RG Colorado

HOLDEN'S all-new Colorado joined the five-star ANCAP-rated Mazda BT-50 and VW Amarok in having range-wide ESC and side airbags.

A combination of four trim levels and 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains were offered across single-cab, space-cab and dual-cab body styles, with the single cabs being offered as cab-chassis only and the space cab only available as a 4x4.

Dual cabs and space cabs were available with either cab-chassis or pick-up body styles depending on specification level.

An all-four-cylinder diesel engine line-up was offered for this generation of Colorado.

The entry-level DX single-cab-chassis 4x2, was exclusively powered by a 110kW/350Nm 2.5-litre engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission but all other variants employed a 132kW/470Nm 2.8-litre engine with standard five-speed manual transmission.

A six-speed automatic transmission was offered for $2000 extra on all grades except the manual-only DX.

Every Colorado had at least a one-tonne payload and could tow a class-leading 3500kg braked, except the 2.5-litre DX, which could tow 3000kg braked.

The most economical combination was a 2.8-litre 4x2 with manual transmission in LX trim with a dual-cab pick-up body, which consumed 7.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, equating to a CO2 output of 218 grams per kilometre.

A 4x2 DX cab-chassis with the 2.5-litre engine was slightly less economical at 7.9L/100km and at the other end of the spectrum was the 4x4 cab-chassis model with automatic transmission, which consumed 9.3L/100km and emitted 249g/km of CO2.

A body-coloured front bumper, air-conditioning, alarm, multi-function trip computer display and an audio system with auxiliary input and USB iPod integration were standard across the range, with all models but the single-cab DX 4x2 and 4x4 variants getting carpet, rather than vinyl floor coverings.

Single-cab Colorados featured a three-seat split-bench front seat with centre lap belt, while the dual-cab and space-cab body styles – the latter fitted with ‘suicide doors’ like Ford’s Ranger Super Cab – had separate six-way adjustable front seats.

LX grade added electric mirrors, cruise control, a multi-function height-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, body-coloured door handles and mirrors (with integrated turn indicators) and, on the pick-up body style, a demister and protective frame for the rear window.

The LT specification level gained 16-inch alloy wheels front fog lights.

Top-grade LTZ variants were only available in space-cab and dual-cab pick-up formats, the latter with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains.

LTZ spec added climate-control, 17-inch alloy wheels (with full-size alloy spare), an alloy sports bar, side steps, a soft tonneau cover, self-levelling projector headlights, LED tail-lights, and chrome finish for the mirrors, interior and exterior door handles, rear bumper and tailgate handle.

Inside the LTZ was an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a gear selector knob in leather (manual) or chrome (automatic), an upgrade from two to three rear head restraints (on the dual cab, which also upgraded from six to eight speakers), two seat-back pockets and a rear centre armrest.

Crew cabs had a 60/40 split-fold base on the rear seats with under-seat storage, while space-cab variants were fitted with rear storage compartments on top of wich were temporary-use seats.