Holden lifts lid on fresh Colorado

GM HOLDEN looks set to swap the Colorado 7 nameplate for the international Trailblazer moniker for its seven-seat SUV when it arrives with the facelifted Colorado pick-up later this year.

The new-look range was revealed in its Chevrolet guise in Brazil – the development base for General Motor’s global one-tonner – and subsequently confirmed by Holden for release in this market.

The Colorado 7 badge has been attached to the Holden off-road wagon version of the ute since it went on sale in late 2012, but GoAuto understands it will be dropped for the Trailblazer name used in Thailand and other global markets.

It is believed that the newly named Trailblazer will be repositioned when the updated version arrives, helping to differentiate it from the pick-up it is based on.

So far, Holden has given no indication of how the changes will affect pricing and specification.

The existing Colorado 7 is priced from $47,990 to $52,240 plus on-road costs, placing it in similar territory to its direct rivals, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport ($45,000-$52,570) and Toyota Fortuner ($47,990-$61,990), but below the Ford Everest ($54,990-$76,990).

The revised Colorado and its SUV sibling were previewed at last month's Bangkok motor show by two show cars - the chunky Colorado Xtreme and Trailblazer Premier – conceived and designed at Holden's design studio and built at the Fishermans Bend fabrication workshop.

GoAuto understands the sister models will roll into Australian showrooms in the third quarter of the year when technical details and pricing will be confirmed.

The images of the Brazilian market Chevrolet S10 released yesterday are a close representation of the Australian market Holden Colorado.

The design reflects the front end of the Trailblazer Premier concept and includes new slim-line LED daytime running lights and narrower headlights and grille, a more sculpted front bumper and a more “muscular” bonnet, showing off a new global design language.

The interior makeover included a focus on “comfort, spaciousness, refinement and technology”, according to Holden.

It ushers in a newly designed dash, new seat trims and a redesigned centre stack that includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with the latest version of Holden's MyLink connectivity system with access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cabin includes soft-touch materials and fabrics that are made for comfort and durability, says Holden, while the seats feature new inserts with tailored stitching, adding to the refinement of the Colorado's interior.

Holden says that as much as 70 per cent of the accessories from the wild Colorado Xtreme concept will make it to market as genuine Holden accessories when the new model is launched.

Personalisation options will also be boosted, but customers will still be able to choose from additions such as alloy wheels, a safari bar or a sports bar.

The car-maker said its engineers used feedback from customers of the current Colorado to collaborate colleagues from other GM studios to make sure the new model offered a “more refined, comfortable drive” while retaining its off-road capabilities.

GM Holden vehicle development manager Jeremy Tassone said the company had worked hard to develop a car to satisfy the demands of Australian buyers.

“Colorado customers use the vehicle for different purposes depending on the market,” he said.

“Australian customers demand quality from their vehicle in every area, regardless of whether it’s being used as the weekday workhorse or for weekend surf trips.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure we have engineered greater refinement without losing any of Colorado’s tough characteristics, off-road capability and impressive towing capacity.” Holden executive director of sales Peter Keley said the Colorado struck a perfect balance between a workhorse and a family car.

“The Chevrolet Colorado revealed by our Brazilian colleagues is the result of ongoing work between Holden and Chevrolet Brazil and a clear indication of where the Holden Colorado is heading,” he said.

“With significant local engineering, this vehicle will be the most refined Colorado ever while maintaining all of the capability of the current model. When combined with a new design that balances elegance and strength, it will perfectly bridge the gap between weekday workhorse and weekend explorer.”