First details of the tough, new-generation 2012 Holden Colorado have been released today ahead of its much-anticipated New Zealand launch mid-year.
The 2012 Holden Colorado range will offer customers three body styles – single cab, space cab and crew cab – and offer two all-new 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre DOHC in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engines.
Both engines are tuned to deliver peak torque low in the rev range for maximum driveability and cargo carrying capability, while the 2.8-litre engine – when paired with the optional six-speed automatic transmission – produces 10 per cent more power and 40 per cent more torque than the outgoing 3.0-litre diesel powertrain it replaces.
The new Colorado will boast a class-leading 3.5-tonne towing capacity across the 2.8-litre turbo diesel range and an impressive 3.0-tonne towing capacity on all 2.5-litre variants.
An extensive list of safety features will be standard across the range, including driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Electronic Stability Control.
Colorado will also be equipped with lifestyle and comfort features including Bluetooth® connectivity, air-conditioning, power windows, auxiliary plug and USB port, two auxiliary power outlets and iPod® compatible audio system.
Holden New Zealand Managing Director, Jeff Murray, said that since the reveal of the all-new Colorado at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne last July, the company has been working hard to finalise the range for New Zealand, ahead of the official launch.
“We are incredibly excited about the new Colorado which will usher in a new era for Holden LCVs and will play a vital role in our product renaissance,” Mr Murray said.
“This is a tough daily workhorse that can become an active recreational vehicle and is one of the most impressive light trucks ever designed by General Motors. We are confident the Colorado will be a serious challenger in the New Zealand light commercial market.
“We have decided on a diesel-only powertrain strategy, which means we will offer two very competitive, responsive engines that boast impressive towing capacity of up to 3.5-tonne.
“Our engineers are already out on the road with Colorado gathering important data on engine and transmission performance, drive quality and suspension tune. This evaluation work will continue for the next few months to ensure it is perfectly suited for our roads and conditions.”
“Customers have been in contact with us and are also excited by the Colorado launch in New Zealand and they will be able to get a close up look at the range in Holden Dealerships from June.”
Holden is currently performing local development work on the new Colorado using a series of engineering tests, which includes a rigorous five-month real-world drive quality evaluation on Australian roads.
The Colorado workhorse will be put through its paces in a range of recreational activities typically experienced by light commercial vehicle customers, including four-wheel driving, towing, farming, camping and fishing.
2012 Holden Colorado – Standard Features
Powertrain
| Engine/Transmission | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) |
| 2.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with five-speed manual transmission (selected models only) | 110 @ 3,800 rpm | 350 @ 2,000 rpm |
| 2.8-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with five-speed manual transmission | 132 @ 3,800 rpm | 440 @ 2,000 rpm |
| 2.8-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with six-speed automatic transmission | 132 @ 3,800 rpm | 470 @ 2,000 rpm |
Towing Capacity
- 3,000kg – 2.5-litre turbo diesel
- 3,500kg – 2.8-litre turbo diesel
Steering System
- Hydraulic rack-and-pinion
Suspension
- Independent front suspension
- Independent multi-link rear suspension with leaf springs
Safety and Security Features
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake
- Force Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Front Drive and Passenger Airbags
- Curtain Airbags
Interior Features
- Air-conditioning
- Auxiliary plug and USB port
- Two auxiliary power outlets
- Bluetooth© connectivity
- iPod® compatible audio system
- Power windows
Gallery
these new utes are great – can carry heaps, pull heaps and have more comfort than ever – i would buy a ranger/amorak/colorado in a flash – except they are all now too big.
i think there is a market for a small ute – nissan has its d22 navara, but its a bit too ‘commercial’ for me. something with a 2l turo diesel, a 2tonne tow capacity and the foot print more like the size of a falcodore would be perfect – then i could actually navigate town with it and still tow a reasonable boat to the beach on the weekend.
Hi Marcus, you asked about towing capabilities of the Mazda CX5, seen some literature that suggests 1800kg braked (both petrol and diesel).
With all these new generation utes coming to market, why do we keep buying the current mildly facelifted Hilux???
how do you get 40% more torque from current colorado which has 360nm to 470……i hope the new suspension instead of the torsion bar i have 2010 colorado and i would never get a torsion front end stay away from it toyota mitsubishi nissan all have coil front come on holden get with it this time