AIMS: Holden debuts Malibu, Colorado 7 and Cruze wagon

GM Holden has lifted the covers on localised versions of three key new models at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) at Darling Harbour.

The new Malibu medium sedan, Colorado 7 off-roader and a wagon version of the Cruze small car were the production car stars of the Holden presence at the Sydney show.

The Malibu will launch Down Under in mid-2013, taking on the all-new Mazda6 and Mondeo in what looks to be a vintage year for the medium car segment.

At AIMS, Holden confirmed Malibu buyers will get a choice of two four-cylinder drivetrains: a 2.4-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel. Both engines will be matched to six-speed automatic gearboxes.

A full suite of safety equipment is promised and the Malibu will also feature a "premium audio system with Holden MyLink technology".

The General is making much ado about MyLink, its new infotainment system. The system features Bluetooth and USB integration but will also allow the downloading on a number of apps once appropriate local infrastructure is established.

Based on a touch-screen interface, the system will eventually offer smart radio and low-cost sat-nav apps and be installed across a range of Holden products.

The Cruze Sportwagon is already on sale in overseas markets wearing a Chevrolet badge, but the AIMS is the first viewing of the Holden-badged version.

The load-lugging Cruze will be sold in both CD and CDX variants. The CD will be offered with a choice of 1.8-litre petrol or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powertrains, while the range-topping CDX will be petrol-only. Trim and equipment levels correspond with hatch and sedan counterparts.

Expect prices to be set at a small premium above the sedan versions when the Cruze Sportwagon, which will be fully imported from Korea, goes on sale late this year (2012).

Arguably the star of the Holden's stand at AIMS is the brand's first truly off-road-capable SUV in a decade, the ute-based Colorado 7.

As its name suggests, Colorado 7 is a seven-seat off-road wagon based heavily on Holden's Colorado one-tonne light commercial. Due to go on sale in December (2012), the dual-range turbo-diesel-only Colorado 7 will be offered in LT and LTZ variants Down Under. No manual transmission version will be available.

Colorado 7 has gained a five-star ANCAP rating and unlike some LCV-based vehicles comes complete with full-length side curtain airbags. Stability control is also standard and both model grades get a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Aside from the integrated wagon-style body, the key mechanical difference between Colorado 7 and the Colorado ute is the adoption of a five-link coil-sprung rear axle. This, Holden suggests, will deliver better ride and handling than the leaf-sprung ute – though at the expense of ultimate load-carrying ability.

The engine and gearbox are unchanged from Colorado ute duties. The GM Duramax 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is rated at 132kW and 470Nm. Hill descent control is fitted and the vehicle gets a shift-on-the-fly dual-range transmission and a rear limited-slip differential. As noted above, the transmission is auto-only – a six-speeder.

Amenity is highlighted with split/folding second and third rows. Luggage capacity with the third row in place is rated at 235 litres. This increases to 878 litres with the third row folded into the floor. With the second and third rows stowed, Colorado 7 will swallow an impressive 1830 litres.

Holden also used the AIMS to highlight changes to the Barina and Barina Spark ranges. A new range-topping Barina CDX auto will go on sale locally in November and an auto version of the one-grade Barina Spark will debut in January (2013).

In addition to the auto gearbox, the new top-of-the-range Barina CDX model adds MyLink premium infotainment with seven-inch touch-screen and a Stitcher Smart Radio app as well as alloy wheel and trim upgrades.

The auto is a long-overdue addition to the Barina Spark equipment list. Since launch, the smallest Holden has been manual-only. The auto will be available in the Spark CD only.

No pricing has been announced for the fresh Barina and Barina Spark variants.

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