2008 Chevrolet Colorado

NEW FOR 2008:

- Exterior colours: Inferno Orange Metallic, Black Granite Metallic and Dark Gray Metallic

For 2008, the Chevrolet Colorado compact pickup truck is unchanged.

The Colorado uses a 2.9-litre four cylinder engine with five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic; it can be optioned to a 3.7-litre five-cylinder with four-speed automatic. Regular and Extended Cab models are available in LS or LT trim; the Crew Cab is LT trim only. All are available in two- or four-wheel drive.

Features on the LS models include 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, automatic headlights, front and rear chrome bumpers, two-position locking tailgate, variable intermittent wipers, driver information centre, tire pressure monitoring system, exterior cargo light, tilt wheel, cruise control, 60/40 cloth split bench seat, and AM/FM stereo. Regular Cab models have vinyl flooring, while Extended Cab models come with carpeting and rubber floor mats; the Extended Cab models add rear dual jump seats.

The LT adds 15-inch aluminum wheels, carpeting with rubber floor mats, leather-wrapped wheel, deluxe cloth seats CD/MP3 stereo, and OnStar. The Crew Cab comes with a Power Convenience Package, an available option on the Regular and Extended Cab LT models, which includes power windows, power locks with keyless entry, power mirrors, and theft alarm.

Depending on the model, available options include an Off-Road Package, trailer package, fog lamps, sliding rear window, six-CD stereo, XM Satellite Radio and appearance package.

Also sold as the GMC Canyon - and the basis of the Hummer H3 - the Colorado comes with two bed lengths: a 6-foot-1 (1.85 metre) bed in the Regular and Extended Cab, and 5-foot-1 (1.55 metre) bed in the Crew Cab. Both offer two-tier cargo loading and lockable, removable tailgates that can be opened fully, or set at a 55-degree opening, the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells, to accommodate longer loads.

One of the smaller pickup trucks on the market, the Colorado comes in a variety of configurations, from a base work vehicle to tricked-out models with chrome wheels. Cross-shop it with models such as the Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series and Toyota Tacoma, among others.