Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
#1
Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
"Global Pickup Shootout" from pickuptrucks.com. Tested in Australia. The contenders were the Toyota Hillux, Holden Colorado, Ford Ranger, and VW Amarok. Colorado lost to Ranger by 1pt apparently.
From the results
Second Place: Colorado
First place: Ranger
From the results
Second Place: Colorado
If you’re expecting a ute that handles more like a car, then it’s going to disappoint. Sure, it feels more traditionally trucklike compared with the Ranger and Amarok when it comes to cornering and is far more cumbersome in general driving, but it is a pickup, after all.
Some liked the no-nonsense interior, but we thought it was a little ordinary for an all-new truck, and it did look like a lower trim level. The engine is the loudest at idle, but the sound is not irritating and smoothens out as the truck gains speed.
Despite all that, it didn’t take us long to warm up to the Colorado. Its softer suspension means it floats a little more than the others, but it is also very comfortable in most conditions. The engine has plenty of torque to get around without much fuss, and the cabin feels spacious.
The Colorado’s 7,500-pound-plus tow rating is handy, and there is nothing missing from the list of standard equipment. If you don’t mind driving a pickup that feels like a pickup, the Colorado (the least expensive of our group) makes for a good value proposition.
Some liked the no-nonsense interior, but we thought it was a little ordinary for an all-new truck, and it did look like a lower trim level. The engine is the loudest at idle, but the sound is not irritating and smoothens out as the truck gains speed.
Despite all that, it didn’t take us long to warm up to the Colorado. Its softer suspension means it floats a little more than the others, but it is also very comfortable in most conditions. The engine has plenty of torque to get around without much fuss, and the cabin feels spacious.
The Colorado’s 7,500-pound-plus tow rating is handy, and there is nothing missing from the list of standard equipment. If you don’t mind driving a pickup that feels like a pickup, the Colorado (the least expensive of our group) makes for a good value proposition.
It’s the most expensive ute here, but the Ranger is the best of the bunch. The Colorado and Amarok are both impressive, but the Ranger sets the new standard.
It isn’t perfect, though. The engine has some inconsistent injection noise, the manual gearbox is not extraordinary, the cargo bed is narrower than the Amarok’s, and the ride can be a little firm at lower speeds. But the Ranger is a clear winner in almost every other respect.
The engine has plenty of torque and never seems to be working too hard. The six-speed automatic is a good option, especially for stop-start city driving or remote and rugged off-road action.
Serene is the best way to describe the cabin. It is quiet and also rather well-isolated from all the bumps and ruts on the roads.
We understand that design is quite subjective, but we thought the Ranger was an attractive machine. It doesn’t have the hard-edged ruggedness of the F-Series pickups, but it still looks tough, especially when it’s next to its competitors.
Then there is the interior. Some of the buttons confused us, but the layout, design and quality of materials are far superior to the others. Also, the high-ish payload and tow ratings make the Ranger a practical machine.
What did we like most about the Ranger? One thing that stands out is how it handles flowing country roads: It stays surefooted, sits flat and responds quickly to inputs. To put it simply, it was fun to drive.
While U.S. customers should no doubt be pleased that GM has committed to sell the Colorado there, it’s a shame there aren’t similar plans for the Ranger to come over as well.
It isn’t perfect, though. The engine has some inconsistent injection noise, the manual gearbox is not extraordinary, the cargo bed is narrower than the Amarok’s, and the ride can be a little firm at lower speeds. But the Ranger is a clear winner in almost every other respect.
The engine has plenty of torque and never seems to be working too hard. The six-speed automatic is a good option, especially for stop-start city driving or remote and rugged off-road action.
Serene is the best way to describe the cabin. It is quiet and also rather well-isolated from all the bumps and ruts on the roads.
We understand that design is quite subjective, but we thought the Ranger was an attractive machine. It doesn’t have the hard-edged ruggedness of the F-Series pickups, but it still looks tough, especially when it’s next to its competitors.
