Holden will boost its popular SUV range and build upon the success of the Colorado light commercial vehicle range by introducing its first serious off-roader in more than a decade, the new Colorado 7 4X4.
Colorado 7 will be available in two specifications, the well-equipped entry level LT and top-spec LTZ.
Colorado 7 also shares the safety credentials of its Colorado Crew Cab stable-mate, which is recognised with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Colorado's robust structural design is backed by a comprehensive array of safety features with Electronic Stability Control, dual front airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row on both LT and LTZ variants.
One powertrain and transmission combination will be available with the strong-performing 2.8-litre diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission standard on both LT and LTZ Colorado 7 models. The Duramax diesel engine achieves 132 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque.
Colorado 7's advanced diesel technology ensures it returns 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres (ADR 81/02) and 252 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Colorado 7's chassis has been engineered independently of the Colorado LCV and is biased towards passenger comfort. While both models share an independent double wishbone front suspension set up, Colorado 7 features a five-link live axle rear suspension configuration that is unique to the SUV and coil springs front and rear.
The Holden SUV's impressive off-road performance is underpinned by a part time four-wheel drive system with transfer case, with low and high ratio gears, Shift on the Fly and Limited Slip Differential. Colorado 7's Descent Control System enhances its already formidable 4X4 capability.
Colorado 7's generous interior dimensions enable a spacious and practical interior layout, with seven seats fitted across the range. With the second and third row seats folded, Colorado 7 can accommodate as much as 1830 litres of cargo.
Holden Executive Director - Sales and Marketing Philip Brook said Colorado 7 will be an exciting addition to Holden's growing SUV portfolio, allowing Holden to offer a serious 4X4 alternative in the rapidly expanding SUV market.
"The new Colorado 7 is the type of vehicle Australian buyers expect Holden to offer. We're really excited to bring a genuine off-roader back into the Holden line-up," he said.
"Colorado 7 is a very impressive all-rounder – it has seven seats, tough on-road presence, a rugged body-on-frame structure, powerful 2.8 litre Duramax diesel powertrain with 6-speed automatic transmission, 3-tonne towing capacity and enough room to haul the family and a heap of gear.
"It also has an accomplished and durable four-wheel drive system with Shift on the Fly, Descent Control and Limited Slip Differential, which means it's capable of tackling the toughest bush tracks.
"Colorado 7 also offers peace of mind with a maximum five star ANCAP safety rating, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, driver and front passenger airbags, full length curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control across the range.
"With our Captiva range a proven performer in the family SUV sector, Colorado 7 taking up the challenge in the serious four-wheel drive market, and the new Trax SUV arriving next year, Holden will be in its best position yet to take advantage of the SUV sales boom.
Powertrain and performance
Colorado 7 is powered by the same Duramax in-line four-cylinder 2.8-litre diesel engine first seen in the Colorado LCV range. It delivers peak torque of 470 Nm and 132 kW of power.
The high-tech diesel engine is designed to achieve a balance of load-carrying performance and fuel economy and returns 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres and 252 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Colorado 7 has an impressive 3,000kg towing capacity thanks to the torque and strength from its diesel powertrain, 6-speed automatic transmission and robust driveline.
Colorado 7's stable footprint is courtesy of front independent double wishbone suspension and five-link rear suspension configuration with coil springs at all four wheels.
The five-link rear suspension has been engineered to provide greater stability and surefooted performance, particularly when towing. Its design enables a smoother towing experience and minimises trailer snaking and lateral movement.
Safety and security
Colorado 7 has been awarded a five star ANCAP safety rating thanks to its comprehensive range of high-technology active and passive safety features.
Front driver and passenger airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row seats are standard features on both LT and LTZ models, while rear parking sensors and a reversing camera provide additional peace of mind.
Colorado 7 benefits from a robust frame and body structure constructed from high-strength steel and a technically advanced chassis systems which delivers enhanced accident avoidance capabilities. Full length side impact protection beams reinforce the passenger safety cell and offers optimum protection in the event of a collision.
Manufacture
The new Holden Colorado 7 is built on the same production line as its Colorado sibling at GM's advanced vehicle assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand.
The powerful new range of Duramax four-cylinder turbo diesel engines are produced exclusively at GM's high-tech Thailand engine operations, which opened alongside the vehicle plant in September last year.
Bold, dynamic exterior design
Holden's newest SUV was designed in parallel with the Colorado truck in GM's design studio in Brazil, where the team was challenged with creating a clean sheet design that would appeal to a vast bandwidth of customers in multiple markets.
Designers have made full use of Colorado's brutish proportions to create a bold and appealing exterior design that conveys a sense of agility and purpose.
Colorado 7's strong personality is balanced by muscular styling with finer sculpted highlights which sweep through Colorado 7's roofline, doors and fenders, and a distinctive upper glass canopy that wraps around the rear corners of the exterior.
Roomy interior designed with seven seats and clever storage
The Holden Colorado 7 has a spacious and flexible seven-seat layout, with up to 30 practical storage options located throughout the cabin.
Up front, the Colorado 7 features a sculpted dual cockpit design with flowing instrument panel that seamlessly integrates with the front upper door panels. LED ice blue illumination enhances the three-dimensional dials, dual gauge instrument cluster, audio system and air-conditioning controls in the driver's display and centre stack.
For maximum flexibility, Colorado 7's second row has 60/40 split folding seats which can be stowed in a forward tumble motion with a single latch in the seat back. The second row seat backs are also reclinable, while the third row has a 50/50 split configuration. Both rows fold to create a versatile load space.
Colorado 7 has a generous 235 litre rear cargo area with the third row in use, which increases to 878 litres with the third row folded into the floor. Additional storage is available with the second row tumbled (1,780 litres) and folded (1,830 litres).
Passengers in the second and third rows benefit from roof-mounted air-conditioning controls with four air vents.
Source: Holden
