Holden Colorado LTZ 2017 Review

2017 4WD Dual-Cab Ute comparison

Aussies love their dual-cab utes nearly as much as they do SUVs – a big claim as SUVs now outsell passenger cars. But, for utes, as the line between work-horse and capable family all-rounder increasingly blurs, the battle between brands intensifies.

That's good news for buyers as revised engines, improved safety and increased equipment deliver a more refined ute than ever before. Case in point, Holden’s recently updated Colorado – which has lifted its game to stay relevant in this ever-changing segment.

Priced from $50,490 plus on-road costs, the latest Holden Colorado is a solid step forward, more refined and driveable than before. But these changes are not unique to Holden’s ute line-up, with updates and extras seen across most rivals transforming the typical tradie vehicle into an everyday, family-friendly hauler.

The Colorado’s sole engine offering, a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, delivers 147kW and 500Nm, for strong mid-range power and plenty of muscle when towing. In this test, that’s class-leading torque amongst the four-cylinder contenders, but overall Volkswagen Amarok’s larger-capacity V6 takes the cake, pumping out 165kW/550Nm.

There are 13 Colorado models on offer, straddling single and dual-cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions across three model grades – LS, LT and LTZ (as tested here). A full run-down is essential.

During off-road testing, the Colorado’s chassis proved itself a capable mid-fielder, tackling steep ruts and gnarly inclines with relative ease. Ground clearance was good – near that of the best-performing HiLux – and the new electric power steering (with revised calibration and reduced range lock-to-lock) delivered excellent feel at the wheel.

Unfortunately, Colorado was let down by a sometimes temperamental character at low speeds with a laboured initial response requiring more aggressive throttle input for standard performance. Colorado also occasionally struggled to maintain revs when operating in low range.

With no cargo load, Holden Colorado can feel less surefooted and a little jiggly. It’s far more settled with some weight on board and, for towing, Colorado can haul up to 3500kg (braked).

Creature comforts have also improved and the LTZ model tested is best labelled as ‘comprehensive’. Holden’s My-Link eight-inch screen is home to modern infotainment updates such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a reversing camera as standard.

At this level you’ll also find satellite navigation, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, forward collision alert and tyre pressure monitoring. It’s all a fairly intuitive system praised for it user-friendly interface by all judges. Sure, it lacks the design flair of some rivals, but ticks many boxes nonetheless.

The cabin is ergonomically sound and, in theory, fit for the family load. The second row offered good space, decent visibility and features a 12-volt outlet and two seat-back pockets. To compete as a family car, however, second-row amenity needs improvement – directional air vents (also lacking in all tested rivals) and cup holders, for starters.

The Colorado’s three-year/100,000km warranty is strengthened by a lifetime capped-price servicing program with service intervals recommended every nine months or 15,000km.

Safety ranks among the best with a five-star ANCAP rating courtesy of inclusions such as seven airbags (including a driver’s knee bag) and driver assistance technology including trailer sway control and hill descent control.

On test, the Holden Colorado delivered a commendable real-world fuel consumption average of 8.7L/100km.

All things considered, the Colorado represents a good step forward. In context, like the Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50, the Holden’s overall package leans towards workhorse more than all-rounder – a point of differentiation to more refined rivals such as the Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

2017 Holden Colorado LTZ pricing and specifications:
Price: $50,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 147kW/500Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.7L/100km (ADR Combined) / 8.7L/100km (as tested, see text)
CO2: 230g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2017 Holden Colorado payload, towing and tray dimensions:
Payload: 825kg
Tie-down points: Four
GVM/GCW: 3150kg / 6000kg
Vehicle weight: 2065kg (tare) / 2121kg (kerb)
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked) / 3500kg (braked)
Tray dimensions: 1540mm (L) x 1534mm (W) 510mm (H); 1100mm (b/w arches)

2017 Holden Colorado LTZ off-road geometry, wading and clearance:
Ground clearance: 210mm
Wading Depth: 600mm
Approach Angle: 30 degrees
Break-over Angle: 23 degrees
Departure Angle: 22 degrees

2017 4WD Dual-Cab Ute comparison:

>>