GMC pulls cover off reborn Canyon in return to midsize segment

DETROIT—GMC is hoping some European-inspired styling can help revive a lost segment on this side of the Atlantic, re-launching its midsize Canyon pickup after a two-year hiatus.

Making its debut a few months after sister firm Chevrolet unveiled its midsize Colorado, the 2015 Canyon is a clean-slate launch for GMC, with the midsize pickup re-engineered from the ground up.

Sharing some design cues with the Colorado, the Canyon clearly borrows from Europe in the styling department, where designers ditched the sharp lines of the previous generation in favour of bold, rounded styling and a tall stance.

The Canyon comes standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 193-horsepower, and is available with a 3.6-L V6 powerplant that produces an estimated 302-horsepower.

A 2.8-L Duramax turbodiesel engine is coming in 2016, according to GMC.

And for added safety for young drivers, the Canyon is available with a new Teen Driver mode—a configurable feature that allows parents to set a radio volume limit, establish speed warnings and even set a speed limiter.

The mode also features a “report card” that records mileage, wide-open throttle, ABS and maximum speed.

Set to go on into production in the fall, the automaker’s attempt to steal some thunder from its Japanese rivals that have long dominated the segment makes General Motors the only Detroit firm with a midsize offering.

Much like GM, Chrysler and Ford both discontinued their respective small pickups a few years ago on the back of weak sales.