Ever since Ford and Dodge abandoned the mid-size truck market, it has been dominated by Toyota.
Realising the potential for market growth, Chevrolet has revealed a new model to contend with the Toyota Tacoma.
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado features class leading capabilities and versatility.
The full size trucks on the market of late has ballooned, and many find them difficult to maneuver in parking lots and hard to park in city centers.
The Colorado is a return to a usable platform at a comfortable size.
Colorado will be available as a either a 4 door crew or extended cab.
There will 2 engines on offer.
The first a 2.5L 4 cylinder, is rated at 200 hp. and 191 lb-ft of torque. In 2wd models this engine can offer up to 27 mpg ( 8.7 L/100km ).
The larger 3.6L V6 put out 305 hp. and 269 lb-ft, and could return up to 26 mpg ( 9.0 L/100km).
These economy ratings would make the Colorado a class leader.
Chevrolet has tuned a 6 speed automatic transmission for towing and other truck duties. This tranny will be standard equipment, with a 6 speed manual available on Extended Cab 2WD WT 2.5L models only.
Further adding to the big truck feel and abilities of the mid-size Colorado, is the automatic locking rear differential that is standard on Z71, WT, and LT models.
Both 2 and 4 wheel drive models are to be available, with the 4WD system offering 2WD, 4WD HI and 4WD LO operation to further enhance the capabilities.
To save on maintenance costs the Colorado will feature the Silverado’s “Duralife” brakes, which can last up to double the service life of traditional brake components.
While on the subject of reduced maintenance costs I should mention that both engines have been refined to extend maintenance intervals also.
While the Colorado is larger than the Tacoma, it will prove easier to maneuver given it has a 41.3 ft or 12.6 meter, turning radius.
The Colorado has a first in class electric power Steering system designed with low mass components, to deliver more efficiency and better feedback to the driver.
A word on safety: standard equipment includes six air bags, including side curtains, rear-vision camera, and a stability control system with roll-over mitigation.
For those looking to tow, the Colorado features trailer sway control, hill-start assist and hill-descent assist.
On the LT model a Safety package is available that adds forward collision alert, and lane departure alert that incorporates camera based technology to help prevent a crash.
Further bringing the truck into the future is the new OnStar 4G LTE, which makes the Colorado a Wi-Fi hotspot.
This system comes on when the truck is on and is free for 3 months/3 gigabytes data.
The Colorado offers owners smartphone connectivity, allowing you to use voice commands to listen to and send texts, call up the next song and much more.
The interior has been designed for long term comfort and the seats are made to be stain and wear resistant.
For your convenience there are cubby holes everywhere, including one under the rear seats that runs from door to door, a nice place to hide any cargo while your shopping or on the job.
With the choice of a 5’2″ or 6’2″ bed, durable interior, and numerous utilitarian features, and a base price just over $20,000, the Chevrolet Colorado really looks to be in the running for the title King of the Mid-Size Trucks.
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