The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 arrives in Australia as an alternative to the likes of the Dodge Ram and Ford’s F-Truck. It’s converted locally by the team behind HSV and sold through selected Holden dealerships.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (the HD denoting heavy duty) starts at $114,990+ORC for the WT, or Work Truck. For that you’re getting a dual-cab body that stretches almost 6.1 metres as well as a four-wheel drive system and a grunty 6.6-litre turbo diesel V8. It also incorporates a tow kit as well as all wiring, including controls for trailer brakes. There are also side steps (you’ll need them) and a suitably large tray, complete with built-in overhead illumination.
But other than the brash chrome bumper and acres of sheetmetal it’s basic elsewhere, with 18-inch steel wheels and black doorhandles. The steering wheel doesn’t even adjust for reach, only moving up and down. At least there’s a tyre pressuring monitoring system as well as a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity.
In our Midnight Edition you get extras such as wireless phone charging, seven-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone ventilation, heated and ventilated front seats, leather trim, front and rear parking sensors, integrated garage remote opener, multifunction steering wheel with a heated rim and a larger 8.0-inch screen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (bringing sat-nav functionality when you’re in phone range). And reach adjust for the steering, as well as a centre console between the front occupants (in the WT it gets an extra seat instead). There’s also some active safety gear, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning (but no auto braking) and hill descent control.
No surprises the Midnight Edition is only available in black, something that extends to the bumpers and wheels, doing away with most of the chrome for a more sinister appearance. There are also more off-road focused 18-inch Goodyear tyres as well as headlights with a black bezel.
Under the vented bonnet that rises to about 1.4 metres from ground level is a 6.6-litre V8 turbo diesel marketed as Duramax; in case you forget, there’s a (big) badge on either side of the bulging bonnet. It drives through a six-speed Allison transmission (Allison is known for its truck transmissions) driving through a part-time four-wheel drive system. The engine thumps out 332kW at just 2800rpm and a staggering 1234Nm of torque from just1600rpm.
The occasional skip in the rear end is a reminder that most of the Silverado’s heft is towards the front and middle of the car. Get on the throttle too early and that 1234Nm of torque can easily trigger the traction control. The chunky off-road tyres on the Midnight Edition get a hum going around 50 or 60km/h, something that detracts from the otherwise acceptable noise levels in the cabin.
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