HSV Colorado draws near

HOLDEN Special Vehicles (HSV) is teasing what is expected to be a Colorado-based pick-up as its first model since the demise of the locally built Commodore through a series of images released on the brand’s Facebook page.

A teaser picture depicting a close-up of the right headlight lines up perfectly with the lighting signature of Holden’s one-tonne pick-up contender, in addition to the recent spy shots catching Colorados leaving the company’s Clayton-based headquarters on transportation trucks, all but confirm HSV’s newest model will be a ute.

In a sign of the times, HSV appears to be trying to tap the booming 4x4 pick-up segment that is up 11.7 per cent year-to-date and dominated by Ford’s Ranger and the Toyota HiLux – models that are frequently topping the monthly Australian sales charts.

A second teaser image released shows new-look five-spoke wheels finished in grey with red-painted brake callipers tucked beneath, hinting at the expected cosmetic changes coming from HSV.

Expect to also see other changes including a new-look grille, updated cabin, sticker pack and bulging bonnet on the new model as well, but Holden-hopefuls waiting for the Lion-badged brands answer to the Ford Ranger Raptor may have to wait a little longer as the HSV Colorado is expected to just wear styling updates.

The HSV pick-up will likely retain the Colorado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel powerplant that produces peak 147kW of power at 3600rpm and up to a maximum of 500Nm of torque from 1600-2800rpm.

Pricing for Holden’s current Colorado range tops out at $54,990 before on-roads for the top-spec Z71, leaving room for a $59,590 Ford Ranger Wildtrack-rivalling variant.

HSV’s latest could easily slot in as the flagship in the Colorado line-up, but all will be revealed this coming Friday at midnight.