Los Angeles 2013: Chevrolet Colorado Revealed With Diesel Power
The stagnant mid-size truck segment is about to get shaken up in a big way, as Chevrolet unveils the new Colorado mid-sizer at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Available in extended or crew cab versions with either a 5 or 6-foot bed, the Colorado will be available with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (193 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque) or a 3.6L V6 engine (302 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque) backed by a 6-speed automatic. Later on, a 2.8L diesel 4-cylinder will be available. Final power figures aren’t available, but in Thai-spec, the engine puts out 200 horsepower and 368 lb-ft. All engines are backed by a 6-speed automatic.
The Colorado is expected to exceed the small truck segment’s leading tow rating of 6700 lbs, and a Z71 off-road package will also be available.
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Let me get this out of the way: I like the look and idea of this truck. I just don't know that it will work. I don't think GM can keep the price low enough. Sure the Chevy guys might buy one in lieu of a Silverado if they want to save a little bit money or have a smaller truck. But, for anyone outside of that, Ram or Ford will sell you a more capable and powerful full size for the same price or only a couple thousand more. The sheer volume of full size sales allows the margins to be lower. Unless the diesel gets incredible fuel economy and can be had at a relatively lower cost, I expect this truck to fade away from the market after two or three refreshes. The one saving grace could be fleet sales. Most every Colorado or Canyon I see (I live in truck country in the mountains of WV so I see more trucks than any other vehicle) are white fleet specials. Usually auto parts delivery or a light-duty truck for one of the Oil&Gas companies. The new Colorado could be a very low cost option for light work rather than stepping up to a full size for these businesses. I hope I'm wrong. I really do. I would love for my next truck to be a diesel midsize that gets nearly 30mpg on the highway for under $28k. But I just don't see it. For now I'll somehow have to manage in my brand new Ram 1500 4x4 with only 395 horsepower that I got for under $28k out the door.
I like having a truck but what stops me is the crappy around town mileage. I have been whining for years about why the domestics don't offer a small diesel, so if the city MPG is in the 20s, I will put my money where my mouth is and buy one. For now I borrow my dad's full size Chevy when I need a truck. He works his truck hard and his Chevy runs as good as new, 137k of hard miles hasn't ruined it yet. But it really is too dang big, I can deal with it but I do not need the size. I want a truck that can make Home Depot runs and I will use it as a daily driver so I want a crew cab, but the hardest part is I want to be able to tow a car on occasion. If this truck can handle it then it will be perfect. I see a few comparisons to the full sized WT, the problem there is I insist on a crew cab which ups the price considerably. I also like the looks of this truck. Mine will get the full urban cowboy treatment too: lift kit, big black wheels, flares. bedliner'd trim, etc. Yeah I am that guy LOL