2012 Holden Colorado LT And LTZ First Drive Review
2012 HOLDEN COLORADO REVIEW
Things have suddenly gotten hotter among LCVs - that light commercial vehicle sector where the robust and rampant Toyota HiLux reigns supreme.
Holden's new Colorado, which hits showrooms this week and where its bruising tough-truck styling will do it no harm at all, is one fine 'fourby' ute.
It's not perfect, but vastly improved on the stolid but reliable and hard-working model it replaces.
Diesel only, the 2.8 litre crew-cabs we sampled at launch - LT and LTZ models - pulled like a train.
And, with a range starting at $26,990 for the cab-chassis DX, Holden has the Colorado range sharply priced.
The top-spec LTZ, at $51,990 with six-speed auto and 3.5 tonne towing capacity, slides in under Ford's top-spec (but better equipped) $55,390 Ranger XLT by a significant $3400.
In a single bound, from behind the pack, the Colorado has lept Nissan's 2.5 litre Navara, the Triton, VW Amarok and HiLux for capability, workhorse grunt and style.
Only the benchmark Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 cousins have it bested, but the Colorado wins on price over the Ranger, and shades both for muscular lines and on-road presence.
The interior
The gawky style and primeval layout of the previous Colorado's interior have gone. The new one is a thousand years more evolved and better-featured, and looks quite sharp.
Its commercial origins are evident, it doesn't have the quality surfacing or subtle sense of fashion of a modern passenger car interior, but trim materials and tactile surfaces are generally good.
The leather-bound sports multi-function wheel is very appealing; the right size, a good rim and nicely 'square-on'.
It's adjustable for rake only (not reach), but there's ample adjustment to the driver's seat (for height, backrest and squab) and it's easy to get set at the wheel.
4x2 SINGLE CAB Body Engine Transmission RRP DX Cab Chassis 2.5L TD MT $26,990 LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD MT $27,990 LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD AT $29,990 4x2 CREW CAB LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD MT $33,990 LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD AT $35,990 LX Pickup 2.8L TD MT $35,490 LX Pickup 2.8L TD AT $37,490 LT Pickup 2.8L TD MT $36,490 LT Pickup 2.8L TD AT $38,490 LTZ Pickup 2.8L TD MT $40,990 LTZ Pickup 2.8L TD AT $42,990 4x4 SINGLE CAB DX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD MT $34,990 LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD MT $35,990 LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD AT $37,990 4x4 SPACE CAB LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD MT $40,490 LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD AT $42,490 LTZ Pickup 2.8L TD MT $47,490 LTZ Pickup 2.8L TD AT $49,490 4x4 CREW CAB LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD MT $42,990 LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD AT $44,990 LX Pickup 2.8L TD MT $44,490 LX Pickup 2.8L TD AT $46,490 LT Pickup 2.8L TD MT $45,490 LT Pickup 2.8L TD AT $47,490 LTZ Pickup 2.8L TD MT $49,990 LTZ Pickup 2.8L TD AT $51,990
Note: pricing excludes on-road costs.
2012_holden_colorado_launch_event_24a