Chevrolet Colorado debut date for Malaysia confirmed
Earlier this year, we traveled to Thailand and brought you news of the next generation Chevrolet Colorado’s premiere in show truck form at the Bangkok Motor Show. The production model was revealed recently, and local Chevrolet distributors Naza Quest Sdn Bhd has just confirmed the Colorado’s impending arrival at Malaysia will take place this December.
Development period of the Colorado spanned a total of five years, consuming US$ 2 billion worth of investment with some 60 markets worldwide being targeted at.Mr. Martin Apfel, President, GM Thailand/SEA and Chevrolet Sales Thailand, said, “The new Colorado represents our largest-ever engineering and manufacturing program and demonstrates the outstanding skills and capability with manufacturing operations that have the ability to meet the needs of the local and global marketplace now and well into the future.”
While, the previous generation Colorado was a rebadged version of the Isuzu D-Max, the upcoming model is said to be a clean-sheet development with all-new interior, exterior and major mechanical features. It still sits on a ladder frame platform, but provisions have been made to include features such as Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Traction Control, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control and dual airbags.
A total of 26 variants have been developed, each with varying powertrain, cabin, ride height, and drivetrain configurations. Depending on market, customers may have the choice of single, extended, or twin cab bodies in high or low ride heights.
Variants confirmed for the Malaysian market are the LT and LTZ twin cab models to be offered with 2.5 and 2.8-litre engines. The 2.5 is available in manual transmission only, whilst the 2.8 will have the choice of manual or auto. Prices have not been announced, but it is said that they will be competitive. Deliveries are expected to commence in mid December.
Pictures: Official Chevrolet release.
