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NEWS
Holden unveils updated Colorado range
Better noise suppression and a softer-riding LTZ crew cab headline Holden's second revision of its current-generation ladder-frame utilityHolden has unveiled a refreshed Colorado line-up, with customer feedback prompting the manufacturer to address cabin noise and vibration across the range, enhance interior cabin feel on its flagship LTZ variants, and offer softer-riding suspension on the LTZ crew cab pick-up.
The family's driveline and styling remains unchanged, while MY14 pricing will carry over to MY15.
Holden says a significant local engineering effort went into the Colorado's revision, with the Aussie GM subsidiary evaluating over 250 test configurations of the Colorado in the Monash University wind tunnel in Melbourne, and completing over 30,000 test kilometres on Australian roads.
The Colorado also underwent extensive testing in Victoria's Alpine National Park, leading to an across-the-range recalibration of its hill descent control and hill start assist systems, while further R&D was carried out at Holden's Lang Lang facility.
Colorado's NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels have been targeted with a new engine acoustics package, which sees powertrain noise reduced through the addition of a cowl insulator, the use of thicker (and higher-density) inner and outer dash mats, and the use of a new sound-deadening EVA liner. Holden says the changes have made improvements to the Colorado's 'cabin articulation' (the ease with which a conversation can be maintained) in the order of five to seven per cent.
The wind-tunnel testing, meanwhile, is said to have reduced wind noise levels through the adoption of revised door seals and tighter build tolerances in critical areas.
The bulk of the changes concern the top-of-the-range LTZ crew cab pickup, which in addition to the noise and vibration measures scores softer 'Comfort Suspension' and updated cabin trim.
According to Holden's Director of Marketing, Bill Mott, the suspension update better reflects the needs of LTZ buyers.
"We continue to see this evolution of truck use from a tool of trade to more of a recreational vehicle, particularly in the high-level LTZ," he says.
"Research has shown us it's these LTZ buyers who are likely to buy the Colorado for lifestyle reasons as opposed to using it as a pure workhorse.
"Whilst customers enjoy the reassurance they get from driving a very capable 4x4, they should also enjoy driving it on everyday errands."
As such, the LTZ ute's front spring and damper rates have been softened, while the rear spring rate has also been wound back. Meanwhile, the front stabiliser bar has been stiffened, increasing in thickness from 29mm to 31mm.
Suspension is unchanged for the Colorado 7, which already has softer suspension with a rear coil spring set-up – the pickup has a more basic leaf spring arrangement.
The Comfort Suspension reduces the Colorado's payload from around one tonne to 825 kilograms.
While the entire Colorado range now gets Jet Black carpet, the LTZ pickup and the Colorado 7 SUV (the latter in both LT and LTZ trim) get a lightly refreshed interior, with a 'Piano Black' centre stack fascia, 'soft touch' Jet Black paint on the upper instrument panel, a Jet Black centre console, and revised door trim to suit.
Leather-appointed seats (standard on the Colorado 7 LTZ, optional on the LTZ pickup) now get heating up front.
The previous Royal Grey colour scheme has been replaced by Satin Steel Grey.
Power is provided across the range by Holden's 2.8-litre four-cylinder 'Duramax 2' turbo-diesel, which in automatic form produces 147kW and 500Nm. Torque is reduced to 440Nm for the six-speed manual, which isn't available in the Colorado 7.
Towing capacity remains unchanged at 3500 kilograms – a class-leading figure it shares with Ford's Ranger and Isuzu's D-MAX – while higher-spec examples enjoy a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Other standard LTZ features include Holden's MyLink seven-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system (with Bluetooth connectivity and embedded audio and sat-nav apps), cruise control and climate control.
According to Mr Mott, the update positions the Colorado well for the future.
"It's imperative that we listen to our customers and take on board their feedback about this tough and versatile vehicle, and that's exactly what we've done," he says.
Pricing for the MY15 Colorado range (plus on-roads)*:
4x2
Single cab/chassis LS: $28,390
Crew cab/chassis LS: $34,390
Crew cab pickup LS: $35,890
Crew cab pickup LT: $36,890
Crew cab pickup LTZ: $41,390
4x4
Single cab/chassis DX: $35,490
Single cab/chassis LS: $36,490
Space cab/chassis LS: $40,990
Space cab pickup LTZ: $47,990
Crew cab/chassis LS: $43,490
Crew cab pickup LS: $44,990
Crew cab pickup LT: $45,990
Crew cab pickup LTZ: $50,490
Colorado 7 LT: $47,490
Colorado 7 LTZ: $50,990
*Prices are for six-speed manual transmission. For six-speed automatic transmission add $2200.
Stay tuned for our review of the upgraded Colorado range.
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Written byRod Chapman
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