Ute Reviews

Who says a hardcore pick-up truck can’t double as a comfortable family car? During my time with the new Ford PX Ranger Wildtrak I often returned to the vehicle to catch couples (and kids) going over it with much interest.Most were impressed with its bold exterior looks and the quality and quantity of features inside the passenger cabin. One dad said he was considering downsizing from his Ford F150 and the new Ranger hot-shot looked the goods. This seems to back up the decision by Ford Australia to take up the sporty compact pick-up truck, bringing to 21 the number of models available in the all-new Ranger line-up.From $57,390, the price tag is hefty. However, this will get you the new the latest in smart technology such as Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and iPod integration. Voice control enables occupants to operate the radio, CD, iPod, USB, air-conditioning and phone. It also offers a five-inch colour screen with satellite navigation.As with all Ford vehicles, capped price servicing is offered on Wildtrak. For example, the maximum a customer who owns a PX Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 3.2-litre diesel would pay at a participating authorised Ford dealer for the first 15,000 km service is $385, which includes 12 months myFord Standard Roadside Assistance ($90).Powering the Wildrak is a 3.2-litre TDCi Duratorq turbo-diesel engine, delivering 147 kW of power at 3000 rpm and 470 Nm of torque peaking from 1500 rpm to 2750 rpm. The variable geometry turbocharger enables low-end torque to improve launch and driveability and to come up with a fuel economy figure, for the manual, as low as 9.4 litres per 100km on the combined urban / highway cycle, with carbon dioxide emissions of 248g per kilometre.At close to five and a half metres long and nearly two metres wide and high the Wildtrak has a prepossessing presence, even when standing still. But get those 18-inch wheels rolling and the truck takes on the roll of a class-leading juggernaut. Standard roof rack and aerodynamic sports bar emphasise the robust character, while unique badging and graphics make the ultimate statement of its ‘Wildtrakness’.The test vehicle was fitted with a retractable tray cover that acts like a roll-top writing desk, disappearing into a compartment behind the cabin when not in use. A warning! Read the instructions on how to operate it. I didn’t and paid a frustrating price until it was explained, then it all came together easily.  The sporty exterior is continued into the double cab with seating for five on leather and cloth trimmed seats inspired by sportswear, featuring contrasting stitching, plus two strips in distinctive Wildtrak Orange.Particular attention has been paid to spaciousness and comfort, making sure three rear passengers are provided with ample knee room and foot clearance.The pick-up’s bulky frame needs some attention when parking, so a reversing camera with guidelines is projected clearly onto a section of the rear-view mirror above the windscreen. A neat addition is the presence of a dotted line down the centre of the image which acts as a guide to the tow ball to help when lining up to hook up to a trailer, caravan, boat or horse float.Unlike some systems in rival vehicles the camera, with the aid of high-intensity reversing lamps, works well in low-light conditions and is backed up by rear parking sensors in the back bumper.Tested to operate at 400 metres below and 4500 metres above sea-level, the motor is designed to operate efficiently under conditions found almost anywhere in Australia. Indeed, primarily developed in Australia, the Ranger was designed for town work, with the ability to head to the Outback for pleasure purposes. Extensive gravel-road testing and extended trips through demanding conditions helped to fine tune suspension settings, tyre performance, and steering feel and response.

