Times are tough for Holden right now, once the pride of Australian automotive manufacturing it is now a company that may struggle to hold onto a top 10 market position. So, when times are tough what can the General do? Well in this case give the MY20 Holden Colorado a dose of smelling salts.

The new Colorado range sees the addition of the rugged and robust looking LSX model made a permanent variant. It featured as a special edition model in 2019 but was such a hit it’s earned its own spot in the line-up. Priced from $46,990 or $49,190 for the auto, the LSX 4×4 Crew Cab ute offers owners something to boast about without sending the accountant cuckoo. We’re talking ballsy looking fenders and other touches minus the hefty price tag basically. 

Of course, customers these days are more than happy to spend a shed load on halo utes, which sees the Z71 still top of the range. Again, the rugged fender flares are there along with a bash plate as standard. A new ‘soft drop’ tailgate is a handy feature making loading and unloading a more refined process as opposed to a barn gate swinging in the wind.

Just below the Z71 remains the LTZ. The two top models also come factory fitted with a spray on tub-liner Holden call DuraGuard, a handy product that is more effective than the usual plastic liners that are inserted into the tray. The spray-on formula is applied at the factory and backed by Holden’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. 

As with Z71, the LTZ scores leather trimmed seats, including heated ones up front. A new fleet focused LTZ+ variant is now on offer that has its payload lowered to just under a tonne allowing for customers to jump on novated leasing deals. 

But what will appeal to Colorado customers the most I think is a range of new accessory packs. The aptly  named Tradie, Farmer, Black, Rig and the range topping Xtreme packs are tailormade to suit customers unique needs. Full details below. 

Farmer Pack

Light Duty pack includes:

  • Heavy duty steel tray 
  • Towing package
  • Bull bar

Heavy Duty pack includes:

  • Heavy duty steel tray 
  • Towing package
  • Bull bar
  • Stage 1–3 underbody 
  • Fender flares (2)

Tradie Pack

  • Towing package
  • Rear step
  • Side assist steps 
  • Roof tray
  • 12V Aux power
  • All weather mats (4)
  • Canvas seat covers
  • Weather-shields (2)
  • Bonnet protector
  • Cup holders (2)

Black Pack

  • 18″ Z71 Blackwheels (4) 
  • Bonnet Bulge
  • Rear tailgate decal
  • Tail-light guards
  • (Crew cab pickup models only)
  • Black grille
  • Bonnet Protector
  • Weather-shields (2)

Rig Pack

  • Nudge bar
  • LED Light bar
  • Towing package with electric trailer brake package (Not available on Z71)
  • Cup holders (2)
  • Carpet mats (4)
  • Weather shields (4) 
  • Bonnet protector

Xtream Pack

  • AT Tyres (4)
  • Winch bar system 
  • Side steps
  • Roof tray (Z71 Pickup model only)
  • Sports bar & Tonneau
  • LED Light bar
  • Bonnet bulge
  • Towing package 
  • Rear step
  • Rear decal & guards  
  • Heavy duty springs 
  • Off road recovery kit  
  • Xtreme decal

Standard across the entire range is the familiar 2.8-litre Duramax turbo diesel engine that remains rated at 147kW with 500Nm of torque. All models score Apple CarPlay and Android Auto showcased via either a 7-inch or 8-inch Holden MyLink infotainment screen depending on model. 

On the safety front there’s seven airbags and all the usual stability control systems. However Autonomous Emergency Breaking remains an ongoing notable omission. Only LTZ models and above gain a Forward Collision Alert with head up warning system and Lane Departure Warning, both of which lack intervention.

However, let’s take a walk through the range. There are 14 models to choose from spaning single cab, space cab and crew cab configurations. Both 4×2, 4×4 along with six-speed manual (where available) and automatic transmissions available. The latter adding a $2200 premium as was the case in 2019.

The range ascends from the LT to the LSX, LTZ, LTZ+ and Z71. For RRP prices see below

  • LS 4×2 Single Cab Chassis $31,690 
  • LS 4×2 Crew Cab Chassis $36,690
  • LS 4×2 Crew Cab Pick-up $38,190
  • LS 4×4 Single Cab Chassis $37,490
  • LT 4×2 Crew Cab Pick-up $41,190
  • LTZ 4×2 Crew Cab Pick-up $44,690
  • LS 4×4 Single Cab Chassis $39,690
  • LS 4×4 Space Cab Chassis $43,190
  • LS 4×4 Crew Cab Chassis $45,690
  • LS 4×4 Crew Cab Pick-up $47,190
  • LSX 4×4 Crew Cab Pick-up $49,190
  • LTZ 4×4 Space Cab Pick-up $51,990
  • LTZ 4×4 Crew Cab Pick-up $52,690
  • Z71 4×4 Crew Cab Pick-up $57,190.

Holden has to its credit been breathing life into the Colorado for some time now. Incremental improvements have gradually made the GM offering a relatively competitive vehicle against very strong opposition.

While the MY20 Holden Colorado may not drive any differently to MY19 plated models, it certainly does benefit from some clever marketing and purposeful inclusions.