Strangely for an American brand, Chevrolet doesn’t offer a pickup truck in the Philippines. If anything, it doesn’t sell a pickup in Asia at all. Of course, some readers will remember the Chevrolet Colorado, but that has been out of the market for a few years now.
It was axed in the Philippines and Southeast Asia in 2020 with no successor in sight. However, things are a little bit different in for the Latin American market.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Sections of Roxas Boulevard to undergo repairs for ‘150 calendar days’
Southbound portion of EDSA-Kamuning Flyover to close for 11 months starting April 25
Over there, the Colorado is still alive and kicking. The pickup is still a strong seller over there. So much so that it just got a major overhaul for the 2025 model year. This is what we were supposed to get, folks.
Called the S-10 in Latin American markets, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado features dramatically restyled sheetmetal at the front. The new look echoes that of the North American version of the Colorado with a few traces of the Silverado. There are high-set headlights, along with a larger and more prominent split bar grille.
Mind you, this version of the Colorado is still based on the one that was sold in Asia from 2013 to 2020. The basic frame is still the same, as well as the doors and bed. There are new color options, though, as well as new wheel designs and reconfigured tail lights. In Brazil, there are three variants on hand, namely LTZ, Z71, and High Country.
Inside, it’s almost unrecognizable from the model that was once sold here. The dashboard has been completely overhauled along with a digital instrument cluster and wider touchscreen infotainment system. The center stack has been completely rearranged, as well as the center console. Only the door panel remains as the remnants of the older model.
Chevrolet Brazil claims to have made other improvements under the skin. The suspension layout is still the same with independent front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs. However, it has been re-tuned and recalibrated to allow greater comfort and improved handling. Additional sound deadening is also part of the 2025 model year changes for a more refined driving and riding experience. Their words, not ours.
Under the hood is the familiar 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel. It gained a few more power and torque over the years as it now makes 207hp and 510Nm of torque. In comparison, the last Colorado we got here had 200hp and 500Nm. Not a greater deal more but progress is progress. Gone is the six-speed automatic, replaced by an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive versions come with a rear differential lock.
While it would be nice to see the new Chevrolet Colorado in the Philippines, the odds of it ever coming here are slim to none. For starters, General Motors closed down all its manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia. The only way to get this model is importing it from Brazil and will likely be prohibitively expensive.