You're dreaming if you think the latest crop of utes are good enough to replace a passenger car or an SUV as your family's drive.After a year of being bounced around in all the "new'' utes, of trying to park in tight shopping centre bays, grinding with freeway commuter traffic, going to off-road places no-one else has visited (and realising just why no-one had previously bothered), I have become disillusioned with the purported "dual-purpose'' role of a ute.Forgive me, my family is too valuable. But if you're a tradie or farmer, enthusiastic four-wheeler or need a rugged go-anywhere machine with decent load-carrying ability, these are your toys.The Isuzu D-Max here is made in Thailand and uses many similar parts to rival Holden Colorado and though drivetrains are different, there are enough common concepts to make buyers aggressively shop these against each other.VALUECall me harsh but a ladder frame, a simple diesel engine and some bulging body panels isn't worth nearly $50,000 - especially when tens of thousands are made each year. These are a license to print money for some ute makers.The Isuzu presents as a long-awaited, all-new ute in three body styles and with a more powerful engine. But it's not really all new. The LS-U Space-Cab model seats up to two adults and has (very) occasional seating for two people in the back via a set of small, rear-hinged doors.It has reasonable equipment - Bluetooth, fold-in mirrors, cruise control and a trip computer - but its strength is in its durability. The problem is it has a voracious list of rivals, though the Isuzu is generally the cheapest.DESIGNIt's a more muscular version of the old model and for 2012, presents in its Space-Cab version that has an extended cabin with a couple of floor cushions for the reluctant passengers. These two rear "seats'' contain storage bins beneath and the cushions fold up against the rear wall.The reverse opening rear doors make it a snap to load humans and other valuables. There are not as many changes over the 2011 model as you may think.Mostly its tweaking and honing which is an excellent strategy to attract buyers to a ute that has a brilliant history for reliability. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Changes of note include a 45mm longer wheelbase, a lower and wider tray, bigger cabin and redesigned dash.TECHNOLOGYRival Holden has a new(ish) 132kW/440Nm 2.8-litre VM-Motori turbo-diesel while Isuzu has upgraded last year's 120kW/360Nm 3-litre turbo-diesel to 130kW/380Nm. It's a strong, broad-power engine that is a bit more agricultural than rivals. But it's smart. Changes are made to improve longevity and things like the camshaft's chain drive, instead of some rivals' belt drive, will be appreciated by owners.Oil changes are out to 20,000km. The five-speed manual gearbox is made by Eaton. The front suspension is double wishbones and coils while the rear are traditional leaf springs that are unusually mounted on top of the rigid axle. Most of this is carried over from the old model. A 3000kg tow rating and 1050kg payload are good. No prize for the rear drum brakes, though.SAFETYThis is a four-star rated vehicle and, as I said at the beginning, you shouldn't put your family in a four-star car where you have a choice. The Hilux is also a four-star. But the D-Max has electronic stability and traction control, six airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, plus occupant safety measures including a high-strength welded passenger cell. Only the top-line LS-Terrain has a reversing camera.DRIVING On the road the let-down of the D-Max is the rubbery action of its five-speed manual gearbox. Spend the extra $2200 and buy the five-speed auto option. The ride is firm - more jittery than Colorado so prefers a load in the back - though well controlled while the steering is actually quite pleasant with a light action and good control.The engine is strong throughout the sub-3500rpm range. It's beefy off the mark and especially torquey around 2500rpm with such a broad range of grunt that it will pull from fifth from 1000rpm. Slowly, but it'll do it. The turning circle is typically wide which means it's hard work in city and suburbs.Brakes are adequate. But now, in the dirt through some long, lonely gravel roads and brutal rocky outcrops near Perth, it's a different machine. Engage 4WD Low via the twist dial on the dash and it'll idle up steep hills and hold pace to a crawl while descending.The suspension remains firm but reveals its necessary compliance in hard conditions. The seats are reasonable - heaven help those in the back - and visibility is very good. Isuzu claim 8.3 L/100km but a six-hour day in the dirt and a freeway ride home resulted in my average of 9.9 L/100km.Isuzu D-MAX space-cab LS-UPrice: $43,700Warranty: 3 years/100,000km, roadside assistService intervals: 12 months/20,000kmSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 4-starEngine: 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 5-spd manual; part-time 4WDThirst: 8.3L/100km; 220g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 1900kgSpare: Full size

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?This is the penultimate Nissan Navara, one step below the ST-X 550 but with the same engine and transmission, a bit less kit but still generously equipped. It was recently refreshed in the face of a bunch of newcomers to the “one tonne” ute brigade. Still a cracking good workhorse.Many, top of the range Ranger, BT-50, Hilux, Rodeo, Dmax, but this is the only 3.0-litre V6 engine in the class.Twin cam, 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel good for 170kW and 550Nm from a low 1750rpm.Like a train. There's a seven speed automatic hooked up to the back of this strong engine with close ratios so it gets going really well, straight off idle pretty much everywhere. Near V8 petrol performance from this puppy.Sounds good too for a diesel, much better than a four or five pot. Superb roll on acceleration and the transmission kicks down willingly right into the fat torque band - whoosh.Expect about 10.0 litres/100km, Nissan quotes about 9.5 which seems achievable if you can resist the temptation to plant the right foot.Not really, what one tonner is?Misses out on the gold standard five star rating but gets a four star gong. Has six air bags and stability control, mustn’t get a good mark for other stuff like pedestrian safety, perhaps roll over though it does have a rear bar.Surprisingly so, not too firm even unladen, smooth engine, minimal noise, hum from the chunky tyres intrudes a tad, plenty of kit including a decent audio, Bluetooth phone, comfy seats (5), dual zone climate control power mirrors and decent cloth upholstery.Liked it a lot, would have one in a flash especially with that 3000kg towing capacity and that strong engine performance with acceptable economy.At the price it's good especially compared with other makes that aren't V6s and cost the same...Yes, even if we didn't need it as a tool of trade, having this much poke and load capacity at your disposal would be decidedly handy. Big tray for a dual cab too, totes a tonne in there.

