This story first appeared in the July issue of DieselTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
Holden is cashing in on the tidal wave of buyers moving out of sedans and SUVs to high-riding utes that offer luxury features and creature comforts as well as the workhorse capabilities of one-tonne load-carrying and 3500kg towing.
DIESELtalk spent a week with the top-of-the-line Colorado Z71 4×4 double cab pick-up during which the furthest it travelled off-road was the parking paddock at the Mystery Creek Events Centre for the 2017 National Agricultural Fieldays.
Holden New Zealand is on a journey to reframe customer perceptions of the brand and the MY17 Colorado utility is another weapon in its marketing arsenal.
The segment accounts for one in five new vehicle purchases in New Zealand – or 21% of the new car market.
The buyer base has broadened from fleets and tradespeople to business executives and private buyers who want a dual-purpose vehicle that can tow a boat as well as transport the family in comfort.
The Colorado Z71 speaks to those buyers with its heated leather seats, dual control climate air-conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a revised MyLink infotainment system with standard navigation.
The dashboard includes removable cup holders, the central colour touchscreen is easy to use and the revised front and rear passenger seats are very comfortable.
This competitor for the Ranger Wildtrak also comes standard with an integrated sports bar, deck liner, roll top cargo cover, integrated step in the rear bumper and roof rails to complete the “urban warrior” look.
If that’s not enough, Holden has created one of the biggest lines yet of factory-backed and guaranteed dealer-fit accessories for its new light truck, much to the annoyance of the aftermarket suppliers.
The MY17 Colorado is hugely more refined, more comfortable, more precise and much quieter than previous models, thanks to one of the biggest mid-life production cycle enhancements in the history of GM products.
The biggest and most noticeable dynamic change is the more precise steering feel through the wheel. That’s due to an all-new electric power-steering system incorporating a quicker-acting rack and almost a full turn less from lock to lock.
As well as the new steering system, the MY17 has tauter handling but a more compliant ride quality because of revised shock absorbers and damper settings.
The drivetrain has had a tickle up too. The six-speed automatic transmission was recalibrated for greater refinement and it also provides downhill grade engine braking.
Driving impressions
The 147kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine, carried over from the predecessor model, still gets the Colorado up and sprinting off the line and has more than enough power for overtaking manoeuvres or motorway cruising.
Despite Holden’s best efforts to make the Colorado drive more confidently on road with greater in-cabin refinement, the four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is a bit noisy when using grade braking (engine braking downhill) and also when it blips the throttle on downshifts.
It still has the same bouncy ride when not laden, characteristic of any pick-up with a leaf sprung rear suspension. The steering feel is much more positive and car-like than the predecessor model but, sadly, the Colorado’s brakes still feel a little spongy under the right foot.
Safety technology such as forward collision alert warning and lane departure warning are welcomed in such an imposing vehicle. It’s also got seven airbags and a reversing camera, trailer sway and descent control, hill hold and electronic stability control.
The MY2017 Colorado has come a long way from the Brazilian-designed boneshaker that first arrived on the market in 2012?
Thankfully, Holden’s engineers managed to immerse themselves in the programme governed by GM Brazil and bring much-needed refinement and quality to New Zealand’s third-most popular selling ute behind the Ranger and the Hilux.
Price: $66,990
