AIMS: Holden announces Colorado 7 details

HOLDEN today announced model details for its ute-based Colorado 7 off-roader that will go on sale in Australia in late December.

Wearing Holden badges for the first time, the Colorado 7 made its first official local appearance this morning at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, two months out from launch.

The company announced the seven-seat 4x4 vehicle will be available in two specifications – LT and LTZ – that equate to the top two of four specifications for the recently launched Colorado ute that shares the same platform and drivetrains.

Only one engine and transmission combination is offered, the 132kW/470Nm Duramax 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that also features across most of the ute range, but the five-speed manual gearbox is overlooked completely in favour of the six-speed automatic as standard.

This provides the off-road wagon with a 3.0-tonne towing capacity, 500kg less than for the 4x4 ute version.

Both Colorado 7 variants will come with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera as standard.

Helping the vehicle achieve a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating are electronic stability control, dual front airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row, hill descent control, front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters and front seatbelt sash height adjustment.

LT models come standard with cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, side steps, front fog lights, front and rear mudflaps, aluminium roof rails, leather-bound multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary inputs, rear air-conditioning controls with second and third row air vents, 60/40 tumble-fold removable second row seats and 50/50 folding third row seats.

Moving up to LTZ specification adds bigger 18-inch alloys, projector headlamps, LED tail-lights, chrome fog light surrounds and side window mouldings, chrome power-folding side mirrors, leather seat trim, six-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, climate-control, upgraded interior materials and an eight-speaker audio system with amplifier.

Holden claims the Colorado 7’s chassis was engineered independently of the Colorado ute and is biased towards passenger comfort, with a five-link live axle rear suspension with coil rather than leaf springs, a configuration that is unique to the SUV.

The company claims this rear suspension provides greater stability, particularly when towing, minimising trailer snaking and lateral movement.

Holden executive director sales, marketing and aftersales John Elsworth said Colorado 7 is set to become the toughest Holden off-roader the company has offered.

“The SUV market is booming right now, and the Colorado 7 gives us another solid opportunity to tap into this fast-growing area of the market,” he said.

“Colorado 7 is the first true heavy-duty off-roader to wear a Holden badge in around 10 years and matches the Colorado for genuine buyer appeal, bold design and advanced diesel engine technology.

“Colorado 7 is a true seven-seat, full-size 4X4, which is ideal for customers shopping for an SUV that can take them off the beaten track and still carry the family and haul cargo at the weekend.

“It was designed to stand side-by-side with the Colorado LCV at the Holden dealership, and will complement our Captiva range by offering a serious alternative.”