Next-gen Holden Colorado ute development hits stumbling block

Development of Holden’s next-generation Colorado ute has hit a hurdle according to overseas reports, which could delay the Lion brand’s all-new pick-up until 2023.

Muscle Cars and Trucks is citing “multiple anonymous sources” that have told them that progress on General Motors’ next-generation mid-size truck platform, dubbed 32XX, has been binned due to the uncertainty of the South American market, where the project is being developed.

As a result, the current Holden Colorado might have to soldier on for the next four years against competitors such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max – the latter two due for a new-generation upgrade soon.

Overseas reports indicate that the next Holden Colorado will merge platforms with its Chevrolet-badged cousin with the same nameplate, as both current versions are built on different, but closely related, architecture.

The new chassis, called 31XX-2, will be a heavily modified and updated version of the existing GMT 31XX platform, which could also open the door for the Holden workhorse’s powertrains to align closer to the Chevrolet’s offerings.

At present, the Chevrolet Colorado is available with either a 2.5-litre in-line four cylinder or 3.6-litre V6, both sipping unleaded petrol and outputting as much as 230kW/373Nm.

Holden’s Colorado meanwhile, is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine producing as much as 147kW/500Nm when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Interestingly, the platform-sharing Isuzu D-Max will break cover in new-generation form next year, expected to also be built on a heavily revised version of the current architecture.

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Mazda BT-50 set to become rebadged Isuzu D-Max for next generation

Mazda’s BT-50, which is currently build on Ford’s Ranger platform, is also set to move to Isuzu’s next-generation D-Max chassis.

Ford meanwhile, has confirmed its next-generation Ranger will be developed alongside Volkswagen’s new Amarok in a light-commercial alliance forged earlier this year.

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Ford Ranger tie up with VW Amarok is go!

Nissan’s Navara platform also underpins the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and Renault Alaskan, while Mitsubishi’s Triton chassis is also used in the Fiat Fullback.

It is understood the homogeny of the mid-size pick-up market is, at least in one part, due to cost-cutting procedures in the wake of the automotive industry’s changeover from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains.