The $69,990 Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme is here.

Hero or halo utes – terms a few years back that simply didn’t exist for vehicles generally the exclusive domain of tradies. Today Holden has announced a $69,990 locally designed and engineered wild child version of the Colorado Z71. Known as the Xtreme it’s brimming with gear you’d normally be heading straight to an ARB shop to fit.

Such a move is clearly aimed at the Toyota Rugged and Rogue models and Ford’s new Raptor. The Colorado Xtreme concept was first unveiled at the Bangkok International Motor Show back in 2016. The local connection comes via Holden’s Port Melbourne design team, they have the job of fitting a raft of genuine Holden backed goodies to the top of range Colorado Z71.

To toughen it up and improve off-road credentials they’ve added what is claimed to be best-in-class accessories. It’s a pretty impressive list.

• Winch Bar with integrated winch (4535kg capable with 30m synthetic line)
• LED Light Bar
• Vehicle Recovery Kit
• Complete Towing Package
• Roof Tray Kit
• Rear Steel Step
• Suspension Kit (Front)
• Fender Flares
• Colorado branding on tailgate
• Xtreme branding decal
• Black Tubular Side Steps Package
• Black Grille
• Soft Tonneau cover
• Bonnet Bulge
• 18″ Goodyear All Terrain Tyres Wrangler 265/60R18
• Black extended sports bar

“The top end of LCV market continues to develop, and we’re seeing a growing number of customers demanding greater off-road capability,” said Holden’s Product Marketing Manager, Andre Scott.

“The Colorado Xtreme was a concept car that resonated with our customers, and to not only put it into production, but elevate it, is very exciting,” said Holden’s Product Marketing Manager, Andre Scott.

“As a base vehicle, Colorado Z71 is already very capable, so we’ve expanded our Genuine Accessories range for additional off-road capability. Cue the Holden Winch system, the Xtreme’s hero accessory, which is a game-changer.”

The Xtreme still comes fitted with the standard 2.8 litre 147kW / 500Nm Duramax Turbo Diesel engine with a 3.5 tonne towing capacity. This segment is already fragmented enough, so I find it a tad strange the Colorado has already been targeted by HSV with their $60,790 SportsCat and $66,790 SportsCat+ models. The standard Z71 weighs in at $53,490, it must be a case of buyers swimming in rivers of gold when it comes to these aspirational utes.