Chevrolet, GMC officially introduce diesel for Colorado, Canyon

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Midnight Edition (left) and Z71 Trail Boss

GM confirmed weeks ago that its mid-size Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups would add a diesel option for 2016, but we now also have confirmation that the horsepower and torque figures that were thrown about back then were indeed correct.

The 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel makes 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, an impressive amount of twist for a relatively small motor that will turn this little truck into a towing boss, in our opinion. General Motors hasn’t revealed fuel consumption figures for the motor, but we’ll guess it’ll sip at a rate lower than the gasoline four-cylinder’s 12.7/9.5 L/100 km ratings with automatic and 4WD; 10.5/7.5 might be possible if our experience with engines like BMW’s 3.0L turbodiesel six-cylinder are any indication.

Not surprisingly (but someone disappointly), availability will be limited to higher-spec LT and Z71 crew cab models, with with two- or four-wheel drive. GM says Canadian pricing will be announced this month, but GM USA says the diesel will add $3,730 to the price of a Colorado; our guess is it will be a bit more dear here, perhaps cresting the $4,000 mark. That would put the base price for a diesel Colorado somewhere between $34,000 and $35,000. That’ll be a bit steep for many buyers, but GM has exclusivity on its side: these will be the only mid-size diesel trucks around, and only the second (and third) light-duty pickups available with diesel, after the larger Ram 1500.

Additionally, the 2016 Colorado will be offered in a pair of special Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss trims. The former will echo the Silverado Midnight Edition, with blacked-out grille, bowtie emblem and wheels, plus a spray-on bedliner, and standard tonneau cover.

The Z71 Trail Boss picks up where that trim’s off-road suspension starts, adding more aggressive tires, blacked out grille emblem, bigger fender flares, spray-on bedliner, and tubular side steps.

Both new packages will be available with all three engines, including the new diesel. We’ll have an update on GM Canada’s 2016 model-year pricing as soon as it’s announced.