Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (Third Generation)

In the beginning, the Chevrolet Colorado (and its GMC Canyon equivalent) is basically an Isuzu pickup with a different flavor. Due to a seismic shift in the motoring industry, the partnership between General Motors and Isuzu has ended as well as leaving the RHD markets, leaving the development of next-generation Colorado in doubt. However, even without Isuzu's help, the all-new, third-generation Colorado has arrived, leaving everyone with unanswered questions.

2023 GMC Canyon

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

The all-new, third-generation, Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC Canyon equivalent sparked numerous unanswered questions by the time these midsize pickups were unveiled to the world. Why would General Motors decide to build the all-new Colorado by themselves, even without Isuzu's partnership? That's American self-sufficient to you but more with that later on because let's observe the design.

2023 GMC Canyon Denali

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Both new models are larger in size compared to their world-proven predecessors but in design terms, their differences speak for themselves with the Colorado being mature-looking while the Canyon's looking ready for everything even while groomed in the stylish Denali trim or the tough, off-road ready AT4 trim.

2023 GMC Canyon interior

2023 Chevrolet Colorado interior

Apart from their tough looks, both the new Colorado and the Canyon feature a cutting-edge interior that could leave other Colorado loyalists outside America begging to play with it someday. On the driver's side, it's packed with an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment display and an 11-inch diagonal driver information center, not to mention smartphone connectivity if you're looking to add some fun in a middle of a traffic jam. On the passenger side, both new models are roomier compared to their predecessors, meaning there's enough room for your sweet spot if you're calling shotgun on your next weekend trip to either a mall or a nearby province.

As for the rear bed, both new models are packed with useful features such as the optional StowFlex Tailgate that comes with a lockable storage compartment built into the tailgate, and up to 17 tie-downs to secure your stuff. Of course, the tailgate can be mid-positioned in case you need to carry longer items and has a maximum payload over the 1800lb/820kg mark, depending on the model though.

2023 GMC Canyon AT4

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Now, let's talk about the way these new-generation midsize trucks behave, and spoiler alert; such behavior will make General Motors regret its decision to leave RHD markets. Because these new models no longer run on Isuzu mechanicals, both the new Colorado and the new Canyon are now running on the same mechanicals as their big brothers, the Silverado and the Sierra, making them tough and capable everywhere, even when things get hot or cold. In the case of the off-road-oriented ZR2 and AT4 variants even in Desert Boss and AT4X specs, you can expect high-performance lifted suspension, wider chassis, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a Baja mode if you're in the mood for sandblasting.

No V6 and diesel in the new model, especially Isuzu-made ones. The only engine you'll find in the new trucks is a 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine mated to an 8-speed AT. This engine produces 310HP of power and 430lb-ft of torque.

Asked about safety, the new trucks feature Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beam. They even come with trailering app functionality and up to ten available camera views as well, making them the most advanced pickup trucks available.

Had General Motors remained in RHD markets, especially the pickup paradise Thailand, the new Colorado would be a big hit, would spawn a PPV equivalent, and best of all, would wear a Holden badge. Sadly, it's too late. General Motors is out of the RHD game and Holden is dead, meaning prospects of seeing the all-new Colorado taking on the world have faded. It's a sad moment for Colorado fans outside America but in its home market, such evolution deserves a lot of praise because both the Colorado and the Canyon are the most advanced trucks in their class. Although these new trucks have world-proven potential because of their toughness and tech, they'll never have the chance to take on the world someday...or are they?

Why would General Motors decide to build the all-new Colorado by themselves, even without Isuzu's partnership? As I said, that's American self-sufficient to you.

Photo: General Motors

Forza Horizon 4 - A slice of Colorado in Britain

How's your Winter Season Forzathon events been progressing? Well, if you have proven your worth, you may get your hands on a car available at the Forzathon Shop for a week only, it's the new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pickup truck, perfect for the rough conditions in Britain you'll be traversing with.



It's too bad that in real-life, you can't buy a new Chevrolet in Britain except the Camaro and the Corvette, and it's ashamed that pickup trucks don't really work in the streets of Britain because of kooky people snatching things from the back. But here in the fantasy world of Forza Horizon 4, you can experience the full potential of the Colorado truck throughout the rough terrains Britain has to offer.

