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With so many new products and huge market growth in SUVs and full-size trucks in recent years, the compact/mid-size pickup market has seemed largely forgotten. Now comes General Motors ahead of the game this time--with a pair of excellent new entries that raise the bar several notches in this still-important segment.

These all-new GMT355 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks "are not evolutions of the S-10 and Sonoma, pickup versions of the TrailBlazer/Envoy or joint-venture vehicles with Isuzu," says assistant vehicle chief engineer Al Oppenheiser. What they ,are is bigger and substantially better than their 22-year-old GM predecessors and best-in-class in nearly every way, according to GM.

They share no parts save a seat frame with the venerable S-10 and Sonoma trucks they replace. And they share little in common with those GMT360/370 mid-size SUV stablemates except 2.8L I-4 and 3.5L I-5 derivations of the widely praised 4.2L DOHC VVT I-6 engine.

Comparing the base louts and the five to competitive standard V-6s, they offer better power, torque, economy and range, plus the largest interiors on regular and crew-cabs, the largest bed volumes ,and the most cargo tie-downs in their class. They also have at least two important exclusives: head curtain side air bags and a dual-position locking tailgate.

Besides the two available engines, they offer choices among two transmissions (5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic), two drive-lines (2wd and 4wd), three suspensions (sport, heavy-duty and Z-71 off-road), three cabs (Standard, Extended and Crew) and three trim levels. All-new configurations include a 2wd Crew Cab and a 2wd high-stance Z71 with the appearance and stance of the 4wd Z71, but without the transfer case,

Why not base them on GM's highly successful GMT360/370 mid-size SUV platform? Partly because--with the addition of the Suzuki Ascender, Buick Ranier and soon-to-come Saab 9-7 derivative--that component set will enjoy more than enough volume to keep its plants and suppliers busy. And largely because their missions are very different.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:03 AM