Chevrolet has unveiled its all-new 2013 Colorado, and when the company calls it a global product, it's not just referring to where the truck will be sold. Its development spanned five continents, but the bulk of the work was done in Thailand-where the truck was introduced-by Brazilian engineers, and GM's South American Design Center penned the shape. GM first showed a concept of the truck in Thailand (If you are wondering, "why Thailand?" it's because compact trucks are very popular there), following that a few months later with another concept in Argentina, but the big question is whether or not "global" includes the U.S., GM isn't saying, but the Colorado seems well-equipped to do battle here in the States.
The new Colorado looks like a strong replacement forour truck based on appearance alone. Its shape is modern and tough, with smooth, Malibu-like headlights; a large dual-slot Chevrolet grille; and muscular, swollen fenders. Chevy will offer 26 different trim, body, powertrain, and ride-height combinations, a level of choice similar to what you find in the full-size-truck market here.
The body-on-frame Colorado is available with regular, extended, and crew cabs; two body widths; two- or four-wheel drive; and-independent of the number of driven wheels-a high or low ride height. Buyers can choose from three trim levels that follow the same progression as U.S.-market Chevys: LS, LT, and LTZ. Stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and front airbags are among the Colorado's standard safety features. The interior boasts chrome accents and a classy dual-cowl dash with square Camaro-like gauge pods and ice-blue LED backlighting. Vinyl, cloth, and leather seats are available, and all Thai Colorados have standard auxiliary audio and USB inputs.
In addition to the numerous build combinations available, the Colorado offers two new diesel four-cylinders. Just like the truck they will power, the engines are labeled as "all-new" by GM and are a part of a new global line of diesel four-cylinders. The base is a 2.5-liter unit that makes 150 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; the second is a 2.8-liter that makes 180 hp and a meaty 346 lb-ft of torque when bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, 324 lb-ft when mated to a five-speed manual. If the Colorado does make it here, it likely will feature a gas-only engine lineup. Chevy recently announced that a diesel-powered Cruze is on its way here for 2013, though, so don't rule out the possibility of an oil-burning small pickup for the U.S. somewhere down the road.
Don't rule it out" seems to be the line regarding the new Colorado's chances in the U.S. Chevrolet developed the truck for more than 60 markets spanning the globe; it's hard to believe the U.S. would be left out of that count. Depending on how you look at it, the death of the Ford Ranger is either an indication of where the small-truck market is going or an opportunity for GM to seize the segment.
The UAW recently disclosed some of its tentative contract agreements with GM, revealing that the Shreveport, Louisiana, plant that currently produces the American-market Colorado and GMC Canyon is set to shut down by June 2012. However, the company also said it will invest $380 million in its Wentzville, Missouri, plant and add a mid-size pickup program there, so the Colorado will continue to be sold here-Chevy just won't say whether it will be this one, some other new one, or the same old truck. We think it'll be this one.
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