Holden special editions for Trax and Colorado

HOLDEN has released three special edition versions of its ageing Trax small crossover, Colorado 7 SUV and Colorado workhorse to maintain interest in the trio of high-riders, ahead of an update in the next 12 months.

The special editions, dubbed the Trax Active, Colorado 7 Trailblazer and Colorado Storm, are loaded with extra equipment and, in the case of the Colorado, revised pricing, which according to Holden, “provide customers with greater style and vehicle features whilst offering outstanding value”.

Carrying a sticker price of $23,990 driveaway, the Trax Active – based on the entry-level LS ($23,990 before on-road costs) – adds 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, roof racks, chrome door handles and new ‘Active’ badging, on top of a standard equipment list, which brings 7.0-inch MyLink touchscreen system, reversing camera, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights.

Power in the latest Trax comes courtesy of the existing 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit, producing 103kW and 175Nm of torque, and is paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission – at no extra cost.

Holden is offering a significant saving with its Colorado 7 Trailblazer version – on offer for $48,990 driveaway, and is based on the range-topping LTZ, which has a $50,990 asking price before on-road costs.

While the seven-seater LTZ comes equipped with heated leather front seats, 7.0-inch MyLink media system, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, the Trailblazer adds 18-inch High Country wheels, Z71 headlights, a body coloured roof spoiler and new badging to differentiate from less exclusive versions.

The newest Colorado SUV is powered by the same 147kW/500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the LTZ and is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission – enough to give the Trailblazer a 3000kg towing capacity.

The third special edition model sees Holden reviving the Storm nameplate for its Colorado pick-up, which debuted in early 2015 on the Commodore large sedan, and will carry a $500 premium over the top-spec 4x4 Crew Cab LTZ costing $51,490 before on-roads for the six-speed manual and $53,690 for the six-speed self-shifter.

The Storm adds 18-inch alloy wheels, black nudge and sports bars, carpet floor mats, and a Storm branded bonnet protector and badging to the standard equipment list including reversing camera, 7.0-inch MyLink touchscreen and power windows.

Power comes courtesy of the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel propelling the Colorado 7, albeit with only 440Nm in manual guise.

All three vehicles are eligible for Holden’s lifetime capped price servicing scheme.

Holden executive director of marketing Geraldine Davys recognised the need to cater for customers with active lifestyle pursuits and Australia's appetite for SUVs.

“Australians see their car as a supporting asset to their lives so we have designed our sales and new products to ensure we cater for a range of different life stages and lifestyles,” she said.

“This new range of special edition vehicles has been created to support our customers’ lifestyles whilst offering the great value for money Holden prides itself on.”

While the 1682 Trax sold this year is well off the pace of segment leaders the Mazda CX-3 (4527) and Mitsubishi ASX (4429), it represents a 30.2 per cent increase in sales of Holden’s small-sized SUV year on year.

Similarly, Holden’s Colorado 7 has seen a 39.1 per cent jump in this year’s sales, totalling 800 large SUV sales for the first three months of 2016, while the Colorado 4x4 has jumped 0.7 per cent to 3746 sales year to date.

Holden has confirmed its Trax crossover will receive a facelift, previewed at this year’s Chicago motor show, by early 2017 which will also likely herald a boost in safety technologies.

Holden’s facelifted Colorado and Colorado 7 are due to land later this year which were previewed as the Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme and Trailblazer concepts at the Bangkok motor show.