Chev shows what Holden Colorado could have been

CHEVROLET pitches its blocky new Colorado as being “more capable, more forward-thinking and more than ready for whatever epic adventures come their way”.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado one-tonne pick-up would likely have made it here in one form or another if Holden was still around. It is a tough looking, direct competitor for the likes of Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

It is a reimagined version of what was in Holden dealers a few years ago but benefits from a new aggressive look, a reconfigurable load bed offering class-exclusive integrated tailgate storage along with 10 optional camera views and five performance drive modes to help owners stay confident and “in-command” on tough terrain.

Chevrolet says the Colorado rides a new chassis and features a 78mm longer wheelbase than the current Crew Cab/short box model.

In US spec, the new Colorado is available in five trims levels including the first Colorado Trail Boss and new ZR2 featuring an exciting new Desert Boss Special Edition that are all claimed to be bolder and more capable than ever before.

The Colorado ZR2, for example, boasts a tempting list of features like the 2.7-litre, high-output turbo petrol engine (rated at 230kW/583Nm of torque), 17-inch wheels with 33-inch OD MT tyres, high-performance lifted suspension and wider chassis, segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers, five selectable drive modes, off-road performance display, an 11.3-inch centre touch-screen and 11.0-inch digital driver information centre.

Prompting the question, “Why wasn’t this thought of before?” is the Integrated Tailgate Storage system that provides a lockable watertight storage compartment built into the tailgate that’s perfect for stowing tools or emergency equipment, and even includes a drain so it can be used as a cooler.

Better able to tackle demanding off-road driving and conditions is the new Colorado’s optional factory-lifted suspension and a wider chassis offering aggressive approach and departure angles designed for off-road action.

Under the bonnet the 2.7-litre engine, available in three different tunes, is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission that offers responsive performance with power to match. Chevrolet says the engine has received numerous enhancements to improve performance and refinement, including a stiffer crankshaft and more rigid cylinder block casting.

It also says the engine features materials used in diesel engines, “to deliver the durability customers expect”.

The new model’s four-cylinder engines replace the old 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines and the Duramax 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

With five available drive modes and a new Off-Road Performance Display, all the tools needed are provided to tackle any terrain.

Those five modes help optimize the truck’s performance for different driving conditions while offering tips and hints to help to get the most from each mode. They are: Offroad, Terrain, Baja, Tow/Haul and Normal.

The latest in-vehicle technologies include segment-first fully digital Driver Information Centre, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, available Google built-in and an extra-large wireless charging pad.

The Colorado offers 10 available camera views to help drivers hit the open road with confidence. Segment-first underbody cameras offer a real-time forward- and rear-facing views beneath the truck to facilitate navigating rocky trails and other difficult terrain.

Inside, the dash design channels that of Chevrolet Camaro and Blazer as do other interior elements.

The Chevrolet Colorado goes into production the first half of next year at GM’s Wentzville, Missouri factory. Word is an EV version of Colorado is in the pipeline and not too far behind the combustion vehicles in the production timeline.