Ford Ranger XLT and Holden Colorado LTZ go head-to-head in this comparative review.

When you've only got one vehicle on sale, it better be a good one. If off-road ability rates ahead of cabin ambience, the Isuzu D-Max has just that. In terms of solidity and reliability it has the credentials to make life tough for the the established four-wheel drive utes.Its four-cylinder engine gives away torque to its rivals but makes up for it with a ruggedness that is hard to argue with.VALUEAt $50,700 the Isuzu LS-T is relying on reputation and build quality rather than discount pricing to win sales. The top-spec BT-50 is $51,140 and the XLT Ranger is $53,390. Both have a more car-like interior and more torque.Closer to home, the Holden Colorado shares the Isuzu's platform and interior styling and its 2.8-litre donk brings a 3.5-tonne tow rating against 3.0-tonnes for the Isuzu's 3.0-litre turbodiesel four. It doesn't have the features or off-road cred of the Isuzu, though. The LS-T's advantages include leather seats, a reversing camera and satnav on the 6.5-inch touchscreen, comfier rear seats and hill ascent/descent control.TECHNOLOGYAs a truck builder and long-term ute builder, Isuzu knows a bit about body-on-frame chassis. Software to help with horrendous off-road conditions is a smart move, as is the fitment of the Clarion-sourced touchscreen.The downside of that screen is the fact audio controls aren't on the steering wheel, meaning the driver's eyes are momentarily off the road when changing volume or stations. There is a remote control for the passenger to play with, though and a USB connection is secreted in the glovebox.DESIGNMuch like the Ford/Mazda duo, the Isuzu has the edge in looks over the Colorado in the eyes of this beholder. It looks tough, if not as slab-sided as the Ranger. The rear pews slope backwards so passengers are at least semi-comfortable.It needs some weight in the tray to avoid jolting through the rear leaf springs and the interior is looking dated compared to the class leaders. Hard plastics and a lack of glossy highlights are great for the workhorse models but don't give the high-end LS-T a quality look.SAFETYSix airbags ensure occupant protection but the D-Max only earned a four-star rating by EuroNCAP, which says chest and leg protection is marginal in a frontal crash. The side impact crash caused no damage to the dummy but passenger protection - like most vehicles in this class - isn't great.DRIVINGCompetent on road, capable off it. That sums up the Isuzu and points to it being a smart choice for owners who want a genuine 4x4 ute without owning something as big as the Ranger. The ride is a touch jittery in the rear when the tray is unloaded but settles down with 200kg of cement.Direct steering helps when driving on narrow lanes and in carparks and it's backed by a decent amount of feedback when the D-Max is cornering. The electric-powered driver's seat is a bonus but the wheel can't be adjusted for reach.  On paper, the four-cylinder engine lacks torque compared to its rivals but on the road that won't be felt unless owners are approaching the tow limit.The five-speed auto lacks a cog compared to the class leaders but still has great fuel use at 8.1 litres over 100km. Engine noise is also a touch louder than the leaders, with muted clatter at idle and on full throttle.VERDICTThe Isuzu is a serious 4WD but that comes at the expense of cabin civility at a time when the class leaders are getting soft and citifed at least on the inside. For that reason I'd spend the extra $700 and garage the Mazda as a tradies' runabout, but if I was looking for a purposeful off-roader, it'd be hard to go past the D-Max.Isuzu D-Max LS-T CrewcabPrice: $50,700Warranty: Three years/100,000kmService intervals: Six months/10,000kmSafety: Six airbas, ABS, TC, ESC, hill ascent/descentEngine: 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 130kW/363NmTransmission: Five-speed auto, four-wheel driveDimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.86m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 2950kgThirst: 8.1L/100km (diesel), 214g/km CO2Spare: Full-size

Bauxite is an age-toughened rock or gravel that can be turned into metal (aluminium). But it is so tough it can just as easily turn metal into gravel.

