New Holden Colorado unveiled

Revealed in its Chevrolet Trailblazer version, the Holden Colorado 7 - a 4WD SUV based on the new Colorado ute - is due here in June.

The long-awaited replacement for the Jackaroo has the same drivetrain and underpinnings as the next Colorado ute, except for a new rear suspension.

The SUV gets a coil-spring rear end but retains the ute's three-tonne towing capacity.

It will rival the Mitsubishi Challenger ($41,490) and Nissan Pathfinder ($48,490) and compete with its cousin, the Isuzu wagon which is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

The Thai-made SUV is expected to be priced around $48,000 when it hits Australian showrooms late this year. It will follow the mid-year launch of the second-generation Colorado ute on which it is based.

The SUV was shown today in Thailand as the Chevrolet Trailblazer ahead of its public debut at the Bangkok International Motor Show from March 28.

When it comes to Australia it will be the first heavy-duty 4WD SUV to wear a Holden badge in almost a decade. Holden Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said the growing popularity of SUVs in Australia would ensure the new Colorado 7 had a ready-made fan base when it is launched at the end of 2012.

"Australians are buying more SUVs than ever before, and we've seen this demand reflected in the growing popularity of our Series II Captiva range,'' Elsworth says. "The Colorado 7 will be a perfect fit for customers looking for the increased packaging flexibility and lifestyle benefits of clever interior storage, seven seats and rugged off-road performance.

Developed to deliver everything Australians could want from a tough 4WD, with coil-sprung five-link rear suspension and competitive three-tonne towing capacity the Colorado 7 will be an impressive addition to our SUV line-up. Its heavy-duty 4WD credentials and refined driving characteristics make it equally at home in the suburbs and off the beaten track.''