Holden Colorado 2020 review
Test Drive

Holden Colorado 2020 review

The Holden Colorado range has just been updated for the 2020 model, but calling it "new" might be a bit of a stretch. In fact, even "fresh" can be resold.

And that's because mechanically, the Colorado is identical to the 2019 model. And the interior technology has not changed either.

Instead, the brand focused on raising the standard equipment of some models and welcomed the special edition LSX (which started out as a special edition) as a permanent member of the Colorado family.

But is that enough to close the gap between the Colorado and its HiLux and Ranger rivals?

Holden Colorado 2020: LS (4X2)
Safety Rating
engine's type2.8 L turbo
fuel typeDiesel
Fuel efficiency8.6l / 100km
Landing2 Places
Price from$25,600

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10


As with most ute songs, the number of Colorados on offer here is a hell of a lot. So take a deep breath as we dive in 

As with most ute songs, the number of Colorados on offer here is a hell of a lot.

The lineup entry point has changed, with Holden removing the manual transmission option on the cheapest single-cab LS 4×2 chassis, now starting at $31,690 with automatic transmission. The LS 4×2 Crew Cab chassis is $36,690, while the LS 4×2 Crew Cab pickup is $38,190.

For that money, the LS gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a six-speaker stereo system. You also get a leather steering wheel and a USB charger. Outside, you'll find LED DRLs, body-color power mirrors, cloth seats, and manually controlled air conditioning.

Next up is the LT 4×2 Crew Cab pickup ($41,190 with automatic transmission), which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, carpeting, tailgate lock, fog lights, and side steps.

Then it comes to the LSX, which is now joining the lineup as a permanent member and which Holden describes as a reliable entry-level truck or "affordable tough". This durability comes from 18-inch alloy wheels, a high-gloss black front grille, black sport trim and fender flares, and a Colorado badge at the rear. The LSX 4X4 Crew Cab pickup costs $46,990 with a manual transmission and $49,190 with an automatic transmission.

Next up is the LTZ, which is available as a 4X2 Crew Cab pickup with automatic transmission for $44,690, a 4X4 Space Cab pickup for $51,190, or a 4X4 Crew Cab Pick-Up ($50,490 for manual, $52,690XNUMX for manual transmission). auto).

This trim gives you a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with standard navigation and an upgraded seven-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and heated leather seats up front. Outside, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, a new Holden DuraGuard spray-on liner, power-folding exterior mirrors, LED taillights, rain-sensing wipers, a padded trunk lid, side steps, and an alloy sports steering wheel.

The Z71 is equipped with LED taillights and rain-sensing wipers.

Finally, there's the Z71 4X4 Crew Cab Pick-Up, which costs $54,990 (male) or $57,190 (auto), which brings you a soft-drop tailgate, 18-inch Arsenal Gray alloy wheels, a new Sailplane sports steering wheel, and side handrails, gloss black exterior door handles, mirrors and trunk handle. You also get some styling touches like fender flares, a new front fascia, roof rails, hood decals and underbody protection.

Holden is also bundling its most popular accessories into new packs called the Tradie Pack, Black Pack, Farmer Pack, Rig Pack, and Xtreme Pack, all of which come with a voucher that reduces the cost of the Colorado itself.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10


While the design of the Colorado hasn't changed much (the bodywork is basically the same), the addition of the LSX as a permanent member of the family makes the Colorado a tough truck.

The addition of the LSX as a permanent member of the family makes the Colorado a reliable truck.

Especially the side view - all alloy wheels, sports bar and fender flares - looks both rugged and tough, and while the interior doesn't quite live up to the looks, it's sure to draw attention on the road. 

Speaking of the interior, it's a refreshingly comfortable place to hang out, and while some elements (particularly the shifting in automatic cars) feel a bit utilitarian, it's got plenty of soft plastic and - on higher trims - leather seats that can be flipped up. atmosphere beyond the workhorse.

Overall, though, I don't think it's quite up to the ruggedness of the Ford Ranger, which is almost entirely chalked up to the front view. The Holden Colorado is certainly handsome enough, but it lacks the vicious gaze of its most ferocious rival.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10


No matter how many words like "lifestyle" or "adventure" you throw at ute, practicality is still the game's goal in this segment. 