Big, broad and ready to work, but ride height is no longer a clue to the drivetrain.Light-commercial buyers opting for rear instead of four-wheel drive won't get an inferiority complex from being looked down upon - quite literally - by the 4WD ute brigade. Ford has the Hi-Rider Ranger and the new Colorado 4x2 range sits in a similarly lofty position to its 4x4 sibling, just don't go marauding into a big mud bog while hunting for the (absent) rotary 4WD on-the-go switch.The dual-cab LTZ five-speed manual is priced from $40,990 - $9000 cheaper than its 4WD equivalent, which is about par for the course in the segment. The flagship LTZ sits on chunky 17in alloy wheels, with a full-size spare, front fog lamps, power-adjustable and folding external rearvision mirrors, a soft tonneau cover (although the test car has the hard cover, for $2520), an alloy sports rollbar, side steps.There's also cloth trim, bucket seats, driver gets electric adjustment, single zone climate control, power windows, three in-cabin 12v outlets, LED tail lights, Bluetooth, cruise control, trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, eight-speaker sound system and wheel-mounted controls for the phone, sound and cruise control systems.The light-commercial brigade is not at the forefront of new technology - the rear leaf springs in the suspension date back to Cobb and Co horse-drawn mail wagons - but the segment has some up-to-date equipment. The 4x2 is about 53kg lighter than its 4WD sibling but is propelled by the same powerplant - a 2.8-litre double-overhead cam turbodiesel four-cylinder, an old-school turbodiesel.The five-speed manual has to make do with less torque - 440Nm - but the same 132kW power figure. It's an iron engine block with an alloy head, fed by common-rail direct-injection using a variable-geometry turbocharger. The turbodiesel also has an electronic throttle valve and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system to cut down reduce exhaust emissions.While a five-speed manual gearbox might seem so last year compared to the six-speed auto, it is 1.2l/100km less thirsty than the auto, a gap that was borne out after our time in the car. The 4x2 manual returned 9.6l/100km, not quite the ADR number of 7.8; it's also claiming to be 0.1l/100km less thirsty than the 4WD equivalent.This is no prissy-looker, as the General has taken a similar path to Ford's Ranger, giving it a strong, square look that says it's ready to shoulder a load. The flanks and rump are generic dual-cab ute - the top-spec Colorado comes standard with side-steps, the alloy sports ropllover bar and a soft tonneau cover that allows better use of the rear tray.The test car had the hard tonneau, which offers better security (it and the tailgate are key-lockable, although not with the same key) but offers less loadspace flexibility. The interior is good without being outstanding - the seats are comfortable and the driver gets electric adjustment (but tilt-only steering), decent amounts of in-cabin storage and three 12v outlets - two in the front, one in the back - but no vents for backseat passengers. Surely it gets hot in Brazil?Holden is making hay will it has five shiny stars for Colorado's ANCAP rating, which is a big step up from the old car's two-star result. The safety features list includes dual front airbags (but no front-side airbags) and full length curtain airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes (with rear drums) with electronic brakeforce distribution and hydraulic brake assist.Holden does get points for three childseat top-tether anchor points in a useful position high behind the back seat, which makes them easier to utilise. Some of its opposition have the fixture points in difficult-to-reach places that make it hard work for the ute to double as weekend family transport.Having stepped out of a 4x4 LT into the 4x2 LTZ and not being hugely impressed with the LT, I wasn't expecting the manual rear-driver to be much different. It wasn't. The ride quality hadn't suffered for the upsized wheel/tyre package and the cabin has enough room and is a comfortable place to spend time.The Colorado's powerplant is still on the noisy side and can get a little bogged down if you don't keep the revs up to it.It suffers from numb steering, a large turning circle and too many turns lock-to-lock and the handling is not up the segment leaders. The five-speed manual feels as though it teams more effectively with the engine than the auto - the change is not going on any sportscar benchmark lists but there's less drivetrain snatch that afflicts some of the other key players in the segment, particularly when there's a fair load of torque going through the driveline.Fuel economy and sharp pricetag help soften the average first impressions of the Colorado, as do the five-star crash test rating, the one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity. Once up and cruising on the open road the big ute lopes along reasonably well, offering good visibility through the front and from the external mirrors - the mirrors on the Commodore that followed (that look small at the best of times) look even smaller by comparison.Despite only driving through the rear, the LTZ didn't dislike unsealed surfaces and didn't suffer the tail-happy habits of some of its opposition in the same terrain, even with electronic nursemaids on a break and some provocation. The Colorado ute is not a bad vehicle, it's just that when you consider the US$2 million development budget - twice what Holden had for the VE Commodore program - there was an expectation it would be a bigger step forward, and it's not.

