While the LTZ Premium is well equipped, it's the standard features added to the ZR2 that make for headlines. As well as raised suspension, the ZR2 also gets clever, adaptive dampers that do wonders for the ride quality. The catch is that the ZR2 loses the sunroof , side-steps and power-adjustable steering column, all in the name of saving a few kilograms.

Chevrolet has moved to the increasingly popular twin-screen layout and the centre-stack, in particular, is a big improvement over what went before. The loss of the old car's analogue gauge layout and column-mounted gearshift, however, doesn't seem like such a step forward.

The rear seat also seems to be missing the necessary overhead grab-handles and the rear air vents are too small to be totally effective.

We're talking full-on Americana here. From the land where anything with less than 18 wheels runs on petrol, not diesel, the Silverado packs a 6.2-litre V8 punch. Torque is 624Nm and the end result is potent, relatively quiet and way more refined than most turbo-diesels.

The rear seat is a big improvement over the superseded Silverado with much better padding over longer journeys. Up front, the leather looks like it will wear well and the 10-way power-adjustment is welcome. The biggest problem is actually hauling yourself up and into those seats.

Though not at all about acceleration times, the Silverado's 313kW V8 engine nevertheless can get it up to speed pretty smartly. And like all good tow-trucks, it doesn't seem to really notice a load on the back at all.

The transmission helps out here, too, with a keen kick-down to keep the kiloWatts coming. Approximate 0-100km/h dash time is 6.5 seconds.

With an official combined fuel consumption figure of 12.2 litres, the Silverado's 91-litre single fuel tank should equate to a range of just over 750km. In the real world - even at highway cruising speeds - that's going to be closer to 700 and perhaps even 600km if you don't like to push your luck between fill-ups. The requirement for premium unleaded does nothing positive for running costs, either.