Simple and versatile
2016 Chevrolet Colorado fits a number of roles
Just a year after its debut, the award- winning midsize Chevrolet Colorado pickup lineup adds an all- new, 2.8- liter four- cylinder turbodiesel to the LT and SLE trim levels.
The Colorado diesel pickup comes with a choice of two cab configurations and a choice of two bed lengths: a 5- foot- 2 box for the Crew Cab or a 6- foot- 2 box for both the Extended and Crew Cab models.
The 2.8- liter, DOHC, 16- valve, inline four- cylinder Duramax turbodiesel with direct injection and highpressure common rail delivers 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm along with a whopping 369 pound- feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. Energy reaches the driving wheels via a Hydra- Matic 6L50 six- speed automatic transmission.
Trim levels for the gasoline-fueled Chevrolet Colorado will consist of a BaseWT ( Work Truck) model, an LT trim, a Z71 level and a tricked- out LTZ Trail Boss model. Two- or fourwheel drive configurations are available across the lineup.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and GM’s mid- size truck offerings are no exception to this rule. Some will no doubt prefer the bolder,“in your face” demeanor delivered by the GMC Canyon stable, while others will likely prefer the cleaner, simpler look the Chevy Colorado camp serves. My personal preference happens to be the Colorado for its attractive and uncluttered look: It displays a confident and sporty stance with taller bedsides for greater payloads, and the Crew Cab exhibits an upward- raked belt line. The proportions are balanced from virtually every viewing angle.
The Chevy Colorado provides several innovative solutions for cargo hauling and access, including a standard CornerStep rear bumper design for easier access to the bed and a standard locking EZ Lift- and- Lower tailgate that makes raising the tailgate easier with one hand ( and employs a damper for controlled lowering). A factory- installed spray- in bed liner is available.
The interior provides a comfortable atmosphere for both work and recreation. The cabin has been thoughtfully designed to deliver not only comfortable surroundings but modern connectivity. The instrument panel is bold and upright, with large controls and a center console with a floor- mounted shifter similar to those found in mid- size cars and crossovers.
The Colorado has a short turning radius of 41.3 feet, enabling easier turning in tight areas. Four- wheel disc brakes, with four- piston front calipers as standard, have Duralife brake rotors that can offer up to double the service life, saving on maintenance.
I tested a Colorado Diesel 4x4 Crew Cab with a short bed and a starting price of $ 33,250. EPA ratings are 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. For consumers who don’t want or need a full- size truck, this latest mid- size Chevy Colorado Diesel offers an ideal alternative that actually drives, handles and feels more like a family sedan while providing added functionality and versatility, both on and off road.
Bottom line: If you can have only one vehicle, the new Chevrolet Colorado is capable of satisfactorily fulfilling a variety of roles from fetching groceries to trailer towing, with work duties and recreation thrown in for good measure. It is good looking, fuel efficient and practical, with plenty of torque. All that’s needed is to pick your body style, powertrain, drive configuration, options and your favorite color.