The dual-cab ute segment is going gangbusters and Holden has been itching to get a new model into the segment. The Colorado - a global truck developed by GM Brazil at a cost of US$2-billion - is sourced from the company's Thai plant and comes to market with a sharp price tag and upgraded grunt.The first stint in the new model is behind the wheel of the LT dual-cab automatic, with some Holden accessories on board as well.The LT is priced from $45,490 and that's well and truly in the ballpark when stacking it up against the opposition, most of which also comes from Thailand. The standard fare is a five-speed manual transmission but the optional six-speed auto adds $2000.The features list includes air conditioning, power windows, Bluetooth phone link, two 12v outlets, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, phone and cruise controls, power mirrors, 16in alloy wheels and cloth trim.Sadly, there's only tilt adjustment for the steering wheel, no rear air vents and while the cover says there's a USB input point within the dash, what's beneath it is not even close. The test car had a few options - among them $3510 worth of Genuine Holden Canopy, which has a rear light for the tray but no demisting capability.The Colorado up-spec models are powered by one of the GM global powerplants - a 2.8-litre double-overhead cam four-cylinder turbodiesel, which won't be mistaken for a petrol engine.Holden says it (when teamed with the optional six-speed auto) deliver 132kW and 470Nm - 10 per cent more power and 40 per cent more torque than the superseded 120kW/333Nm three-litre turbodiesel. The new model's iron-block alloy-head engine has common-rail direct-injection feeding the four-cylinder turbodiesel, which uses a variable-geometry turbocharger and a balance shaft for greater smoothness. The intake side of the equation uses an electronic throttle valve and there's also a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system to reduce exhaust emissions. The new model is a little heavier than the old one, which might explain the slight increase in fuel use - up from 9 to 9.1l/100km despite extra gears in the auto, which puts it on par with the heavier Ranger.GM has gone the bull-nose route taken by Ford with the Ranger, but once passed the nose it's a fairly straightforward dual-cab ute. The tray on the test car was covered by a Holden accessory canopy that has fold-up windows on the sides and at the rear, as well as a sliding "pass-through" window butted up against a solid rear window for the cabin.Holden says the sliding front window was a deliberate design for the canopy to allow access to clean the rear window of the cabin, but I'm not sure - a drop-down or flip-up system (like the side windows, but folding inwards) might have made more sense.There's some useful touches to the interior storage, with two gloveboxes ahead of the front passenger and a half-decent centre console, while the rear seat gets a 12v outlet but no rear vents - something that is not as common industry-wide as it should be.It's one of the key selling points in the segment now some companies are demanding ANCAP five-star ratings and Holden has it with this new LCV, a two-star jump from the old car. The active safety features list includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes (albeit with rear drums) with electronic brakeforce distribution and hydraulic brake assist, as well as the ability to run in 4WD if the going gets truly treacherous.Inside the cabin there's dual front airbags (but no front-side airbags) and full length curtain airbags, but the Holden has three childseat top-tether anchor points behind the back seat, which are easy to utilise - some of its opposition have the fixture points difficult-to-reach places and make it hard work for the ute to double as weekend family transport.The big Holden ute has presence a-plenty on approach, like the Ranger you're not going to miss it on the road. The cabin is comfortable enough in terms of seating but the driver gets only tilt steering and manual seat height adjustment, making an ideal driving position not easy to achieve; cold morning starts were further delayed by the glacial pace of the windscreen demister.First impressions underway reflect the specs - the engine is noisier and, despite claiming the similar outputs to the Ford Ranger, feels more lethargic. The Colorado drivetrain feels underdone compared to the Ranger/BT-50 