Holden pumps up Colorado with Z71

GM HOLDEN has introduced a new flagship Z71 version of its Colorado pick-up, which adds a range of refinement upgrades and styling tweaks including a blacked-out bonnet for a more aggressive look.

As the new range-topping Colorado, the Z71 is priced from $54,990, before on-road costs, for the manual and $57,190 for the automatic, which represents a $4000 price hike over the LTZ 4x4 Crew-Cab on which it is based.

On the outside, the Z71 is easily distinguished by 18-inch gun-metal grey alloy wheels, a unique sail plane, styled nudge bar, roof rails, black chrome headlights, black paintwork on the bonnet, and a smattering of black accents across the side mirrors, b-pillars, tailgate and door handles, body side mouldings and hood.

Holden has added heated and leather-wrapped front seats as standard to the Z71, an option available on the Colorado LTZ, in addition to standard features including a descent control system, seven-inch touchscreen with the MyLink media system, Bluetooth connectivity and reversing camera.

The Z71 – which becomes a permanent variant in the range – retains the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, making 147kW of power and 440Nm of torque with a manual gearbox and an extra 60Nm available with the automatic transmission, which is enough for a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a payload capacity of 824kg.

In comparison, Ford’s soon-to-be-replaced top-spec Ranger Wildtrak is priced from $57,390 ans also boasts a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, partial leather seats and 18-inch wheels, but its 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 147kW/470Nm and has a towing capacity of 3500kg.

Holden executive director of sales Peter Keley said the new Z71 will appeal to buyers looking for a rugged workhorse during the week, but also something comfortable for the weekends.

“Drivers are increasingly using trucks to facilitate an active lifestyle, whether it’s surfing or snowboarding, and looking good is important to them,” he said.

“Z71 adds an impressive range of features to the Colorado truck, not least the exterior black components and leather-appointed seats that combine to give a more aggressive look and comfortable ride.”The Z71 will make its debut during game two of the State of Origin rugby series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in mid-June.

Last month Holden found 1335 new homes for its Colorado 4x4, bringing year-to-date sales up to 6188, a small 2.1 per cent increase over the same period last year.

This makes the Holden Colorado 4x4 the fourth best-selling model in its class behind the Toyota HiLux (10,172), Ford Ranger (8558) and Mitsubishi Triton (8488).

Holden faces tough competition in the light-commercial ute sector this year, with recent arrivals including Nissan's new Navara and Mitsubishi's fresh Triton, as well as an updated Ford Ranger and all-new Toyota HiLux coming later in the year.

A minor update for the Colorado launched in November last year bringing ride and comfort improvements.