Road test: Holden Colorado 2019 review

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Strong performance, a comfortable ride and easy-to-drive nature.

Leather-trimmed seats (heated up front) are now standard on the LTZ Crew Cab 4X4 and an LTZ+ variant has been added to the range. Aimed at fleet customers, the LTZ+ has a tow bar fitted and with its payload just under 1000 kilograms, it complies with novated lease requirements.

Distinctive flared guards give the top-of-the-line Z71 a tougher look and a new bash plate provides extra off-road protection. Also exclusive to the Z71 Pick-Up is a new ‘soft drop’ tailgate. Both the LTZ and Z71 also get a smart, tough-looking premium DuraGuard spray on the tub-liner giving a grippy surface that minimises the slipping and sliding of cargo.

The LSX, which was previously a limited-edition special in the MY19 model, is now a permanent member of the range and the entry version for the 4X4 Crew Cab Pick-Up models.

Personalising the vehicle has become a big part of ownership for many buyers in this category.  Holden has also made it easier to customise the Colorado with five well-chosen accessory packs to suit different needs. These packs include Tradie, Farmer, Black, Rig and the range-topping Extreme.

Colorado’s extensive line-up covers a broad range of needs from the basic workhorse to a family-friendly lifestyle vehicle, an off-road warrior or a comfortable tourer to pull a large caravan around Australia.

Altogether there are now 14 variants. Within the line-up you will find Single Cab Chassis versions, along with a Space Cab and Crew Cab models in Chassis and Pick-Up configurations with a choice of 4X2 and 4X4 drivelines. The five equipment grades are LS, LT, LSX, LTZ and Z71.

All are powered by Holden’s four-cylinder Duramax 2.8-litre turbocharged direct injection common rail diesel which produced one of the highest engine outputs in the class, and this remains unchanged. A six-speed auto is available across the range, while a six-speed manual is also offered in some variants.  Pricing starts from $31,690 plus on-road costs for the LS 4X2 Single Cab Chassis automatic through to $57,190 plus ORC for the Z71 4X4 Crew Cab Pick-Up automatic.

The standard equipment level, even in the basic LS version, would put top-of-the-range models from just a few years ago to shame and the higher-grade LTZ and Z71 variants are certainly dressed to impress.

All variants have a five-star ANCAP rating and drivers will appreciate the standard reversing camera and rear parking sensors. The added safety of forward collision alert, lane-departure warning and front parking sensors are excellent features on LTZ and Z71. Unfortunately, Colorado is still missing a few other advanced safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection and active cruise control, that are available on some competitors.

Cabin space is good and even after a long drive there were no complaints about the front-seat support and comfort. In the back, leg room is not an issue, but the seats are mounted close to the floor promoting quite a bent-knee seating position which reduces thigh support.

Colorado has a tough, high-riding, off-road appeal and truck-like towing ability. For this type of commercial vehicle, it’s also relatively refined and civilised in everyday use around town or when touring on the open road.

Although thirstier than some competitors, its ADR fuel consumption of 8.7L/100km is acceptable for a vehicle of its size. The LTZ and Z71 we drove had a surefooted feel, while the sharper, well-weighted steering helps manoeuvrability. The Colorado’s ride is compliant and more comfortable on the open road than many of its peers.

Heavy rain made the tracks in Creswick National Park, just behind RACV’s Goldfields resort, extremely slippery for the 4WD section of our road test, and this provided a good reminder of how capable the Colorado is off-road. The ability to select 4WD high range on the fly is always a handy feature.

For those intending to tow, the 3500-kilogram towing capacity with 10 per cent maximum ball load equals the best in class and trailer sway control is standard across the range.

The verdict

Colorado is a capable all-rounder worth having on your shortlist. Extra features with no price increase adds value to higher-grade models.