The Garage – Holden Colorado Space Cab LTZ

The prospect of a rugged off-road warrior that can deliver Mum and the kiddies around mid-week is the reason why pick-ups are no longer the sole domain of those wearing fluoro shirts. The Holden Colorado has always delivered well, but struggled to shrug off an inherent agricultural edge that probably scared off many families. For 2015 Holden has tweaked some interior plastics, smothered some of the undesirable drivetrain noises and added a less brittle suspension setup on LTZ models. EFTM took the Holden Colorado Space Cab variant for a decent mudslinging, rocky road experience.

Make: Holden

Model: Colorado

Variant: LTZ

Engine / Transmission: Duramax 2, 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Six-speed auto with 4X4.

Vital Stats: 147kW / 500Nm (Auto)

Holden Claimed Fuel Economy: 9.2l / 100km

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 8.9 / 100km

RRP: From $47,990

Wow Factor: The segment leading Holden MyLink Infotainment system almost seems out of place in a workhorse such as this. With a 7’’ colour touch-screen and smartphone integration for apps such as Stitcher, Tunein Radio and BringGo satellite navigation. iPhone users are well catered for with Siri Eyes Free Integration. A reversing camera with guide lines is standard and a must have for any light truck.

Most Impressive: The Holden Colorado really packs a genuine off-road punch. On our drive, day long stretches of downhill rocky steps showcased the effectiveness of the sophisticated Hill Descent Control system. Simply steering and letting the computer system safely control a downward spiral is a marvel to experience. The switchable 4H on the fly system works seamlessly and only some serious rutted or boggy washouts would ever require shifting to neutral (under 5km/h) and engaging 4L. The number one asset the Colorado can hang its hat on is the bulging torque figure of 500Nm, it pulls like a bullock and never feels overwhelmed by anything.

The Space Cab option may only offer two rear jump seats, but it’s certainly a cheaper alternative to the full-blown dual-cab option. The rearward opening “suicide” doors are a novelty, although finding the hidden internal handle took me an awkwardly long time!

The 2015 Colorado is now marginally more refined, noise levels are noticeably lower and the LTZ trim package is easier on the eye. The instrument panel is now jet black and some of the door trims are softer to the touch. The centre stack now looks less 1980’s with a layer of piano black trim applied.

Least Impressive: You must have a decent load in the rear tub to get anywhere near a comfortable ride. This is common place for most pick-ups but especially so for the Colorado. I found off-road work a little tiresome after a few hours, with very little weight in the rear I bounced around like a pinball.

There are still plenty of rough edges on the 2015 Colorado. Noise, vibration and harshness levels have been wound back but irritants like diesel clatter still send currents of vibrations across the bonnet at idle. Even the headlight beam shudders, this leaves the Holden still some way behind the Volkswagen Amarok or Ford Ranger / Mazda BT-50 in the refinement stakes.

Early Verdict: The Colorado range is competitively priced and offers a decent alternative to the segment leaders. It easily handles difficult terrain with excellent fuel economy and with a fantastic infotainment system combined with a bold look I personally think is only second to the Ford Ranger.

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