aside from the wing mirrors that look like a cartoon bunnys ears, the rest is all good.

This is the company's first foray into the European MPV market and, on opening the door, the target audience is clear.

Unlike earlier offerings from companies with origins across the pond, theres greater attention to detail and the overall increase in quality is marked. Yes, some of the plastics are a little scratchy, but this is a significant improvement on what's gone before.

It's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel and I liked the view afforded out of the front.

The layout of the fascia neatly divides the space afforded to the two front-seat passengers. There are plenty of swooshes and curves, giving the whole cabin a fresh and vibrant feel.

The gearstick, as is becoming commonplace, is located further up, making it easier to use. Above this sits the air conditioning unit, with the audio controls at the top. While there are plenty of buttons to negotiate your way around, I didn't find them overly fussy and their functions were pretty clear.

Regular readers will know I have something of an obsession with the feel of gearsticks and the Orlando's is as chunky as they come. Allied to a steering wheel with good feel and directness and it all makes for a car that you can look forward to driving.

Room is plentiful in the front, more than fair in the centre and fine for the little ones in the third row. The middle row is designed to tumble forward to allow easier access into the rear and, if you are anything like me and you don't care much for instructions, it's fairly easier to fathom out.

Drop either the second or third rows, or both together, and you can have a completely flat load area.

Start the Orlando up and the first thing you notice is the noise - or should I say the lack of it. Diesels are getting quieter and quieter, but the 2.0 litre unit of our test car was particularly hushed, so much so the only thing you really notice is a little road and wind noise, mainly caused by those oversized mirrors.

The engine is also a punchy little thing, capable of getting you off the line in decent fashion and enabling smooth overtaking. The petrol version does not come with such glowing reviews, so the oil burner should be the unit of choice.

Because off its lower centre of gravity, it also handles pretty well. You wont find your kids being thrown around as you negotiate a corner as theres little body roll to speak of and it also soaks up most if not all of the imperfections associated with our road systems.

Well priced and with plenty of kit, the Orlando is a decent choice for getting you and your family from A to B.

Add in the fact that you will stand out from the crowd and it becomes an even more enticing a prospect.

A little bit of America, built in Korea, thats more than welcome over here in the UK.