It has been a long time between drinks for Holden since they have had a capable 4WD wagon but now the tables are turned with the release of the Colorado 7. Based on the popular Colorado Ute platform the Colorado7 provides the combination of robustness and family practicality that the market is crying out for.
First impressions are good as the Colorado 7 has the front styling basically the same as its Ute stable mate back to the C pillars. This is where the design team have had free range to create something new and they have done a pretty good job, with the rear having a stylish, strong clean boxy shape.
Inside there is little to differentiate the Colorado7 from the Ute apart from the extra row of seats (best left for the kids). The same goes for most of the features except the Colorado 7 gets some extras like Hill Descent and Hill Start assist, leather trim (on LTZ spec) as well as more speakers to name a few.
The third row seats fold flat but not flat on the cargo floor. The second row can be folded up to the back of the front seats or flat to form a continuous cargo floor.
The Colorado7 shares the same drive-train, 4X4 system and nearly the same chassis as the Ute. This is where it gets a whole lot better. The front end is the same but the rear has a 5 link coil arrangement which soaked up all the bumps on our test route with ease as well as flexing really well for a stock vehicle. Towing is easy with a 3 tonne rating and 132Kw and 470nM making light work of all but the heaviest loads.
The Colorado 7 has a 5 star ANCAP rating, a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger airbags and full length curtain airbags. This rating is maintained when fitted with the Genuine bulbar .
Our test route highlighted how well the Colorado7 is suited to Australian conditions and the design team have had a lot to do with this. Tweaks have been made to the gearbox and suspension specifically for our conditions and it works well. The vehicle was fitted with highway rubber and it performed well over the various difficult terrain and tracks.
Wading depth is good at 600mm (factory snorkel available) and 30⁰, 22⁰, 22⁰ for the approach, ramp over and departure angles make it a more than competent off-roader. Those seeking the 4WD experience would be well served by the addition of the Nullabor pack which includes steel bulbar, spot lights, roof racks, snorkel and towbar for a RRP of $4,220 including fitting.
I am confident to say that there is the basis for a good off-roader here. Out of the box the Colorado 7 is a great bit of gear and by the time you set it up to suit your needs you will have a competent vehicle at your disposal.
What is Good
• Off road ability
• Family Value
• Style
What is Not so Good
• Some Trim rattles
• Blue Speedo Dials
• Rear seats don’t fold flat on floor
Model Holden Colorado7 LTZ
Model Price $55,371 RDAP
Engine 2.8L TDCI 4 Cylinder
Drivetrain 6sp Auto
Power 132 Kw @ 3,800 rpm
Torque 470 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions g/km 243
Green Vehicle Rating 2.5 Star
Fuel (ADR comb) 9.1 L/100Km
Tow Capacity – Max 3000 kg
Tow Ball Rating 300 kg
Warranty 3yr/ 100,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 81/100
Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 8
Equipment 8
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 9
Off Road Ability 8
Value for Money 8
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