2019 Chevrolet Silverado launched in the UAE
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2019 Chevrolet Silverado Review: A Powerful Pickup Truck
There’s something undeniably desirable about pick-up trucks. Whether it’s their design, intimidating presence, or sheer size, pick-up trucks make a bold statement. Chevrolet has truly embraced this with the all-new Silverado. This truck is big, bold, and ready to compete with contenders such as the refreshed Ford F-150 and the all-new RAM 1500.
Recently held at the newly opened Jumeirah Al Wathba Resort in Abu Dhabi, the extravagant launch event featured a mix of on-road and off-road driving. This event not only marked the arrival of the all-new Silverado in the region but also celebrated 100 years of truck manufacturing by the renowned American brand. Several variants were showcased, including two Middle Eastern exclusives – the Trail Boss and RST, which will be discussed later in this article.
Advanced Features and Improvements
Despite the perception that pick-up trucks are all brawn and no brains, Chevrolet has revolutionized the Silverado with a model that is significantly more advanced than its predecessor. The 2019 Silverado is wider, taller, and longer than the outgoing model. It utilizes aluminum in its construction for weight savings and incorporates aero shutters in the grille for improved cooling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.
One of the standout features of the all-new Silverado is its innovative A/C vent located under the wireless phone charging pad. This unique design leads to faster charging times and helps maintain battery health by preventing overheating during charging. Additionally, the Silverado is equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management, a revolutionary technology that will be elaborated on later.
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Interior Design and Comfort
Let’s discuss the interior of the all-new Silverado. The cabin design closely resembles the outgoing model, which is not due to negligence on Chevrolet’s part. Rather, the company consulted with owners globally who appreciated the practicality, design, and user-friendliness of the interior. Feedback from owners prompted improvements in areas such as the addition of rear A/C vents and the repositioning of the airbag disconnect switch for the 2019 model.
From a design standpoint, the interior is rugged yet sophisticated. All variants of the Silverado come with a standard 7-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims feature an 8-inch screen and a rearview mirror activated camera. This camera, positioned at the back of the truck, offers a 300% wider field of view than a traditional mirror, proving invaluable when carrying multiple passengers or heavy loads.
Engine Options and Performance
The all-new Silverado offers five engine and powertrain options. The range begins with a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Next is the 4.3-liter V6, generating 285 horsepower with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Following that is a 5.3-liter V8, delivering 355 horsepower and available with either a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission. Lastly, the top-tier engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower via an all-new 10-speed transmission.
Driving impressions during the on-road and off-road event were generally neutral. The advantages of the all-new Silverado were balanced by its disadvantages. For example, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine performed adequately in sandy conditions, but without reaching higher speeds, it was challenging to fully assess its capabilities compared to the V6 or V8 options.
The new V8 engines come equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management, an upgrade from the previous Active Fuel Management system. This new technology allows up to 6 out of 8 cylinders to be disabled, enabling the engine to operate efficiently, even on just two cylinders when necessary. While this innovation aims to improve fuel efficiency, the ride quality still leaves some room for improvement.
Although Chevrolet has made efforts to enhance ride quality by integrating a spoiler to the truck bed to assist with airflow and reduce bounce, the results have been mixed. While models with air suspension may offer a smoother ride, the standard models we tested (regular cab and crew cab) do not measure up to the standards set by the all-new RAM 1500 or the refreshed Ford F-150.
Pricing
The pricing for the all-new Silverado is as follows:
- AED 106,800 for the Work Truck
- AED 147,300 for the LT
- AED 152,700 for the Trail Boss
- AED 158,000 for the RST
- AED 187,500 for the LTZ
- AED 219,400 for the top-of-the-line High Country model
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