Chevrolet appears to have struck the right balance between capability and comfort for its midsize pickup. Colorado rides like a truck, but it isn't nasty about it. By aiming for a more modest towing capacity, GM engineers were able to reduce the rear spring rate and tune the suspension for a smooth ride. The rear end doesn't bounce around on washboard dirt roads the way it does on older trucks. It's the front end that feels firmer.

The Colorado accelerates decently in traffic and the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic shifts smoothly enough. But goose it on loose gravel or dirt, and the traction control system shuts down the power and the Colorado bogs. That's not important except when trying to merge into fast-moving traffic from a pebbly roadside. The traction control override button, located high on the dash, can be used in such a situation, but obviously you'll need to think that through in advance. In snow, however, the traction control should help in taming the pickup's lightly loaded rear end. The front disc/rear drum brakes are big and meaty and certainly should be enough for any load the Colorado is allowed to carry. They are easy to modulate for smooth stops and work well when applied. Standard four-wheel ABS helps the driver maintain steering control in an emergency braking maneuver. It does its job neatly, keeping the truck in line even when slamming on the brakes on a gravelly road.

All models offer stable and predictable handling. The suspension is firm enough to handle hard stops on pavement without drama. The Colorado is a truck, however, so it doesn't corner or stop like a car. We found it tended toward understeer, plowing in corners when pushed beyond the grip of the tires.

We were pleased with the operation of the four-wheel-drive system. There's no doubt when it engages: There's a small clunk when it shifts into 4WD HI (which can be done on the fly) and a bigger clunk when it shifts into 4WD LO (requiring the vehicle be stopped and in neutral). No full-time all-wheel drive is available; this is a truck-style part-time four-wheel-drive system and should not be used on dry pavement.

The Z71 models ride well for a pickup with an off-road suspension. We were able to test a Z71 in deep, sucking mud. And we climbed a greasy, rocky hillside that, in the winter months, becomes Pennsylvania's Jack Frost ski resort. In neither case did the Colorado disappoint us.

The ZQ8 sport suspension rides well. It comes with low-profile, 50-series 17-inch tires, but they don't look particularly sticky. We didn't drive it in anger, but our impression is that it doesn't offer the sports-car handling of the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner, and it doesn't get any kind of horsepower boost, so it's more show than go. The low ground clearance means it'll occasionally bottom out.

Summary

Chevrolet Colorado offers the increased roominess of the newest generation of mid-size pickup trucks. Anyone looking for a smaller truck that's not cramped on the inside, but is still capable of handling a respectable load or pulling a lightweight trailer, should find the Colorado a good choice. Load three dirt bikes on a trailer, and assorted gear in the bed, and three bikers and a couple of hangers-on can head to the track. Or take the kids to soccer practice and bring home a dozen bags of mulch. The Colorado handles it all with aplomb.

New Car Test Drive correspondent John Matras filed the original report from rural Pennsylvania; Mitch McCullough reported from Southern California

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Chevrolet Colorado Z85 LS Regular Cab 2WD ($15,330); Z85 LS Extended Cab 2WD ($17,705); Z71 1LT Extened Cab 4WD ($24,150); Z85 1LT Crew Cab 4WD ($24,920); ZQ8 Sport 3LT Extended Cab 2WD ($24,980); Z71 2LT Crew Cab 4WD ($27,415)

Engines:175-hp 2.8-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 220-hp 3.5-liter dohc 20-valve inline-5

Transmissions:5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic

ABS, dual-stage front airbags with passenger deactivation (on Regular Cabs), LATCH child seat anchors, foldaway outside rear view mirrors

Safety equipment (optional):side-curtain airbags, traction control

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled in:Shreveport, Louisiana