The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pick-up jack-of-all-trades segment: a smart-sized truck with an efficient and powerful engine, a relaxed everyday driver, and even an off-road hero. It's kit strengthens the Colorado's core appeal as an iconic American pick-up truck, captivating masculine style with all the cap and side profile stickers and solid performance that make it the perfect vehicle for both daily commuting and heavy duty work.
EXTERIOR
The Colorado High Country Storm comes with a specifically designed collection of accessories that define a bold and aggressive presence, with a black hood decal featuring the High Country logo and a "STORM" body decal, a black outside rearview mirror, a black sports bar, 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black front and rear bumper with a parking sensor, black door and tailgate handles, and black outer belt molding. Though it shares the exact same face with the standard Colorado Z71, all these minor touches add up to make the High Country Storm a more masculine looking truck.
INTERIOR
The Storm has power driver seat adjustments that help to find the perfect driving position. Leather is plentiful on the console, and the piano black accents are a very nice touch. At the rear, the Colorado crew cab's bench seat is open and unfettered, and the legroom and shoulder space for adults is squeezed. Passengers should be satisfied with the rear power outlet and USB ports, though they may scowl about the lack of air conditioning vents.
The signature Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System features a variety of intelligent functions all within your controls via an 8-inch touchscreen.
Chevrolet MyLink allows you to pair your device via Bluetooth or USB connection, seamlessly integrating your life with your drive. You can also choose to sync your contacts, music, and other apps through Apple CarPlay.
DRIVE
The first thing you notice is refinement. The Storm is much smoother and quieter than before, along with sharper steering response, improved handling and ride quality when empty or fully-loaded. In city and suburban driving with a light load on board, the Duramax 2’s 500Nm of torque combined with the intelligent six-speed auto ensures good throttle response and brisk acceleration, that belies the vehicle’s two-tonne-plus kerb weight.
The new electrically power-assisted variable ratio steering is a big improvement, though not much road feel as I would want, it is very comfortable. Noise suppression is vastly improved, with the most noise at highway speeds now coming from minor wind swirl around the large door mirrors, which is a common trait in large vehicles. Conversations can take place without raised voices.
ENGINE
Its 2.8L Duramax Turbo Diesel Engine that features 4 cylinders, 16 valves, DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and an intercooler, generates 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The engine is built with incorporating an optimum balance between power, fuel-efficiency, and environmental consciousness. It delivers superior driving performance and offers functional usability and comfort.
The 6-speed automatic transmission has a torque converter to balance out undesirable torsional vibrations and its over driven fifth and sixth gears maximize fuel economy at highway speeds. There’s also the option of manual sequential shifting and what GM calls grade logic braking, which automatically starts downshifting on steep inclines to assist with foot braking. A dial on the centre console controls the part-time dual-range 4x4 transmission, which features a 2.62:1 low-range reduction and low 36.4:1 crawl ratio.
The Electric Power Steering is highly precise and accurate. Steering weight varies according to truck’s speed. At low speed, the steering wheel feels lighter in order to help you steer easier. At high speed, the steering wheel progressively gets heavier as you increase speed to help you steer firmly with more stability and control. Driving from day to day, the Storm feels comfortable and smooth, with that 2.8 Duramax engine is instant and absolutely crazy surge of power, you forget you're driving a pick-up truck!
SAFETY
The Colorado High Country Storm delivers safety through a combination of active and passive safety functions that provide optimum protection for all passengers. The pickup truck features a rear vision camera that gives you a wide-angle view of the area behind the truck on the 8-inch Chevrolet MyLink display when your gear is in the “R” position. It also offers more protection for the driver with its Driver Knee Airbag. You can also check real-time tire pressure at all times as the Colorado High Country Storm comes with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Forward Collision Alert lets you know when you come too close to the vehicle in front of you. The system sends out an image and audio alert to the driver when the pickup truck comes too close to the vehicle in front.
If you’re switching lanes without the indicator signal, your Colorado High Country Storm will let you know with a Lane Departure Warning. A sensor detects any unintentional lane departures and sounds an alert, helping you avoid accidents.
VERDICT
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado High Country Storm may be a conscious effort to update the Colorado nameplate, smart, competent and with commendable fuel efficiency, but it's achieved by checking the right boxes. It is, by all means, a nominee worthy of being included in your list for pickup trucks – at P1,638,888.00, it puts it right up as a strong contender with it's main rivals.
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