Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

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The Chevrolet Colorado redefined the midsize truck market and took it by storm. Colorado currently accounts for 23 percent of the midsize segment, tracking for more than 160,000 units sold in its first two years.
“Customers made the Colorado an overnight success and it remains one of the industry’s hottest-selling products,” said Anita Burke, Colorado Chief Engineer.
Since the Colorado arrived in September of 2014, the total midsize segment has nearly doubled. The numbers solidify Colorado’s vital position in Chevy’s lineup.
“That fast success has justified our continued investment in midsize pickups,” Burke said. 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel. Photo: Chevrolet
Efficient Strategies
The Colorado is part of Chevy’s three truck strategy, alongside Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD. Like its HD counterpart, the Colorado also features a Duramax option. The 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, new for 2016, creates 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) and gives Chevrolet an edge in fuel economy.
“The Colorado is currently the most fuel-efficient pickup truck in America, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway when equipped with the diesel engine,” said Stan Ludlow, Chief Engineer for the 2017 Colorado.
On the heels of strong sales numbers, the engineers went to the drawing board for 2017, according to Ludlow.
“We focused on improving eve...