Holden Colorado 2011 Review

Holden is about to replace the Colorado one tonne ute with a new generation model. We thought it would be interesting to revisit the current version just before model change. It's been around for years and is built in Thailand.

This particular vehicle has a petrol 3.6-litre, 157kW/313Nm Alloytec V6 as well as LPG - a dual fueller. It's the base model LX dual cab 2WD auto selling for $39,840 with LPG.

The interior looks its age but is serviceable and practical for tradie use. The vinyl floor mats are handy. There's no Bluetooth phone or audio but you get AUX connection for your music. The rake adjust only wheel doesn't have any supplementary controls at all and the wipers are just intermittent, not variable. We like the old style key ignition system and the centre console mounted hand brake.

The four-speed auto will disappear with the next gen' Colorado. It's not that the tranny is no good but it doesn't help fuel economy, performance or emissions controls.

The LPG tank on this vehicle takes over the spare wheel space under the load tray. It's relocated into the load tray - bit of an issue. Liquid Propane Injection LPi will be on the new model - it is much more efficient than this system.

CHEAP

But there's no denying how cheap the Colorado is to run on LPG especially as gas is around 60 cents a litre with 91 ULP up over $1.40 a litre. It's not sharp off the mark on gas but goes better once up and running. We are such cheap skates we hardly used petrol and it only cost about $25 for the week in gas ... impressive.

PETROL POWER

It goes better on petrol but if you are a tradie watching your dollars, what does it matter unless you are towing something really heavy. There's a 76 litre petrol tank from which the Colorado will guzzle at a rate of 13.7-litres/100km.

PRACTICALITIES

It weighs in at around 1700kg and has a five passenger capacity - all with three point seat belts. The cabin is roomy and access is easy to all seats. Though it's only a 2WD, all Colorados have a high 4WD ride height which is a plus. The load tray is a decent size albeit compromised by the relocated spare. Payload is an impressive 1000kg plus. The limited slip differential is a bonus in slippery going as are the lug-type tyres. Holden uses a quick-fit vinyl tonneau cover on Colorado.

COMFORT

Despite having leaf rear suspension and torsion bars up front, the Colorado is quite comfy offering a supple ride and good noise damping. Competitor utes are much firmer sprung and not as good to drive on a day to day basis. It has a reasonable turning circle but the steering has a dead feel. The audio system is rudimentary and the seats could do with better adjustment options.

VERDICT

Interesting drive, definitely showing its age in many areas but could be good buying in run out mode especially with dual fuel option. Safety rating is three star.

HOLDEN COLORADO LX

Price: from $39,840
Engine: 3.6-litre, 157kW/313Nm Alloytec V6 as well as LPG - a dual fueller
Transmission: four-speed auto
Safety: 3 star
Thirst: 13.7-litres/100km
Weight: 1700kg