Pickup trucks are some of the most popular and common sights on the roads of the UAE. And while there are some Japanese alternatives, all the major players in the region hail from the United States. With newer models of the Ford F-150 and RAM 1500 sweeping away most of the customers away from their showrooms, General Motors had to do something. So as a result, we now have the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado that's made its official entry into this frenzied world of body-on-frame machismo machines.
The most affordable variant of the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado starts at AED 106,800, while the top-of-the-range High Country trim costs just a shade under AED 220,000. As before, you can have the 2019 Silverado in Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab configurations. Meanwhile, there are up to five different powertrain options that are available, the latest addition being an all-new 2.7-litre turbocharged four-popper that produces 310 hp and 471 Nm of torque, and comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The rest of the engine line-up includes the familiar 4.3-litre six-cylinder, and 5.3-litre and 6.2-litre eight-cylinder motors. The latter can be found under the bonnet of the High Country, and it cranks out 420 hp and 624 Nm of twisting force - all being channelled through a brand-new 10-speed automatic gearbox.
It's important to note that all engines (except the V6) come with Chevy's new active fuel management system, dubbed “Dynamic Fuel Management” in the V8-powered Silverados. The DFM system allows the eight-cylinder engines to run on just two cylinders, especially when on the highway. This, alongside the engine stop-start system, improved automatic transmissions, and the lighter weight of the new Silverado itself should all help conserve fuel. Despite all of that, the massive size and nature of this V8 means that the 2019 Silverado High Country can only achieve a claimed 13.8 L/100 km.
Approaching this behemoth, there a few noteworthy design changes over the previous Silverado that might catch your eye. The 2019 Chevy Silverado (in the range-topping trim) gets a chrome-covered front grille that's absolutely massive and incorporates stylish LED headlamps and daytime-running units, too. The sculpted fascia also brings in a thoroughly redesigned bonnet and front bumper. The 2.5-tonne, 5.8-metre long body of the new 2019 Silverado instantly commands attention, and along with its enormously flared wheel arches and 22-inch alloy wheels, its stance is nothing short of intimidating. The rear, while being huge, doesn't bode so well on the styling front - the twin fake exhaust tips (High Country) being the prime culprits. Aside from that, the large tailgate and the 'step-up' type rear bumper serve their purpose well, while the vertically-stacked LED taillights look modern and sophisticated.
It isn't just better styled than it s predecessor, the 2019 Silverado also packs a tonne of equipment. For example, the range-topping High Country variant comes with chrome-plated side steps, automatic LED headlights, LED foglights, power-operated tailgate, air suspension, power sunroof, smart-entry with push-start ignition, leather upholstery, power-operated front seats with heating & cooling function, wireless charging pad, multi-zone climate control with rear vents, and an 8-inch touchscreen head unit that's also accompanied by a Bose premium sound system. While Chevy hasn't changed the cabin design of the 2019 Silverado, it still remains a spacious and relatively comfortable one. However, in terms of overall ride comfort, its more advanced rivals feel more accomplished. The 2019 Silverado features a Chevrolet-special rearview mirror integrated camera system for improved visibility. There are also a barrage of airbags and multiple layers of electronic safety nannies.
