2011 Holden Colorado Reviews

When General Motors and Isuzu split, Holden relinquished the popular Rodeo badge. The revised replacement in 2008 was the Colorado.To meet the evolving role of utes as combined tradie-family transport, the Colorado had a flashy new look that would fit comfortably in suburbia and bush alike.Underneath it remained the same tough truck as the Rodeo predecessor and was just as capable of slogging through the rough stuff off-road.There were two and four-door Colorado utes, with rear or four-wheel drive and petrol or turbo diesel engines.Depending on your need for comfort you could choose between the LX and LT-R, the latter with all the fruit you could want. Even the LX had aircon and MP3 sound, the LT-R adding Bluetooth phone connectivity and reversing sensors.The petrol option was a punchy 3.6-litre V6 (157kW/313Nm) and the turbodiesel a more frugal 3.0-litre four-cylinder (120kW/360Nm). Backing them were a smooth-shifting five-speed manual or a four-speed auto.For lighter duty, the rear-wheel drive model sufficed.For going off-road there was also the option of dual-range four-wheel drive.On the road the Colorado was comfortable and quiet, the seats were supportive and the cabin well laid-out and welcoming.The price for the V6's ample performance potential was in fuel consumption when pushed.The well-proven mechanical package gives little troubleMeanwhile the turbo diesel was not only the thriftier engine when it came to fuel consumption, it also had greater low-down grunt to make it more drivable and more comfortable and competent off road.The Colorado is rated to tow up to 3000kg braked.The well-proven mechanical package gives little trouble, according to the trade and owners alike.Initially there were some complaints from owners about noisy front suspension bushes.Holden got on top of that relatively quickly with revised upper shock absorber bushes and retainers so there shouldn't be any out there still exhibiting the distracting noise.The Colorado is well equipped to handle the hard going and will do so competentlyIf you hear a creaking sound from the front when road-testing a Colorado, check to see whether the revised setup was fitted.Some owners complain of the fuel consumption of the V6, others moan about the turbo lag of the diesel.The Colorado is well equipped to handle the hard going and will do so competently if driven by someone knowing how to do it. Look for damage underneath, to the floorpan, chassis fittings, exhaust etc.It looks good, goes well, good for family or work use.Also check for a service record. It's most important on any vehicle but it's even more important on a car that's made to work hard for its keep, such as towing or off-roading.

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.OLD SCHOOLThe 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.CHEAPBut 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 POWERIt 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.PRACTICALITIESIt 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.COMFORTDespite 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.VERDICTInteresting 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 LXPrice: from $39,840Engine: 3.6-litre, 157kW/313Nm Alloytec V6 as well as LPG - a dual fuellerTransmission: four-speed autoSafety: 3 starThirst: 13.7-litres/100kmWeight: 1700kg