Holden announces Colorado pricing

HOLDEN has announced full pricing for its new, diesel-only Colorado ute range, several months ahead of its local launch.

The range starts at $26,990 for the DX two-wheel-drive single-cab-chassis with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and five-speed manual gearbox, and tops out at $51,990 for the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel LTZ 4WD Crew Cab with six-speed auto.

While this starting price is a substantial $4500 cheaper than the previous entry-level diesel Colorado, it still represents a $2500 premium over the top-selling Toyota HiLux.

But, unlike the Toyota and most other rivals, all Colorados will come with dual-front and side curtain airbags and potentially life-saving electronic stability control as standard.

Pricing on the rest of the range is either up or down depending on the bodystyle and driveline.

The line-up will include three layouts – single-cab, space-cab and crew-cab – plus two- or four-wheel drive configuration and four trim levels.

The 2WD crew-cab pick-up variant kicks off at $35,490 in LX specification – $2000 less than before – while the newly-offered crew cab chassis starts at $33,990.

Holden has dropped the 2WD space-cab from the line-up, which was offered in petrol-only guise in the old model.

The 4WD single-cab starts from $34,990 for the DX – $500 more than before – while the 4WD LX space-cab kicks off at $40,490 for a $200 saving over the previous generation.

The headlining 4WD crew-cab can be had from $42,990 for the LX cab-chassis – $1800 lower than before – while the flagship LTZ model tops out at $51,990 or $1300 more than the LT-R is replaces.

This compares favourably to high-spec rivals like the HiLux SR5 ($53,490), Nissan Navara ST-X ($56,990), Ford Ranger XLT ($55,390) and the (for now) manual-only Volkswagen Amarok Highline ($52,990) and Ultimate ($58,490).

All prices given are for the standard five-speed manual, with the optional six-speed automatic available on all bar the base DX single-cab chassis costing an extra $2000.

All will come as standard with Bluetooth phone connectivity, power windows, air-conditioning and auxiliary inputs with USB and iPod compatibility.

Neither a rear-view camera nor satellite-navigation will be offered initially, but Holden is reported to be developing a reversing camera for release some time after launch. Rear parking sensors will be available as an optional accessory.

Holden has opted exclusively for diesel power across the range, with all models bar the base DX 4x2 cab chassis powered by a 132kW 2.8-litre turbo engine with up to 470Nm of torque when matched to the optional automatic.

Those who opt for the standard five-speed self-shifter will have to make do with 440Nm, however, presumably because the gearbox cannot handle the grunt. The base 2.5-litre turbo-diesel produces 110kW and 350Nm of torque.

All variants powered by the flagship 2.8-litre engine have a claimed class-leading 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, while the base 2.5-litre version can still tow a hefty three tonnes – the equal of many more powerful rivals.

Every variant has a one-tonne payload, regardless of powertrain.

The new model was originally intended to be on sale by now, but production delays resulting from last year’s Thai floods resulted in substantial delays.

The early announcement allows Holden to stay in the limelight as its dealers await the new model and go without the old one – which is now almost completely sold out.

It also means that customers can pre-order the car before the end of the financial year and secure the first deliveries, which are due just after mid-year.

Holden executive director of sales John Elsworth said the Colorado to be sold here has received “significant” local input, including a unique suspension tune for Australia and an array of locally-developed accessories.

Holden will introduce a rugged seven-seat SUV based on the same architecture in the final quarter of this year.

The Brazilian-designed, Thai-built Colorado 7 will become the lion brand’s first hardcore 4WD since Jackaroo was axed in 2004, and will come with the same diesel engines as the ute, in 2WD and 4WD configurations.

Meanwhile, the next-generation Isuzu D-Max ute due around the same time, but this time with different sheet-metal and a carryover 3.0-litre, 130kW/380Nm turbo-diesel engine.

While previous iterations of the Colorado and D-Max were basically differently badged twins, only the chassis will be common on the new models.

Holden Colorado pricing (plus on-roads)
4x2 Single Cab
DX Cab Chassis	$26,990
LX Cab Chassis	$27,990
LX Cab Chassis (a)	$29,990
4x2 Crew Cab
LX Cab Chassis	$33,990
LX Cab Chassis (a)	$35,990
LX Pickup	$35,490
LX Pickup (a)	$37,490
LT Pickup	$36,490
LT Pickup (a)	$38,490
LTZ Pickup	$40,990
LTZ Pickup (a)	$42,990
4x4 Single Cab
DX Cab Chassis	$34,990
LX Cab Chassis	$35,990
LX Cab Chassis (a)	$37,990
4x4 Space Cab
LX Cab Chassis	$40,490
LX Cab Chassis (a)	$42,490
LTZ Pickup	$47,490
LTZ Pickup (a)	$49,490
4x4 Crew Cab
LX Cab Chassis	$42,990
LX Cab Chassis (a)	$44,990
LX Pickup	$44,490
LX Pickup (a)	$46,490
LT Pickup	$45,490
LT Pickup (a)	$47,490
LTZ Pickup	$49,990
LTZ Pickup (a)	$51,990