The 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, a model from the 2004-2012 generation, underwent rigorous crash testing to evaluate its safety performance. This analysis delves into the frontal offset crash test results for the 2008 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab 2wd, providing key insights for automotive professionals and enthusiasts. Originally designed as a replacement for the Chevrolet S-10, the Colorado shares its platform with the GMC Canyon and the now-discontinued Isuzu i-series pickup.
During the frontal offset crash test, a significant structural issue was identified in the 2008 Chevy Colorado. The intrusion of the tire and wheel assembly into the driver’s footwell led to a critical separation of the footwell from the rocker panel and door sill. This structural failure resulted in the driver dummy’s left foot becoming trapped under the brake pedal. Emergency responders had to cut the brake pedal to free the dummy’s foot. Consequently, the structural rating for the 2008 Chevy Colorado was downgraded from “acceptable” to “marginal”.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | A |
| Structure and safety cage | M |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | M |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Despite the structural concerns, the 2008 Chevy Colorado demonstrated good performance in other critical areas. The driver injury measures for head, neck, chest, and the right leg/foot were rated as “Good”. However, the left leg/foot injury measure received a “Marginal” rating, directly linked to the foot entrapment issue. Driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also evaluated as “Good”, indicating effective occupant protection systems in containing dummy movement during the crash.
The technical measurements from the crash test further illustrate the severity of the structural intrusion. Footwell intrusion measurements were substantial, with the footrest area showing 21 cm of intrusion and the brake pedal area at 18 cm. Instrument panel rearward movement measured 8 cm on the left and 10 cm on the right. Steering column and A-pillar rearward movements were recorded at 5 cm and 6 cm, respectively.
Technical Measurements of Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0811 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 21 |
| Left (cm) | 18 |
| Center (cm) | 14 |
| Right (cm) | 14 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 18 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 8 |
| Right (cm) | 10 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 6 |
| Rearward (cm) | 5 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 5 |
Driver Injury Measures in the 2008 Chevy Colorado Crash Test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0811 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 225 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 20 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 30 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 2.8 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 1.7 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 9 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.80 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.37 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 7.3 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 3.2 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 136 |
| Right | 85 |
In conclusion, while the 2008 Chevy Colorado achieved an overall “Acceptable” rating, the “Marginal” structural rating due to footwell intrusion and subsequent foot entrapment is a critical point to consider. This analysis underscores the importance of structural integrity in vehicle safety and provides valuable data for understanding the crash performance of the 2008 Chevy Colorado.
