Starting this fall, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck will be available with the diesel engine option that was announced a year ago when the truck first launched.

When it does, the diesel version will carry a price premium of $3,730 over comparable models equipped with the 3.6-liter gasoline V-6.

The diesel engine will also be offered on the Colorado's GMC Canyon twin, at an identical premium over the V-6.

DON'T MISS: 2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel: Specs And ZR2 Off-Road Concept From 2014 LA Auto Show (Nov 2014)

A 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder will continue as the base engine.

Diesels will only be offered in the mid-level LT and top Z71 trim levels, with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The diesel produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission.

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel

General Motors has not yet discussed full fuel-economy ratings, but said that its efficiency will exceed both of the gasoline models.

However, it did note that the Colorado diesel will tow up to 7,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive, and 7,600 pounds with four-wheel drive--up from the maximum 7,000 pounds of the 3.6-liter V-6.

All diesel Colorado models come with a towing package--including an integrated trailer-brake controller--standard.

ALSO SEE: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon Four-Cylinder Gas Mileage: 21 Or 22 MPG Combined (Sep 2014)

GM also claims that the 2.8-liter Duramax will be be its cleanest diesel ever, thanks in part to a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system.

This system draws some exhaust gases back into the engine's air intake, which lowers combustion temperatures and helps increase efficiency, the company says.

The Colorado diesel also features an exhaust brake adapted from the larger Silverado HD trucks.

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel

It uses engine compression to slow the truck, lessening reliance on the mechanical brakes.

The addition of the Duramax option makes the Colorado only the second light-duty truck to be sold with a diesel engine recently.

MORE: Smaller Chevy Colorado Pickup A Hit: Plant Adds 3rd Shift To Meet Demand

The other is the full-size Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which uses a 3.0-liter V-6.

Its best EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) surpasses the gasoline Colorado models--but GM is likely hoping its diesel will do better.

But we'll have to wait until closer to the Colorado diesel's on-sale date this fall to find out for sure.

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