Chevrolet Silverado from $115,000

HSV has announced a $114,990 starting price for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, making it about $25,000 cheaper than the most affordable pick-up from RAM Trucks Australia – the RAM 2500 Laramie ($139,950 plus on-road costs).

Ironically, both the Silverado 2500/3500 and RAM 2500/3500 utes are converted to right-hand drive in the same Walkinshaw family factory in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton.

RAMs are produced by American Special Vehicles, a joint-venture with Ateco Automotive, while Silverados are now being made by HSV, which is co-owned by GM Holden and also builds the Colorado SportsCat ute and ‘remanufactures’ the Chevrolet Corvette.

Ford’s top-selling F-Series is also available from around $130,000 via Performax International and Harrison F-Trucks, which also offers the smaller F-150 – but only in high-spec guises such as the Raptor.

RAM Trucks Australia has confirmed it will introduce the MY18 RAM 1500 (not the all-new 2019 model – yet) in Australia by mid-year, promising to lower the price of its full-size American pick-up to match top-end versions of popular mid-size one-tonners like the Toyota HiLux.

HSV is yet to follow suit with the Silverado 1500, which will be renewed for 2019, but is expected to offer the new entry-level Chevy pick-up sometime next year, also priced from well under $100,000.

Five-model line-up

For now, HSV has announced a five-model Silverado 4x4 Crew Cab line-up opening with the sub-$115K 2500HD WT automatic and also including the $135K 2500HD LTZ, the $140K 2500HD LTZ Midnight Edition and Custom Sport, and the $148K 3500HD LTZ.

All HSV Silverados will be come with a 332kW/1234Nm 6.6-litre Duramax V8 turbo-diesel matched to an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission, plus a heavy-duty locking rear differential and four-wheel disc brakes.

Crucially, while a 975kg payload isn’t impressive, all 2500s will bring a 5890kg towing capacity (subject to certification) – well above the 3500kg offered by most mid-size utes.

The entry-level 2500HD WT (for ‘work truck’) comes standard with a reversing camera and twin front, side and curtain airbags, plus StabiliTrak stability control with Proactive Roll Avoidance, Traction Control, Electronic Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist.

Other standard features include Dark Ash with Jet Black interior accents, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat for a total six-seat capacity, the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with 7.0-inch colour touch-screen, six-speaker sound system, USB ports and an auxiliary input jack.

There’s also 18-inch steel wheels with Goodyear Wrangler SR-A LT265/70 R18E all-terrain tyres, Halogen projector headlights, integrated rear bumper corner steps, four-inch round chrome side steps, air-conditioning, a Driver Information Centre, tinted windows, remote keyless entry, remote locking tailgate and heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors.

In addition, the 2500HD LTZ brings Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Front/Rear Park Assist, plus front fog lights and chromed 18-inch alloys, body-side mouldings and door-handles., and a Z71 pack comprising 35mm twin-tube Rancho gas-charged shock absorbers, 33.6mm front stabiliser bar, underbody transfer case shield and hill descent control.

Inside, the LTZ adds and 8.0-inch touch-screen, seven-speaker BOSE sound, Bluetooth audio streaming, hands-free smartphone integration, voice-activated radio and phone, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, perforated leather-appointed bucket seats, heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment and memory, dual-zone climate-control, adjustable pedals, multifunction leather-clad steering wheel with reach/rake adjustment and remote start.

Special editions should be popular

The most popular models are expected to be the LTZ Midnight and Custom Sport editions.

The Midnight Edition is not only painted all black, but gets black 18-inch alloys wrapped in LT275/65 R18E Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tyres and a black grille, bumpers, body-side mouldings, side steps, mirror caps, door-handles, headlight bezels and even a black Chevy bow-tie badge, plus a spray-on bed liner.

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Custom Sport Edition, meantime, will be offered exclusively in Summit White with 20-inch polished alloys with LT265/60 R20E all-terrain tyres, white bumpers, a white grille with chrome bars and a spray-on bed-liner.

Topping the Silverado line-up will be the 3500HD LTZ with dual rear wheels and a longer tub, plus smoked amber roof marker lamps and 17-inch wheels with LT235/80 R17E Michelin LTX A/T2 all-terrain tyres.

While Silverado 2500 production starts in April, the 3500 won’t be available until closer to June.

“The availability of the Chevrolet Silverado range opens up some wonderful new opportunities for our business in a market segment that is relatively un-tapped and, we believe, has high growth potential,” said HSV managing director Tim Jackson.

“Whether it be the farming or mining sectors, those who need to pull a large caravan, boat or horse float, or simply those who want awesome towing and load carrying capability, Silverado is the pinnacle.”

Chevrolet Silverado pricing (plus ORCs):
2500HD WT — $114,990
2500HD LTZ — $134,990
2500HD LTZ Midnight Edition — $139,990
2500HD LTZ Custom Sport Edition — $139,990
3500HD LTZ — $147,990

Options:
Spray-on bed liner (WT/LTZ) — $1500
Cajun Red Tintcoat or Deep Ocean Blue metallic paint — $1100