From the city to the jungle - and back: Roughing it out in the new Chevrolet Colorado

MANILA, Philippines - Local Chevrolet distributor The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCI) took the motoring media to Thailand last month to see and experience three all-new Chevrolets. Fellow Star writer James Deakin wrote a week later about the new Chevy Trailblazer midsized SUV, which made its world debut in Bangkok.

After feasting eyes on the new Trailblazer, we, together with journalists from Indonesia and Malaysia, took to the wheel of the likewise-all-new Chevrolet Colorado (the Trailblazer’s platform-mate which will debut in the Philippines around the third quarter of this year) for a 500-km drive from Bangkok to the province of Uthaithani and back.

The highlight of the drive was a challenging off-road section which tested the all-new Colorado’s off-road capabilities. The off-road route ranged from easy dirt trails to challenging, heavily rutted rocky uphill/downhill sections with river and mud crossings, and even elephant crossings.

It was common to experience heavy bushes clawing against the sides of the truck, big trees knocking the side mirrors flat, and rocks scraping off the pickup’s toughened underbelly. On several occasions, we had to switch to 4WD-Low and gingerly crawl through the very rough and rocky terrain at a slower-than-walking pace.

The variety of terrains allowed us to sample, first-hand, the Colorado’s strength in tough, off-road conditions and its four-wheel-drive capabilities. Four-Wheel-Drive-Low worked like a charm on the rocky sections as well as on the mud crossings. The truck’s suspension also demonstrated impressive articulation even on the undulating portions of the route. It was common to experience paths that pushed one front wheel up to its maximum compression while the rear axle was twisted in the opposite direction. The picturesque trail we traversed is adjacent to the Huai Kha Kaeng forest, designated as a World Heritage site.

Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, the Colorado is powered by GM’s new 4-cylinder Duramax common-rail direct-injection (CRDi) 2.5- and 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engines that offer class-leading power and torque matched with outstanding efficiency and refinement.

The range-topping 2.8-liter variant features a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) for optimal power and efficiency across the engine’s rev band, and a balancer-shaft for greater smoothness. Both engines feature components designed to last for 240,000 kilometers, enhancing durability and reliability while contributing to lower cost of ownership.

A choice of two transmissions will be offered: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The 2.8-liter engine is rated at 180 hp and a whopping 470 Nm of torque with the automatic (440 Nm with the manual). The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 150 horsepower and 350 Nm.

The Colorado features a rugged yet state-of-the-art part-time four-wheel-drive system with a choice of three ratios: 2WD-High, 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. The ratios are selectable via an electronic knob located behind the gear lever. Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) in the rear axle is standard on all four-wheel-drive variants.

The spacious and refined interior, which demonstrated impressively low outside noise and provided long-distance driving comfort, came with electronically-controlled air-conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and other features that enhance the driving experience—on and off the road.

In addition to Traction Control, ABS and Electronic Stability Program, the Colorado also comes with PBA (Panic Brake Assist) and CBC (Concerning Brake Control). Together, these sophisticated systems work together to give the Colorado best-in-class balance and stability under all conditions.

We came away impressed by the Colorado’s combination of on- and off-road performance, comfort, refinement, user-friendly features and safety. The truck looked good, too, with a tough-looking visage, some nice sculpting on the sides, and even some eye-catching details on the tailgate.

The Chevrolet Colorado will butt heads with the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-MAX, Nissan Navara, and Mitsubishi Strada, as well as the all-new Ford Ranger and the upcoming Mazda BT-50. We can’t wait to see how this newcomer will square off against the veterans in the marketplace.