HSV confirms Chevy Silverado 1500 for NZ

Friday, 21 February 2020

HSV (is it too soon to start saying GMSV?) has confirmed it will convert the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to right-hand drive for sale in New Zealand. It will slot in below the existing 2500 Heavy Duty.

Despite HSV saying the 1500 'delivers a unique blend of performance and efficiency,' power is still sourced from a properly American 6.2-litre V8.

Performance is certainly a box checked, with 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque on tap. Acceleration stats are yet to be confirmed but we'd imagine it hauls to 100kmh a bit quicker than the diesel-powered Colorado.

HSV (soon to be GMSV) has confirmed the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will be converted to right-hand drive and be sold on New Zealand shores.

A ten-speed automatic is the only transmission option and, paired with cylinder deactivation and auto stop/start technology, it should be relatively easy on the fuel tank.

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The 1500 doesn't deviate much from the elder 2500 Heavy Duty in the looks department.

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Towing is rated at to 4500kg, which would necessitate a special licence class for Kiwi drivers.

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Towing capacity is rated at up to 4.5 tonnes, which would necessitate a special licence class for Kiwi drivers, but extra standard features like tow/haul mode, trailer swap control, hill start assist and auto grade braking help out those wanting to exploit every kg.

If you're towing a lot, ask for the Advanced Trailering Package. This adds hitch guidance with hitch view, an integrated trailer braked controller, trailer theft alert, in-vehicle Advanced Trailering System and more.

HSV has also given the suspension a retune, 'for those seeking more driver feedback across a variety of terrains.'

Inside is plenty of perforated leather, heated front seats with ten-way power movement and driver memory, plus a heated steering wheel for those cold Otago mornings.

Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus system is standard, coming with a multi-touch display and advanced voice recognition, as is a HD rear-view camera.

Finally, a performance airbox and exhaust system form part of a range of performance upgrades.

We'll first see the 1500 in dealerships in this March, while the final price is yet to be confirmed.