Holden Colorado 7 gets interest

Arriving in December, it's a Colorado ute-based SUV complete with ladder chassis and heavy duty off road credentials. But it's a boofy-looking customer with a pronounced snout and slab sided styling.

That could very well appeal to plenty of Aussies who like this style of offroader in preference to the "girlie" SUVs currently enjoying huge popularity. It's the first "serious" 4x4 from Holden since the Jackaroo years ago.

UTE BASED

The 7 was developed in tandem with the ute and utilises the same torquey diesel engine and has impressive off-road capability, generous cargo space and full-size seven-seat interior. Colorado 7 will be available in two specifications, entry level LT and top-spec LTZ.

SAFE

It shares safety credentials with the Crew Cab ute which means a 5-star ANCAP rating. Colorado's robust structural design is backed by a comprehensive array of safety features with Electronic Stability Control, dual front airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row among the list of standard equipment.

ENGINE

One powertrain and transmission combination will be available with the strong-performing 2.8-litre diesel engine with 6-speed automatic transmission standard on both LT and LTZ Colorado 7 models. The Duramax diesel engine achieves 132 kW power and 470 Nm of torque.

UNDERNEATH

Colorado 7's chassis has been engineered independently of the Colorado LCV and is biased towards passenger comfort. While both models share an independent double wishbone front suspension set up, Colorado 7 features a five-link live axle rear suspension configuration that's unique to the SUV and coil springs front and rear.

Colorado 7's off-road performance is underpinned by a part time four-wheel drive system with transfer case, with low and high ratio gears, shift on the fly and Limited Slip Differential. Hill Descent Control enhances Colorado 7's 4X4 capability.

INSIDE

Generous interior dimensions enable a spacious and practical interior layout, with seven seats fitted across the range. With the second and third row seats folded, Colorado 7 can accommodate as much as 1830 litres of cargo. Colorado 7 has a 3,000kg towing capacity thanks to the torque and strength from its diesel powertrain, six-speed automatic transmission and robust driveline.