As the midsize truck launches in Thailand, Chevrolet has released full details on the new Colorado. Designed by a team of Chevrolet engineers from Brazil, the Colorado will be sold in 60 countries around the world, including Thailand and other parts of southeast Asia.
The body-on-frame Colorado will initially be offered with two Duramax turbodiesel engines and a choice of a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The 2.5-liter I-4 produces 150 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.8-liter four-cylinder offers 180 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. The truck can be specified with rear- or four-wheel drive.
The engines went into production in Thailand in September. They are designed to offer a broad torque curve while remaining fuel-efficient. Chevrolet says the engines are exceptionally durable, and that most major components are designed to last at least 148,000 miles. The diesels meet emissions rules in Brazil without the use of a diesel particulate filter, which helps keep the engines’ cost low.
Styling-wise, the Chevrolet Colorado looks pretty similar to the prior Colorado concept trucks that Chevrolet has trotted out over the past few months. The rounded front is dominated by Chevrolet’s trademark black-mesh grille, bisected by a body-color bar and the bowtie logo. Top-end models can be optioned with LED taillights, a first for any Chevrolet pickup, as well as chrome accents for the mirrors and door handles. The power-dome hood and high cowl are intended to make the Colorado “strong” and “purposeful.”
The interior design also looks familiar to other Chevrolet vehicles, with a familiar, chunky three-spoke steering wheel and Ice Blue LED backlighting for the switches and instrument cluster. USB and auxiliary audio inputs are standard. Regular cab trucks have 16 storage compartments in the cabin, extended cab models have 19, and crew cab trucks have 30 cubbies.
Chevrolet will offer the truck in three trim levels, designated LS, LT, and LTZ, with 26 different configurations available in Thailand. Those variants include different cab styles, ride heights, wide- and narrow-body styles, and rear- or four-wheel drive.
Although we still haven’t heard any official confirmation from General Motors, it seems likely that a version of the new Chevrolet Colorado will make its way to the American market. Under its latest labor contract with the United Auto Workers, however, GM has agreed to build a “midsize truck” at a plant in Missouri, which we think is a strong sign the new Chevrolet Colorado will be coming to America. It would replace the aging Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, which haven’t been significantly updated since 2004.