If you have the guts to get this car, you have to work hard through this season's Forzathon events and if you are worthy, you can drive the Colorado anytime you want but now that I finally earned my right to drive the Colorado, it's time for me to do something special since it's here.



Looks like the lamb finally broke her silence and finally got her head hardened to crash some parties, get it?





With the special treatment set, looks like the Colorado is all set for some Double Dare of cross country challenges to demonstrate its all-terrain capabilities in the British countryside even if its covered in snow. Let the physical challenges begin.


Physical challenges complete!



Although you can't get the Colorado in Britain in real life, Forza Horizon 4 gives you the chance to drive the Colorado on British roads if you are worthy enough to drive it. If you are worthy enough to drive it, better save up on Forzathon points in order to claim the Colorado for you to drive around Britain but do hurry because you got a few days left to win it. If you haven't got one, do it now to get it.

Forza Motorsport 7: Colorado Springer

With the March Car Pack arrived on Forza Motorsport 7, the world's wandering that does this game focused mostly on motorsports, hence the name, need another irrelevant offroader that doesn't work on racetracks in-game? To explain what I'm on about, I picked up one of the cars offered in the pack, which is basically a Chevrolet Colorado.



It's not just any Colorado you're familiar with, this is the offroad-oriented ZR2 variant and while folks are muttering that does this game need more irrelevant and idiotic SUVs and offroaders, it's time to knock myself out with a little drive with Chevrolet's world-proven pickup truck, but first, what's it all about it?



Chevrolet revived the mid-size pickup truck segment with the launch of the second-generation Colorado in 2014 for the North American market after its critically-acclaimed success worldwide and was later heralded as Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for two years in 2015 and 2016. Such success prompted Chevrolet to add an offroad-oriented ZR2 variant to cater offroad enthusiasts.

Based on the Z71 variant, the ZR2 features exclusive features and parts made for offroad driving in mind such as the 17x8 Wheels with 31" tyres, Off-Road Mode which shifts throttle progression, shift calibration, traction control, stability control, and ABS in different terrain conditions, Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve Dampers, Electronic Locking Front and Rear Differentials, Longer, Cast Iron Control Arms, 3.5" Wider Track, 2" Lift, and many others.

The ZR2 can be offered in two body styles such as the crew cab and the extended cab as well as two different configurations such as the 2.8L Duramax Diesel engine and the more powerful 3.6L LGZ V6 petrol engine with Variable Valve Timing.



Yes, I know, those off-road oriented upgrades really made the commoners' Colorado, a midsize truck favored by people living in the red state as right-wing nutjobs, more capable at all sorts of terrain but in reality, it's almost irrelevant on the track and overall, some might say it might not cut through corners like what a high-performance sports car goes. Yes, that got me concerned knowing that it wasn't as agile and as sharp as your Camaro or Corvette but it sounded like a challenge for the ZR2 truck. To find out, I need to go to a red state where the Colorado will have a moment to shine...and I think I know one. Folks, we're going to Texas.



Yes, I know, Texas is the biggest state in the United States but that one place in Texas I'm looking for? The venue used for the United States Grand Prix of the Formula 1 championship; Circuit of the Americas, located in Austin, Texas. It will be the perfect ground for me to challenge the full capability of the Colorado ZR2 not just being an offroader but for breaking the glass on the typical FM7 murmurs noting that it's idiotic and irrelevant to have offroaders on a motorsport-oriented racing game.



You should know that the year 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of Chevy Trucks and it's the perfect time to mark that very occasion by going all out in this US Grand Prix track while driving an offroader truck that is more off-road, less on track duty. Of course, you might be asking that it's impossible for a truck like this to get round the twists and turns this US GP track had and I said hey, give me three minutes. Give me three minutes to drive one full lap round COTA with the Colorado without going out of bounds. Challenge accepted. Let's roll the tape.



And now, the results. How did I do? I gave them three minutes and I did it in...2:58.177. So, who's laughing now, skeptics?



It's no wonder why the Forza producers are celebrating 100 years of Chevy trucks by adding the Colorado ZR2 on the March Car Pack because we wanted to mark the occasion by doing something wonderful with this off-road-oriented Colorado. The Chevrolet Colorado has been proven round the world and in the world of Forza, they consider driving the Colorado is a challenge only the brave can master it. Talking about here, I did something special to mark this occasion.





*making bleating noises*