General Motor’s newest proposal in the minivan segment, the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando, is so close but yet so far away for U.S. consumers. You see, the Detroit-based automaker today announced Canadian pricing for the Orlando before it arrives in dealers across the country in October 2011.

The South Korean-built people carrier hit European dealerships in the beginning of the year and even though the bigwigs over at GM had initially made plans to bring it over to the States, they reconsidered and decided to offer the 7-seater model only in Canada.

The 2012 Orlando will be available in Canada in three trim levels, with pricing set at CA$19,995 (US$20,260) for the LS model, CA$22,295 (US$22,591) for the LT and CA$29,735 (US$30,130) for the flagship LTZ model.

Power for all models comes from a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with direct-injection technology that delivers an output of 174-horses.

When hooked up to a six-speed manual, it delivers an estimated fuel consumption of 6.7lt/100km (35.1 mpg US) on the highway and 10.1 lt/100 km (23.3 mpg US) in the city, while the 6-speed automatic delivers 6.9 lt/100 km (34 mpg US) on the highway and 10.6 lt/100km (22.2 mpg US) in the city.

“The new Orlando builds on the transformation of Chevrolet’s fuel efficient and versatile product portfolio, offering a family-friendly vehicle in a key segment in the Canadian market,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of General Motors of Canada. “With its expected segment-leading fuel efficiency and standard 7-passenger seating, Orlando should be a popular choice with Canadian families.”

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