And on that front, the Colorado does a brief job: every model in the lineup (except the first one - the LTZ+ - and that's by design, with a lower number to help with updated leasing deals) is capable of carrying 1000kg, with that number climbing up to 1487kg. in LS 4X2 cars.

Towing is up to the mark, too, with the Colorado's claimed payload capacity of 3500kg thanks to the 2.8-liter diesel engine you'll find under every hood. 

The Colorado has the same wheelbase (3096mm) no matter which option you're aiming for.

The Colorado shares the same wheelbase (3096mm) no matter which option you choose, but obviously your other dimensions will change. Width varies from 1870mm to 1874mm, height from 1781mm to 1800mm, length from 5083mm to 5361mm and tray length from 1484mm to 1790mm.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10


Only one time choice here; The 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel with 147kW and 500Nm (or 440Nm with a manual transmission) can be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim.

The manual transmission option was removed on some trim levels, most notably the LS, which used to be the entry point to the lineup. This machine now starts with an automatic and costs $2200 more.




How much fuel does it consume? 8/10


Holden claims that the combined fuel consumption is between 7.9 and 8.6 liters per hundred kilometers, depending on the configuration of the car and whether it is a two- or four-wheel drive. CO02 emissions in Colorado range from 210 to 230 g/km. 

All Colorados come with a 76 liter fuel tank.

What is it like to drive? 8/10


How does he ride? Ah, just like before.

There are absolutely no changes under the skin for 2020. Same 2.8-liter Duramax diesel with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, same suspension, same steering. Short answer, it's the same.

But that's not bad. Holden's local engineers made a big contribution to the Colorado when it was last seriously updated, including requiring it to use an electronic power steering system taken from the Commodore program, and these changes were so successful that they have now been adopted. in other markets.

The suspension was also tuned here, with final approval testing done in Australia.

The Colorado is damn good on our roads.

As a result, the car is damn good on our roads, although a little rough in the cabin.

The steering inspires confidence, feeling fairly straight forward for the segment, and more importantly, the Colorado enters corners in a way that reassures you that you're going to pop out the other side where you'd expect, even on a fairly fast clip.

Since this is Victoria, the weather for our drive program was predictably terrible.

It was Victoria, and the weather for our drive program was predictably terrible - with that side rain and the bone-chilling cold that the state is so famous for - and so Holden abandoned the more difficult 4WD section in favor of a rough, muddy track with big puddles. enough to double as water crossings and fallen trees that crunched under the tires as we climbed over them. 

Holden led us down a bumpy muddy road with puddles big enough to be used as water crossings.

And while there wasn't anything that seriously challenged the Colorado, we can attest that it handled the rougher stuff just as well as it did, at least for 4WD vehicles where the low range and DuraGrip LSD/system Holden traction control come to the rescue. standard.

The engine isn't going to win drag races, but that's probably not the point. The 2.8-litre turbodiesel always seems powerful, but it never actually translates into speed. Then it's more of a marathon than a sprint, but not a performance.

The point is this. This 2020 update is all about the Colorado's looks and hardware, so if you like the old one, you'll love this new one too.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10


Holden's Colorado has a five-star ANCAP rating across the entire range, with a full score in 2016.

The safety story begins with seven airbags, rear sensors, a rearview camera and hill descent assist, and the usual layout of traction and braking aids offered across the range. 

Spending more on an LTZ or Z71 unlocks an extra kit, including front sensors, forward collision warning (but not AEB, which is offered throughout the Ranger range), lane departure warning, and a tire pressure monitoring system. 

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10


Holden offers a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty on the entire Colorado range, serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles. The limited price brand service program is published on its website and the first seven services (covering seven years) will cost you $3033.

Verdict

The lack of news is still good news for the Colorado, which still drives well, hauls a ton and tows even more. It is undoubtedly starting to show its age in terms of modern safety technology, but it remains a strong contender in our booming passenger car segment.

Did this update get you excited about the 2020 model? Tell us in the comments below.

Note. CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, providing transportation and food.

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