Holden has launched the 2014 model of its Colorado 4×4 Dual Cab Ute. Holden’s 2014 Colorado is at the forefront of the competitive Ute market.
Holden’s latest release of the Colorado series sees the new release of the Duramax 2 Turbo Diesel engines which is standard on all models across the Colorado range.
It has vastly been improved over the last model bringing it from 132kw to 147kw and 470Nm of torque to 500Nm when coupled with the Auto. The engine just seems more refined and quieter throughout the new line up.
The MY14 Colorado also now comes with a six speed Manual transmission available on all models except the Colorado 7 which is only available in Auto.
It still boasts 3500kg towing capacity and a payload of a tonne now that’s impressive and what everyone wants when they tow a caravan off roader or trailers full of work gear.
The MY14 Colorado also introduces new chassis control systems to the range such as Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist across the entire Colorado and Colorado 7 range, as well as a Descent Control System on all Colorado 7 and Colorado models except Colorado DX.
Trailer Sway control detects any towing instability, activates the brakes and reduces engine torque, ensuring complete peace of mind when pulling a trailer or caravan.
The 2014 Colorado range is equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features and a five star ANCAP safety rating on Colorado 7 and Colorado Crew Cab variants.
Standard features include driver and front passenger airbags and full length curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control, complemented by ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Hydraulic Brake Assist.
The Colorado range now adds front side impact airbags as standard to the Colorado and Colorado 7 range for all LX, LT and LTZ models and Rear Park Assist and a rear camera to all Colorado 7 models and the Colorado LTZ. These additions certainly make Colorado’s reputation as one of the safest 4WD vehicles available today.
The New Colorado sees Holden’s new Infotainment MYLINK system units as standard across the range apart from the lower spec LX model.
The MYLINK is an easy to use in car entertainment and navigation unit that is an app based system that works with most smartphones such as IPhone and Android
It brings a whole new experience to Motoring enjoyment. You can choose from the latest Apps that include Pandora, Stitcher and Tune in Radio these are preloaded into the MYLINK unit. Pairing your Bluetooth phone is a simple step and the call quality was very clear with the drivers microphone built into the roof for a clearer conversation.
The Touch screen worked a treat with little if any delay when going through the Apps and the menus. Credence to the Holden Tech team on a great intuitive system and the speaker setup sounded great throughout the cabin.
The new rear camera worked great, making hooking up a trailer a breeze and the rear reversing sensors helped in the bush with those hidden logs when in a sticky situations.
Driving the full model line up through the Single cab all the way to the top of the range LTZ dual cab and the Colorado7, I was very impressed at the off-road performance from a factory standard four-wheel drive .
The automatic has had some new refinements added to it and it shines off road making the steep inclines and descents an absolute breeze, shifting at the right time without any need to touch the shifter. Just concentrate on the job at hand and it will do almost anything you throw at it, mud holes rock climbing and dirt roads are eaten up by this refined vehicle.
The new six speed manual is also a fine off-road match to the Duramax 2 Turbo Diesel both working effortlessly together to make off-road driving a pleasure.
With hill descent control on the vehicles handled the steepest descents like an electronic genius, pick your speed and the setup worked like a charm. Not a brake foot to be used and I am talking steep ravines that would make most avid four-wheel driver concerned .
The off-road performance from the new Colorado range is an absolute cracker and any four-wheel enthusiast would be more than happy with the way it handles.
The engineers and test team have refined The Colorado from its predecessor into a true all-round work truck, farm truck tradie vehicle and family getaway vehicle that will give years of enjoyment.
That said there are no exterior changes to the Colorado except for a new vibrant Orange colour Sizzle that stand this truck out from the rest.
The pricing remains the same as the outgoing models it replaces, only the auto has gone up $200 and the justification would be it’s a more refined transmission than the last one and packed with electronic wizardry.
Starting from $27,990 for the 4×2 SINGLE CAB LX Cab Chassis 2.8L TD MT up to the top of the range 4×4 COLORADO 7 LTZ SUV 2.8L TD AT $50,490. The Auto dual cab gets my high score for and at a price of $52,190 for the LTZ Pickup its great bang for your buck.
Holden have come up with some great styling packs to really stand the vehicle out from the crowd.
The Predator Pack now includes Polished Alloy Super Bar, 3 piece Sport lid, and Cargo Liner. It is available for $5,440 (LTZ model price) including fitment and GST at Holden dealers. An updated Nullarbor Pack now includes Tow Bar Kit, Steel Bull Bar, Cargo Liner, Snorkel, (2.8l diesel only) and Driving Lamps for $4430 including fitment and GST at Holden dealers.
Holden has also added a brand new pack suggestion for Colorado buyers – the new Volcanic Pack adds a dramatic touch to Colorado with a 3 piece Sportlid, black sports bar, black nudge bar and bonnet protector and is priced at $4,380
The Holden Alloy SuperBar has an RRP of $2,300 including fitting on both Colorado and Colorado 7 and the optional LED DRL package is available for $550
The New SuperBar certainly looks the part with its aggressive lines that complement an already great looking front end.
A vast array of accessories have been made for the Colorado series and whatever your tastes there’s plenty to choose from.
Over all the New Colorado series remains physically the same vehicle as the one its replacing but the engine and transmission’s refinement certainly change this to a much more pleasurable vehicle to drive on and off- road
If you’re in the market for a new four-wheel drive then do yourself a favour head to the Holden dealership and take the Colorado for a test drive you will be very impressed you did