Then there is the interior. Some of the buttons confused us, but the layout, design and quality of materials are far superior to the others. Also, the high-ish payload and tow ratings make the Ranger a practical machine.
What did we like most about the Ranger? One thing that stands out is how it handles flowing country roads: It stays surefooted, sits flat and responds quickly to inputs. To put it simply, it was fun to drive.
While U.S. customers should no doubt be pleased that GM has committed to sell the Colorado there, it’s a shame there aren’t similar plans for the Ranger to come over as well.
#4
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
You can tell they didn't spare any designers to make those trucks. Talk about butt ugly. Rangers and S10's used to be very good looking trucks, even the canyon was a nice looking truck.
#5
#6
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
I hope the renderings of the blue Canyon I posted a few weeks ago are close to what GM has planned for the States. Otherwise, the truck will probably fail miserably
GM,
If you're reading, the U.S. versions of the Colorado and Canyon have to look tougher, more unique, and they have to look American. If they don't, they will fail.
#8
#9
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
We also WILL NOT be getting this (which I'm glad we're not.) I do wish (cough GM cough) would run with the idea though...
The Saga Ends: Mahindra Compact Diesel Pickup Canceled for U.S. Market - WOT on Motor Trend
The Saga Ends: Mahindra Compact Diesel Pickup Canceled for U.S. Market - WOT on Motor Trend
#10
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
I like those trucks, I like the idea of Diesels but....Whats the point. They are about the same size as a full size, the price will be be expensive. Why buy midsize when for about the same scratch you can buy a full size?
Lastly I like the size of regular cab s-10 or s-10's for that matter. Just wish the car companies would market/develop/sell a nice small truck with good mpg. Think s-10 size v6 or I4, 40 mpg on the hwy and ability to haul some stuff from lowes.
Lastly I like the size of regular cab s-10 or s-10's for that matter. Just wish the car companies would market/develop/sell a nice small truck with good mpg. Think s-10 size v6 or I4, 40 mpg on the hwy and ability to haul some stuff from lowes.
#11
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
I like those trucks, I like the idea of Diesels but....Whats the point. They are about the same size as a full size, the price will be be expensive. Why buy midsize when for about the same scratch you can buy a full size?
Lastly I like the size of regular cab s-10 or s-10's for that matter. Just wish the car companies would market/develop/sell a nice small truck with good mpg. Think s-10 size v6 or I4, 40 mpg on the hwy and ability to haul some stuff from lowes.
Lastly I like the size of regular cab s-10 or s-10's for that matter. Just wish the car companies would market/develop/sell a nice small truck with good mpg. Think s-10 size v6 or I4, 40 mpg on the hwy and ability to haul some stuff from lowes.
The new Colorado is definitely a midsize and is about mid-way between the width of the current Colorado and the average fullsize. Think current Tacoma and Dakota.
You're not going to get a 40mpg truck anytime soon if it is built to tow or haul any kind of load. Manufacturers are barely there with economy cars.
#12
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
MANY more factors are in play than just simple currency conversions.
#13
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
I like those trucks, I like the idea of Diesels but....Whats the point. They are about the same size as a full size, the price will be be expensive. Why buy midsize when for about the same scratch you can buy a full size?
Lastly I like the size of regular cab s-10 or s-10's for that matter. Just wish the car companies would market/develop/sell a nice small truck with good mpg. Think s-10 size v6 or I4, 40 mpg on the hwy and ability to haul some stuff from lowes.
Lastly I like the size of regular cab s-10 or s-10's for that matter. Just wish the car companies would market/develop/sell a nice small truck with good mpg. Think s-10 size v6 or I4, 40 mpg on the hwy and ability to haul some stuff from lowes.
#14
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
You're comparing probably the top line HSV GTS with a base model G8?
Top range Commodore SS can be bought for under 50K
Last edited by AnthonyHSV; 09-18-2012 at 07:59 PM.
#15
Re: Small Pickups we can't get now Head 2 Head
I think the comparison was an HSV vs the G8 GXP. Either way you can't just do currency conversions when deciding what something could be priced for.