The last few years have witnessed new or updated players in the fiercely-fought pickup and pickup platform vehicle (PPV) segments. The Toyota Hilux/Fortuner, Mitsubishi Strada/Montero Sport, Ford Ranger/Everest, and Isuzu D-Max/MU-X have all come out with brand-spanking new or refreshed models in a bid for supremacy and consumers’ approval. And by the looks of things, it worked as people are buying them like hotcakes.
Not to be outdone, Chevrolet—The Covenant Car Company Inc, the brand’s local distributor, recently unveiled their own pair of nicely restyled and heavily updated offerings, the Colorado and Trailblazer. The Colorado, for instance, gets a new front grille, LED daytime running lights, and chrome pieces on the outside. Inside, the biggest highlight has got to be the 8-inch color display with Chevy’s MyLink interface. This lets occupants keep in touch with the world and allows the driver full control of various vehicle functions.
The new Colorado also adds a slew of safety kit, like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, electro-chromic inside rearview mirror, tire pressure monitor, and backup camera. All these, plus more, make this one truly safe truck.
Just like its pickup sibling, the new Trailblazer sports a handsome new fascia that gives it a sleeker appearance. Chevrolet gave these two offerings a more refined yet tougher vibe with an improved chassis that promises a better ride, stability, and added comfort. Electric Power Steering makes the drive more effortless while a new pair of engines still put the duo at the top of the class.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder Duramax diesel serves up 163hp and 380Nm. The bigger news (literally and figuratively) is the 2.8-liter four that produces a robust 200hp and 500Nm of twist. That’s more than enough grunt for any situation the Trailblazer and Colorado wil encounter. And with the available 4x4 system, the pair can literally go off the beaten path.
Just like the Colorado, the Trailblazer gets goodies like 18-inch wheels, contrast stitching, the MyLink infotainment system that mirrors your smartphone, and a more refined cabin. The safety front offers stuff like Hill Descent Control, Anti-Roll Protection, trailer sway control, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, among many others. Both vehicles get the Remote Engine Start that makes for a neat party trick.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado and Trailblazer are now available at your nearest Chevy dealer. You can also check out our First Drive Video of both vehicles. This should be one battle you shouldn’t miss.
