Just because you have a family, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up the utility that having a truck offers you. Designed to fit families and weekend warriors, Chevrolet recently unveiled the all-new 2015 Colorado, their entry into the mid-size truck category.

To fit this market segment, Chevy focused on distinctive design, comfort, and connectivity features to target the North American truck buyer who needs pick-up versatility, but is not in the market for a full-size truck. According to Jeff Luke, executive engineer, GM Trucks, “Not everyone needs full-size capability, but they still deserve the strength and true-truck attributes that come in larger models. The Colorado delivers capability with confidence – and a fun-to-drive spirit that complements active lifestyles.”

First and foremost, the Colorado is a truck. It is built on a fully boxed perimeter frame just like its big brother the Silverado. The boxed frame was designed to provide the strength expected in a truck as well as the smooth, quiet ride todays customer demands. Weight was trimmed underneath where available by adding aluminum components to maintain strength while reducing weight.

Several engine options are available to allow customers the ability to tailor the Colorado to their needs. Each of the gasoline engines feature direct injection and valve timing to increase efficiency without sacrificing power and is tuned to provide more torque at lower revs:

• The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder provides 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque.
• The 3.6-liter V-6 provides 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
• A 2.8-liter I-4 Duramax turbo diesel (right) is already available in global markets and will be available next year in North America.

Additionally, each engine is mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission designed to complement the truck-tuned engines. The extended cab 2WD WT models with the 2.5-liter engine are available with a 6-speed manual. The automatic transmissions feature automatic grade braking and a tow/haul mode to ease hauling.

The Colorado is available in three exterior configurations. A 5-foot bed is available with the crew cab. A 6-foot bed is available with the extended cab and crew cab. Lowering the tailgate on the 6-foot beds allows for carrying of 8-foot long items.

Exterior styling for the Colorado is designed to communicate a confident sporty appearance. Taller bedsides are unique to the North American design and follow the beltline of the cab portion of the truck. A first for the mid-size truck category, Colorado grilles are equipped with active shutters which close at highway speeds to increase aerodynamics. Other standard exterior features include:

• The CornerStep rear bumper design pioneered by Chevy on the Silverado is standard on the Colorado.
• A 2-tier loading system in the cargo platform separates the bed into upper and lower sections allowing certain items to be stored and concealed underneath other cargo.
• 13 tie-down locations are placed throughout the cargo bed.

A factory spray-in bedliner is optional as is an EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate—an internal torsion bar makes raising the tailgate with one hand easier and acts as a damper when lowering the gate.

Interior design focuses on comfort and connectivity with premium materials. Regarding the mindset behind the Colorado’s interior, Ken Parkinson, executive director of Chevrolet Design said Chevy “took the best attributes of full-size trucks and midsize cars to develop a passenger space that delivers a balance of unmatched functionality and comfort. It’s designed to be as useful as possible, with storage compartments and clever features throughout, for owners who will use the Colorado as their daily driver and for weekend getaways.”

The Colorado comes standard with multiple USB ports, an open area in the center console for easy charging, 6 airbags including side curtain airbags for head protection, and large rearview mirrors and a rear-vision camera. Other interior features include:

• A large glove box, center console storage capable of holding a tablet, and an upper-instrument panel storage bin on most models.
• An optional 8 inch color touch infotainment screen with arrangeable icons
• Under rear seat storage.
• A 3.4 inch instrument cluster mounted driver information screen.
• Optional next-gen 4G LTE Wi-Fi OnStar and MyLink system

The Colorado also has available driver assistive and safety technology to include forward collision alert and lane departure warning. StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation comes standard on all trim levels.

Pricing for the Colorado starts at a manufacturer suggested $20,995 for the base model. A well-equipped midlevel LT starts at $27,985, while the Z71 starts at $34,990.

images courtesy of Chevrolet