powerplant, something that can also be said for the chassis.Ride quality is reasonably good in the Colorado but at the expense of turning and body control - the Ranger in particular manages this compromise with more dexterity. The steering ratio makes for busy arms for quick changes of direction and don't expect the wheel to offer much in the way of information regardless of surface.It feels more at home on the dirt, chugging over most terrain with little fuss, or you can leave it in two-wheel drive and turn the electronics off - the low-end torque becomes a little more apparent and the arms get busy on the wheel again. On the open road the Colorado lopes along at a good rate, with the engine's torque giving it good cruising range - the fuel use at the end of our stint was just over 10 litres per 100km. The 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity will get it plenty of attention but that alone won't be enough to get it to the top of the LCV heap. For US$2 billion and 2.5 million kilometres of development, it should be better than it is.

Slabs of square-edged sheet metal have earned the latest Ford Ranger a reputation as a tough-looking pickup. The launch of the range-topping Wildtrak has buffed that image with creature comforts more often found in high-end cars.The result is a good-looking, go-anywhere five-seater — just don't expect your significant other to be impressed if you take it bush and scratch it.The best things in life may be free; everything else costs. In the case of the Wildtrak, it costs more than most — but there's more to appreciate, from the leather-trimmed and heated seats to satnav, voice control of the sound system and airconditioning and a trick reversing camera that displays in the rear-view mirror. Prices start at $57,390 for the six-speed manual, so most buyers will be up for $59,390 plus on-road/dealer costs after ticking the box for the six-speed automatic. Its only competition is the $56,990 Nissan Navara ST-X and Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate at $58,490.The five-inch multi-function colour display isn't huge but the recessed position makes it glare-proof, the voice controls for the Bluetooth/sound system/airconditioning actually understood me and the guidelines superimposed over the reversing camera's view are dead accurate. Ford says there are 23 stowage spaces and it comfortably dealt with the debris a four-member family typically loads into a vehicle.It's hip to be square, based on the reaction to the Ranger line-up and the Wildtrak in particular. The design is Broadmeadows-based; Ford and Mazda shared the engineering duties but then went their own way in skinning the vehicle. Ford is winning that fight, based on sales figures against the BT-50.The interior is class-leading, too. Supportive seats front and rear means the side bolsters counter what little body roll the Wildtrak has and the controls are fairly intuitive — it took less than a minute to pair two phones, connect an iPod and map a destination on the satnav.The dual-cab Ranger/BT-50 are the best-crashing vehicles in this class, with an ANCAP assessment of 35.72 out of 37. Holden's Colorado is next at 35.09, followed by the VW Amarok at 32.99. The crash protection body notes the risk of serious chest injury was slight for the Wildtrak against marginal for the Amarok. The Navara only rates four stars. Standard safety kit on the Wildtrak runs from six airbags to ABS with stability control, emergency brake assist and rollover mitigation.Vehicles this large shouldn't handle as well as the Wildtrak does. The firm suspension cuts down the expected body roll. The trade-off is a slightly jittery ride over small road irregularities, like the metal strips that join overpass sections, but it was no worse than the mid-sized sedan sharing the Carsguide garage that week. And the physical size means it has a 12.7 metre turning circle, so it's not the easiest thing to park in a suburban shopping centre.The rear camera offsets this but the two guinea pigs Carsguide put behind the wheel (male and female) didn't enjoy trying to gauge the pivot point when reverse parking. That's the price you pay for a 5.35m vehicle that will carry five people, tow 3.35 tonnes (the towbar is standard) or haul a tonne of dirt in the rear tub. The flip-side is they liked the interior, were impressed with the acceleration and loved the attention the Wildtrak received on the r oad.