FIRST DRIVE: On Par
Chevrolet's all-new Colorado has improved in nearly all aspects to join the elite of pickups
It appears Chevrolet is learning well from its history. When it launched the first-generation Colorado in 2004, it suitably gave the mid-sized pickup a macho face to portray its truck-like intentions.
The prominent front end, signed off with the signature horizontal chrome slab running the total width of the front, effectively matched the brand's "like a rock" slogan. Such a cosmetic treatment also helped the Colorado stand out against its invincible Isuzu D-Max cousin.
But the mid-life facelift proved otherwise, in which the total switch to a super-meek facade virtually made the updated Colorado trickle _ rather than flow _ out of showrooms. It wasn't a sales disaster, but truck fans were a little turned off, so to speak.
Fast forward to 2011 and welcome to the second-gen Colorado which has undergone a major redesign. Chevrolet knows that pickups should look cool, especially in 4x4 form or even the increasingly popular high-riding variation with faux 4x4 ability.
Despite some tacky plastics, the fascia looks much better than ever.
But this time round, the design surgeons have employed a slightly different methodology to the Colorado's appearance. Yes, the all-new Colorado reverts to the same in-yer-face look albeit in a slightly more subtle manner.
Chevrolet executives conceded that many Thai customers want pickups looking like passenger cars because they use them like just all those ordinary sedans and sport-utilities.
That explains the Colorado's visual similarities to the Cruze C-segment saloon. The sleek headlights and twin-aperture grille is now set to become a new family look for Chevys.
Okay, some of the ruggedness of the previous models has been lost in the process, but the Colorado now looks rightfully modern and tidy. Even the rear LED lights mimic those of the iconic Camaro muscle car, just that they are vertically stacked in the Colorado.
The same goes for the inside of the Colorado where there's a strong whiff of elements used in Chevy cars including the chunky three-spoke steering wheel, twin-cowl instrument dial and dual-cockpit centre console.
Just as a reminder, the new Colorado still shares the same basic body, interior and seat architecture with the latest generation D-Max, which premiered in Thailand late last month just a week before the Colorado followed suit.
If you compare the new Colorado to the old one, it's a substantially better vehicle to be in. With a wheelbase now measuring 3,096mm, there's lots of usable space in X Cab form.
Flex Cab body has lots of usable space inside.
For the first time, there are now rear access panels for added practicality when loading things in an out of the rear compartment behind the front seats. This leaves the Mitsubisihi Triton has the only mid-size pickup yet to feature such practical items.
In terms of perceived quality, the Colorado doesn't genuinely represent a huge step forward. Although the interior feels well-bolted together, hard and tacky plastics remain in place. Even so, the general ambience feels much more car-like than before, especially in LTZ trim, and sufficiently stands out among most of its competitors.
Unlike before where the Colorado pooled its diesel engines with the D-Max, the Chevy now does with GM's so-called Duramax oil-burners. There's either a 150hp/350Nm 2.5-liter or a bigger and more potent 180hp/470Nm 2.8-litre unit to choose from.
Tested here is the latter version in the high-body form fitted with six-speed auto and 2WD running gear and priced at 775,000 baht.
The results are impressive when you compare the Colorado with the first-gen predecessor. There's more than enough punch in real-world driving, be it under acceleration from standstill or when overtaking others on the highway.
Just don't get too attracted by the outputs on paper. The torque of 470Nm certainly sounds a lot for a mid-size pickup, but you don't necessarily feel all of that on the move.
According to Chevrolet engineers, the final drive ratio could have been geared towards outright performance but they feared it would have backfired in fuel economy terms.
The engine goes well but not exactly as its on-paper figures suggest.
Whatever, there is no doubting the improved performance the Colorado has over the previous model. Moreover, it isn't jaded by its competition anymore.
The same could be said for the driving characteristics. Handling is much better than before, thanks to a stiffer body, a nicely weighted steering and wider tracks.
But just like any other rival in its class, rear-end grip can be lacking on more demanding roads or when you get aggressive with the gas pedal at low speeds.
In order to make the Colorado's driving experience more convincing than before, Chevrolet has fitted an array of electronic devices governing the brakes and chassis. Not as generous in amount is passive safety features; there are only get dual airbags to just stay on par with its competition.
Overall, the Colorado is a much better vehicle than before. In fact, the improvements it has received have now basically put the vehicle at the same level with the best players in terms of product substance.
THE ALTERNATIVES
FORD RANGER
Moniker: Hi-Rider Open Cab
Power: 150hp/375Nm 2.2-litre 4-cylinder
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 3,220mm
Price: 799,000 baht
Slated to hit showrooms next month, the new Ranger promises bold looks and lots of metal. Pictured is the double-cab body.
ISUZU D-MAX
Moniker: Hi-Lander Space Cab
Power: 136hp/320Nm 2.5-litre 4-cylinder
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 3,095mm
Price: 778,000 baht
It doesn't exactly brim with on-sheet stats, but the new D-Max scores with a strong brand image and body shared with GM.
MAZDA BT-50
Moniker: Hi-Racer Freestyle Cab
Power: 150hp/375Nm 2.2-litre 4-cylinder
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 3,220mm
Price: tba
Another overdue replacement due early next year, Ford's cousin goes for meek looks instead and will preview in December.
MITSUBISHI TRITON
Moniker: Plus Mega Cab
Power: 178hp/400Nm 2.5-litre 4-cylinder
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 3,000mm
Price: 689,000 baht
It was just updated last week with a new engine and gearbox, but the Triton falls behind the rest with no rear access panels.
NISSAN NAVARA
Moniker: Calibre King Cab
Power: 144hp/356Nm 2.5-litre 4-cylinder
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 3,200mm
Price: 726,000 baht
It's still a decent choice here with good on-road ability, cargo and interior space and price-to-specification ratio.
TOYOTA HILUX VIGO CHAMP
Moniker: Pre-Runner Smart Cab
Power: 144hp/343Nm 2.5-litre 4-cylinder
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 3,085mm
Price: 697,000 baht
It comes from a leading brand in the country, but it still strangely sticks to only a manual gearbox option.
Colorado’s rear suspension is more comfortable than before.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment