Off-roading Downsized … Plus More
by Renata Cathey
 Let’s peel away
the mystery of off-roading. I did a
test drive at 2008 Texas State Fair in Dallas.
A public event like this is a perfect situation for women to introduce
themselves to the hobby of off-roading plus there are friendly experts readily
available to answer potential questions. I
know that there are many women that would really love the activity, if they only
tried it. Some of us are reluctant
to drive a big loud truck on rough terrain in a remote location, i.e. off-roading,
because the mere thought is unfamiliar.
However, no worries are necessary if you choose the 2009 Chevrolet
Colorado for your first off-roading experience.
 The minute I saw
the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, I knew it would be wonderful to drive.
The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size compact truck and it is a
little larger than its predecessor, the Chevrolet S-10 which was retired in
2004. The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
is about as long as one-and-a-half Chevrolet Aveos, which are subcompact cars.
The chrome on the grille, wheels, and handles were nice touches.
My 2009 Chevrolet Colorado was a candy apple red, 4x4, crew cab (4 doors)
truck outfitted with the Z71 "off-road" package. Although it is 3 inches taller
than the standard 2009 Chevrolet Colorado two-wheel drive (4x2) version, it was
easy to enter and exit.
Furthermore, the extra height is needed to clear hills and potholes, while off-roading
or completing your daily adventures.
 The 2009
Chevrolet Colorado was roomy and had the feel of a full size truck.
Strangely, I was not cramped and the control gadgets were easy to read
and reach. While listening for
noise, I started the engine, turned the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado off, and then I
restarted it. The cabin was
unexpectedly quiet. Usually a 4x4’s
engine has a boisterous howl. The
minimal interior noise is attributed to the Arvin Meritor/APA monotubes
controlling the heavy duty suspension.
As I started the off-road course, I saw why 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
designers valued a stiff welded ladder-frame, hydraulically assisted
rack-and-pinion steering, and large front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers,
together they created a smooth ride with stable handling.
 The 2009
Chevrolet Colorado was proving to be fun to drive and I felt safe because of its
new braking system, StabiliTrak, and increased wheel size.
The braking system features a four-channel ABS with “yaw” control for
flatter, more controlled stopping during panic stops and improved control on
slippery surfaces. Fortunately,
StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system, is standard in the 2009
Chevrolet Colorado. StabiliTrak
detects steering wheel angle, speed and direction, and adjusts engine torque
ensure safety on the road.
Likewise, the 16 inch wheels are a one inch upgrade over last year’s model,
therefore improving traction. The
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 “off road” package comes equipped with larger 17
inch wheels. The safety options
really create an environment making it easy to try off-roading.
Everyday Living
 The 2009
Chevrolet Colorado is not strictly for off-road pleasure, it is also a
functional everyday truck. I
recommend that families stick with the crew cab option because it can easily
accommodate up to 6 passengers, thanks to the 60/40 split bench seat.
The versatility of crew cab makes it easy to carpool, take the kids and
their equipment to sporting events, and run daily errands like grocery shopping
or picking up the dry cleaning. For
hauling around loose stuff on the bed like soccer balls, football gear, or a
case of bottled water, consider getting a heavy duty bed web net accessory.
The heavy duty bed web net is made up of stretchable cords that radiate
from a stainless center ring that keeps lightweight items secure.
The standard bedliner protects the bed from scratches etc. and keeps your
2009 Chevrolet Colorado truck bed looking its best.
One of the best aspects of the new 2009 Chevrolet Colorado is
the fuel economy engine options. Currently
hybrid and diesel engines are not available.
However, the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado two wheel drive (4x2) has several
selections.
4 cylinders, 2.9L, 4-speed automatic: 18 city and 24
highway
4 cylinders, 2.9L, 5-speed manual: 18 city and 24 highway
5 cylinders, 3.7L, 4-speed automatic: 17 city and 23 highway
5 cylinders, 3.7L, 4-speed automatic: Cab Chassis: 15 city and 20 highway
The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado four wheel drive (4x4) choices
are:
4 cylinders, 2.9L 4-speed automatic: 17 city and 23 highway
4 cylinders, 2.9L, 5-speed manual: 17 city and 23 highway
5 cylinders, 3.7L, 4-speed automatic: 16 city and 22 highway
5 cylinders, 3.7L, 4-speed automatic, Crew Cab: 16 city and 21 highway
5 cylinders, 3.7L, 4-speed automatic, Cab Chassis: 16 city and 21 highway
The 8 cylinders, 5.3L ratings
are not currently available.
The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado also comes equipped with XM
Satellite Radio, OnStar, safety belts, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) system anchors for child safety seats, head curtain side air bags,
intermittent wipers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and
folding outside mirrors.
The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado is covered by a
five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles for non-powertrain
components. Starting price is
$26,660 and is available currently in retail Chevrolet showrooms.
For more information about Chevrolet
products go to www.chevrolet.com and to
www.gm.com for auto shows and special events
listings.
Renata Cathey is an independent car dealer and a writer.
See more of industry related stories at
www.netvins.com
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