Holden Colorado 2012 Review

Holden Colorado: ?Road Test

Price Guide (MRLP): $51,990
?Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Metallic Paint $550?
Crash rating: Five-star?
Fuel: Diesel
?Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.1 ?
CO2 emissions (g/km): 243?
Also consider:  Ford Ranger; Isuzu D-MAX; Mazda BT-50; Volkswagen Amarok

It may have arrived six months later than expected, but the Brazilian-developed Australian-influenced Holden Colorado is finally here and ready to rumble.

Competition in the light commercial ute sector is fierce, with new models from Ford and Mazda and an all-new player from Volkswagen. However, if our recent test of the Colorado LTZ 4x4 Crew-Cab is anything to go buy, Holden might be on a winner here.

The new Colorado boasts a larger body than its Isuzu-based predecessor, and has more grunt courtesy of GM’s gutsy Duramax 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. The engine’s outputs of 132kW/470Nm are up a healthy 10 and 40 per cent respectively over the Isuzu-sourced unit it replaces. It drives through a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in either 4x2 or 4x4 format.

A smaller 2.5-litre turbodiesel outputting 110kW/350Nm is available in entry-level 4x2 DX models, though we haven’t sampled it here. For additional model breakdown and drivetrain information, visit our Holden Colorado launch review.

First impressions of the Colorado are positive. It presents well, incorporating many of the styling cues seen on Holden’s Captiva 7 SUV wagon, albeit with a more rugged attitude. Prominent wheel arches give the impression of toughness and offroad capability, as do accessory roll-over bars and chunky alloy wheels. The overall finish is noticeably improved from the preceding model, with tighter shut lines and an all-round feel of quality and attention to detail.

Combined with its longer chassis, Colorado now offers a tray comparable in measurement to its rivals in all dimensions excluding depth.

Carrying capacity rates are more than 1000kg for all models and in higher spec variants a class-leading braked towing capacity of 3500kg is permissible. Offroad geometry, too, is generous, and though we haven’t yet sampled Colorado side-by-side with its rivals, we had no cause for criticism following a brief but arduous offroad stint (low-hanging tow hitch aside).

On road, Colorado’s six-speed automatic holds on to sixth gear a little too gamely, requiring a decent right-foot prompt to shift down on inclines. This quibble can be overruled by shifting the transmission manually, but it’s bound to annoy many drivers when cruising at highways speeds with a load on board.

The engine is strong and linear in its delivery, and unlike some competitors, doesn’t exhibit any evident turbo lag. It’s also quieter than many in this class, though Colorado does present its fair share of wind and tyre noise.

Where ergonomics are concerned, Colorado is comfortable and offers a suitable level of seat adjustment for most physiques. The rear pews are well contoured and offer adequate knee room for taller passengers.

The LTZ model tested features a lot of equipment not found in lower spec models as covered in our launch review. The audio system controls proved tricky to operate -- when in Bluetooth mode you push Bluetooth to go back to radio, rather than the other way around – a feature repeated in trip computer functionality. It won’t be a problem given familiarity, but is counterintuitive compared to other systems sampled.

Our biggest reservation about Holden’s new workhorse, however, is in the more significant area of dynamics. Simply put, the Colorado is not as well sorted in the handling department as newcomers like the Mazda BT-50, Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok. With dual-cab utilities increasingly used as family and recreational transport, it’s an issue worth noting.

Hit a mid-corner bump or divot and the Colorado is too-easily thrown off line. More worrying, perhaps, is the fact the stability control system doesn’t react promptly enough to counter the disturbance, leaving the driver to do the wheel work.

In all other aspects the Colorado performs admirably. It’s a capable highway hauler, manages offroad tasks with aplomb and is as comfortable to sit in as any ute out there. If Holden could fine-tune the suspension to match that of its contemporaries we’re sure they’d be on a winner. However, as it stands, Colorado misses the mark by a nose.