The Holden Colorado 7 has been upgraded to match on the street its outstanding off-road capability.
This is most evident in the top-of-the-range Colorado 7 LTZ diesel automatic, which goes to market at $50,990 plus on-road costs.
With its contemporary twin grille with mesh inserts, and chrome surrounds, the Colorado 7 LTZ has rugged looks to match its off-road ability.
Inside
But with the latest in projector lighting up front, chrome power fold mirrors and door handles, fog lamp surrounds and window detailing, it’s not out of place among the latest automotive city slickers.
Colorado LTZ models exude an air of luxury inside the cabin, with additions including heated leather-trim seats (optional on Colorado LTZ Crew Cab).
Enhanced surroundings come via an upgraded instrument panel, centre console and soft-touch door trims and armrest, while the centre stack and steering wheel trims are now a premium piano black.
Through Holden’s MyLink, drivers can connect to Bluetooth and access apps keeping them tuned into music, news and navigation.
At first glance there appears to be no satellite navigation via the 7-inch touch screen. But on closer inspection, Colorado owners can access a navigation app called BringGo.
Embedded apps include Pandora, Stitcher and TuneIn, allowing owners to create their own personal stations.
Performance
Under the bonnet, the 2.8-litre Duramax 2 diesel engine offers more power and torque than the previous version.
It’s combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy remains the same, or is slightly better, than across the range of SUVs and trucks. Active Select allows the driver to shift gears manually via the centre console-mounted gear lever.
Chassis control systems such as trailer sway control, hill start assist and descent control give the driver confidence in difficult situations on and off road. The more refined MY15 Colorado 7 maintains a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with front driver and passenger airbags and full-length curtain airbags, the latter extending to the
third row.
Electronic stability control, ABS anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution and hydraulic brake assist are complemented by rear park assist and a reversing camera, making the wagon one of the safest of its kind.
Off the mark, the Colorado 7 doesn’t set the pulse racing, but once up to speed the big SUV is in no danger of being left behind in town or country traffic.
Grabbing the gear lever and taking charge of shifts adds little to the driving experience.
In 50 kilometres of urban action, the Colorado 7 diesel consumption ranged between 13 and 15 litres per 100 kilometres.
Over a similar distance on the motorway, the figure floated between 5 and 6 litres per 100 kilometres – this is the consummate cruiser.
The “7” in the Colorado’s name refers to its seven-seat capability. Seating arrangements include a second row 60:40 three-seat bench and 50:50 separate seats in the third row. All seats are on the firm side and could wear out their welcome on a long run.
Holden has successfully done what it set out to do – add improvements to its Colorado 7 SUV that smooth out facets of its off-road ruggedness and broaden its appeal by making it more family-friendly.
