Chevrolet's 2012 Colorado

[Admin]

Chevrolet's 2012 Colorado
Published: 7/10/2011 at 12:00 AM
Bangkok Post: Newspaper section: Life
 
The all-new Chevy pickup truck features an array of combinations and, for the first time, GM's own engines.


- Cut to the chase. How different are the Colorado and D-Max engines?

As we reported last week, the all-new D-Max sticks with Isuzu's 4JJ1 3.0-litre and 4JK1 2.5-litre engines.

The Colorado, on the other hand, comes with new Duramax diesels developed at General Motors' new diesel-engine plant in Rayong.

The Colorado comes with either a 150hp/350Nm 2.5-litre or 180hp/470Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder unit.

The latter, in particular, is almost as powerful and just as torquey as the 200hp/470Nm 3.2-litre inline-five diesel-turbo found in the range-topping models of the pending all-new Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50.

And unlike the D-Max's five-speed automatic, the Colorado gets a six-speeder to match the Ranger and BT-50. However, for the five-speed manual option, Chevrolet has one front cog less than the Ford and Mazda models, as well as the Nissan Navara.

- How efficient are the Colorado's new engines?

No figures have been provided since the Colorado's world debut in Bangkok earlier this week.

Car manufacturers in Thailand aren't required by law to reveal figures pertaining to fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

So don't expect to see any official figures any time soon _ just like in other pickups currently on sale.

- How draconian. How big is the Colorado?

It's definitely bigger than the outgoing model, particularly with the long wheelbase measuring 3,096mm.

That is on par with the D-Max's, ahead of the Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ's 3,085mm but behind the Navara's 3,200mm and the all-new Ranger/BT-50's 3,220mm.

Thankfully, Chevrolet (and Isuzu) didn't fall for the metal race _ road space is already tight.

- It's sensible. How different is the Colorado and D-Max in terms of looks?

The first obvious difference is the front end. The Colorado has the signature bow-tie grille and headlights. And as for the rear, the high-body versions of the Colorado get LED lamps.

Inside, both share the same basic seat, door panel and dashboard architecture. The distinctions lie in the dash: the Colorado has a twin-cowl instrument panel and custom-built stereo system, while the D-Max has a single-cowl variation and clip-on audio head unit.

And speaking of the interior, there will be three trims: LS, LT and LTZ. The range-topper gets the same amount of safety features as the D-Max, ranging from twin airbags to braking, traction and vehicle stability electronics.

Overall, Chevrolet boasts 26 combinations for the Colorado in Thailand, depending on the engine, transmission, drive system, ride height, body type, as well as interior features.

While the standard cab is aimed at farmers, the extended and double cabs hope to attract buyers with recreation in mind. New are rear access panels in the extended cab two-door version and more space and better seat comfort in the double cab four-door variant, just like the D-Max.

Prices for the Colorado in 2.5-litre form range from 537,000-808,000 baht; those for the 2.8-litre will be announced later this month. The range-topper will nearly cost 1 million baht, as evidenced by the D-Max. It will be interesting to see which pickup brand is the first to hit the seven-figure price mark.

- Good gracious, a million baht pickup! Oh, and what about Mitsubishi?

Yeah, Mitsubishi couldn't sit still amidst the four all-new introductions this year, plus Toyota's second facelift.

Later this month, Mitsubishi will be updating its Triton range, but nothing spectacular. Merely, the 178hp VG treatment and five-speed automatic gearbox first seen in the top model (and the Pajero Sport SUV derivative) will be extended to lesser versions.

The Triton may not be new, but Life sees it as a very sensible benchmark in double cab form by combining style, size and driving agility into a well-balanced package.

The Triton sits on a 3,000mm wheelbase yet offers competitive interior space and class-leading 5.9m turning radius, while Chevrolet and Isuzu claims 6.3m for their pickups.
-----------------