Australia’s work ute fleet has been given a real lift with the arrival of the new Holden Colorado one-tonne ute. The bar has been raised, particularly in the area of safety. Holden’s Colarado has scored extremely well in crash tests carried out at ANCAP’s crash lab. Recently landed Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok, and SsangYong Actyon Sports utes will be watching their backs. The Holden Colorado is a complete package with safety and style being its trump cards. Unlike the Ranger, BT-50 and Amarok, side/thorax airbags are not offered, but the Colorado’s high-strength steel structure and side impact protection beams proved sufficient to gain five-stars. She’s a tough beast!

Obviously, there has been quite a demand for the new ute. Holden dealers have been hard-pushed to fulfil pre-orders, not helped by last year’s floods in Thailand that affected the Colorado factory at Rayong. A delay in the Colorado’s arrival has only fed the keen anticipation for new Holden Colorado buyers.

All the goodies are there to make the Colorado a very nice vehicle to live with. Drive one of these, and you might just want to ditch the family car. Bluetooth telephone connectivity, electronic stability control, curtain airbags and ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, a body-coloured front bumper, air-conditioning, an alarm, multi-function trip computer display and an audio system with auxiliary input and USB iPod integration are standard across the Colorado range. All models except for the single-cab DX 4×2 and 4×4 variants come with carpet on the floor. These two hardworking utes have the sensible vinyl floor coverings – perfect for the building site or farm. Seating is comfortable, and you feel good even after being a long period at the wheel.

The Holden Colorado provides loads of choice. The list of Holden Colorado models is extensive, so there is sure to be a Colorado ute that will be exactly the type of vehicle you’re after. A combination of four trim levels and 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains are offered across single-cab, space-cab and dual-cab body styles, with the single cabs being offered as cab-chassis only and the space cab only available as a 4×4. Dual cabs and space cabs are available with either cab-chassis or pick-up body styles depending on specification level.

Power is very good, and this is blended with admirable economy. The base model Holden Colorado DX single-cab-chassis 4×2 has a 110kW/350Nm 2.5-litre diesel engine that is linked to a five-speed manual transmission. Check out the price! At well under the $30k it’s a steal. Expect around 7.9 litres/100 km for a 4×2 DX cab-chassis. Each of the other variants use the 132kW/470Nm 2.8-litre diesel engine with a five-speed manual transmission. A 2.8-litre 4×2 ute with a manual transmission in LX trim will consume around 7.8 litres/100 km on a combined cycle. There is a six-speed automatic transmission on all models except the manual-only.

If you’re going to be doing a fair bit of off-road work, then the 4×4 versions are robust and rugged. They also offer good ground clearance and decent approach and departure angles. All 4×4 variants have a high- and low-range transfer case with electronic on-the-fly mode selection.

The Holden Colorado model that will drive you to replacing the family car would have to be the LTZ model with climate-control, 17-inch alloy wheels (with full-size alloy spare), an alloy sports bar, side steps, a soft tonneau cover, self-levelling projector headlights, LED tail-lights, and chrome finish for the mirrors, interior and exterior door handles, rear bumper and tailgate handle. Move into the inside of the LTZ, and you’ll enjoy an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a gear selector knob in leather (manual) or chrome (automatic), an upgrade from two to three rear head restraints (on the dual cab, which also upgrades from six to eight speakers), two seat-back pockets and a rear centre armrest.

Australia knows how good these are. Colorados have provided solid, reliable service for some time now.

The current Holden Colorado models include the:

• 4×2 Single Cab Chassis (DX, LX)
• 4×2 Crew Cab Chassis (LX)
• 4×2 Pickup (LX, LT, LTZ)
• 4×4 Single Cab Chassis (DX, LX)
• 4×4 Space Cab Chassis (LX)
• 4×4 Pickup (LTZ)
• 4×4 Crew Cab Chassis (LX)
• 4×4 Pickup (LX, LT, LTZ)

For any more information on the Holden Colorado or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Holden dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Holden Car Reviews