Holden Colorado improves the value equation

HOLDEN’S MARKET SHARE may be down, but they’re still aggressively chasing sales, particularly in the SUV segment.

As part of a MY20 update, more standard equipment is being included, although pricing has been held to existing levels.

Symptomatic of the move away from manual transmission, seven variants of the Colorado now don’t offer it. Every 2WD model gets the six-speed torque converter auto as standard, while the 4WD space cab versions also lose the option of a self-shifter. Other 4×4 models still offer the option of a manual transmission, with an automatic costing an additional $2200, unchanged from the previous model.

In line with facelift principles, the Colorado grille has had some minor revisions but other than that, the base mode LS is unchanged, and priced from $31,690 (plus ORC) for the 4×2 single-cab chassis.

Not a lot of changes, but no price increase

The LT model is also unchanged, but now only available as a 4×2 dual-cab pick-up for $41,190. The 4×4 version of the LT has been deleted and replaced by the new LSX which last year was offered as a special edition. Priced from $46,990, it will no longer be offered as a 4×4 dual-cab chassis. The LSX gets Arsenal Grey metallic 18-inch alloy wheels, black fender flares and gloss-black grille, as does the headlining Z71 model.

Also standard on the LSX are black sports bar, soft tonneau cover, rear Colorado decal, tailgate lock and digital radio.

The pick-up-only LTZ (from $44,690) now gets a no-cost leather-accented upholstery option and heated front seats (but only in the 4×4 variants

The LSX and above get the tailgate decal, and if you really love it, it’s in some of the optional packages

– the 4×2 dual-cab misses out).

New for MY20 is the LTZ+ (from $51,520). Available only as a 4×4 dual-cab pick-up, it gets a standard towbar and a revised maximum payload of 1000kg.

Topping out the range is the Z71 4×4 dual-cab pick-up (from $54,990) with front bash plate, black fender flares, and a “soft-drop” tailgate that uses gas struts.

LTZ, LTZ+ and Z71 models get a spray-on tub liner. Apparently, 60 percent of LTZ and Z71 owners have been fitting after-market tub liners, so this should be a welcome upgrade especially since the Colorado is the only pick-up on the market under $70,000 that features a spray-on tub liner as standard.

Under the bonnet, nothing changes: 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 147kW at 3600rpm and 440Nm (manual) or 500Nm (auto) at 2000rpm.

In line with the increasing recreational use of these vehicles, five accessory packs are offered, and for the moment they are all discounted (officially “after credit”) by $500.

The Black Pack ($2450 after $500 credit) is exclusive to dual cab pick-ups (excluding the LSX and Z71, for obvious reasons) adding Arsenal Grey metallic 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black grille, bonnet protector, bonnet bulge, tail light guards, rear Colorado decal and two weather shields.

The Rig Pack ($4150 after $500 credit) is applicable to all grades other than the Z71. It includes a nudge bar, LED light bar, bonnet protector, four weather shields, a towing package with electronic trailer brake, four carpet floor mats and two cupholders.

The Tradie Pack ($6150 after $500 credit) includes the (probably essential) towing package, bonnet protector, side steps, rear step (pick-up only), two weather shields, canvas seat covers, four all-weather floor mats, a 12 volt power outlet, two cupholders and an optional roof tray (pick-up and dual-cab chassis only).

Tough enough to take almost anything

For the Z71 dual-cab pick-up, there’s an Xtreme Pack for the not insubstantial price of $17,550, taking into account a $2000 credit). This pack includes a winch bar, LED light bar, bonnet bulge, all-terrain tyres, heavy-duty springs, side steps, roof tray, towing package, rear step, sports bar and tonneau, decal package and off-road recovery kit.

Finally, there’s a package exclusively for the LS dual-cab chassis. The Farmer Pack features a bulbar, heavy-duty steel tray and a towing package in light duty form ($5750 – after $500 credit) and a heavy-duty version adds underbody protection and two black fender flares ($7150 after credit of – wait for it – $750).

Once we have tested and assessed the new Holden Colorado, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.