Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
* Serious off-road capability
* Shared architecture and underpinnings with new-gen Colorado
* Rear Park Assist and reversing camera on all models
* 5 star ANCAP safety rating across the range
* 3-tonne towing capacity
Holden will show its new serious 4X4 more than two months ahead of its official on sale in December.
Developed in tandem with the Colorado light commercial vehicle, Colorado 7 boasts the same torquey diesel performance and impressive off-road capability as its sibling with a generous cargo space, full-size seven-seat interior, muscular 4X4 styling and a chassis configuration designed specifically for the SUV.
Priced from $62,900, Colorado 7 will be available in two specifications, the well-equipped entry level LT and also the top-spec LTZ.
Colorado 7 also shares its safety credentials with its Colorado Crew Cab stable-mate which is recognised with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Colorado’s robust structural design is backed by a comprehensive array of safety features with Electronic Stability Control, dual front airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row among the list of standard equipment.
One powertrain and transmission combination will be available with the strong-performing 2.8-litre diesel engine with 6-speed automatic transmission standard on both LT and LTZ Colorado 7 models. The Duramax diesel engine achieves 132 kW power and 470 Nm of torque.
Colorado 7’s chassis has been engineered independently of the Colorado LCV and is biased towards passenger comfort. While both models share an independent double wishbone front suspension set up, Colorado 7 features a five-link live axle rear suspension configuration that’s unique to the SUV and coil springs front and rear.
Colorado 7’s impressive off-road performance is underpinned by a part time four-wheel drive system with transfer case, with low and high ratio gears, shift on the fly and Limited Slip Differential. Hill Descent Control enhances Colorado 7’s already formidable 4X4 capability.
Colorado 7’s generous interior dimensions enable a spacious and practical interior layout, with seven seats fitted across the range. With the second and third row seats folded, Colorado 7 can accommodate as much as 1830 litres of cargo.
Holden New Zealand Managing Director, Jeff Murray said the Colorado 7 was only the first of two new SUVs that Holden will introduce in the next 12 months.
“Colorado 7 is the first true heavy duty off-roader to wear a Holden badge in around 10 years and matches the recently launched Colorado for genuine buyer appeal, bold design and advanced diesel engine technology,” Murray said.
“Colorado 7 is a true seven-seat, full-size 4X4, which is ideal for customers shopping for an SUV that can take them off the beaten track and still carry the family and haul cargo at the weekend.”
“The SUV market is growing stronger all the time and now the Colorado 7 gives Holden another solid opportunity to tap into this fast-growing area of the market.
“This new 4×4 was designed to stand side-by-side with the Colorado LCV at the Holden dealership, and will also complement our Captiva range by offering a serious alternative.
“The Duramax 2.8 diesel engine is already a proven to be a gutsy performer and now Colorado 7 is set to become the toughest Holden off-roader to date.”
Powertrain and performance
Colorado 7 is powered by the same Duramax in-line four-cylinder 2.8-litre diesel engine first seen in the Colorado LCV range. It delivers peak torque of 470 Nm and 132 kW of power.
The high-tech diesel engine is designed to achieve a balance of load-carrying performance and fuel economy and returns 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres and 252 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Colorado 7 has an impressive 3,000kg towing capacity thanks to the torque and strength from its diesel powertrain, 6-speed automatic transmission and robust driveline.
Colorado 7’s stable footprint is courtesy of front independent double wishbone suspension and independent five-link rear suspension configuration with coil springs at all four wheels.
The five-link rear suspension has been engineered to provide greater stability and surefooted performance, particularly when towing. Its design enables a smoother towing experience and minimises trailer snaking and lateral movement.
Highlights include:
* 2.8-litre Duramax in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine
* Six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
* Independent double wishbone front suspension
* Five-link live axle rear suspension
* Coil springs front and rear
* Hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
* Part time 4X4 system with dual range and two-speed transfer case
* Four-wheel disc brakes
* Cruise control
* Hill Descent Control
* Limited Slip Differential
Safety and security
Colorado 7 has been awarded a five star ANCAP safety rating thanks to its comprehensive range of high-technology active and passive safety features.
Front driver and passenger airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row seats are standard features on both LT and LTZ models, while rear parking sensors and a reversing camera provide additional peace of mind.
Colorado 7 benefits from a robust frame and body structure constructed from high-strength steel and a technically advanced chassis system which delivers enhanced accident avoidance capabilities. Full length side impact protection beams reinforce the passenger safety cell and offers optimum protection in the event of a collision.
Standard safety and security features:
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
* Front airbags for driver and passenger
* Full length curtain airbags
* Front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters
* Front seatbelt sash height adjust
* Three rear seat child anchor points
* Three-point seatbelts across all seven seats
* Rear Park Assist
* Reversing camera
* Security alarm
Bold, dynamic exterior design
Holden’s newest SUV was designed in parallel with the Colorado truck in GM’s design studio in Brazil, where the team was challenged with creating a clean sheet design that would appeal to a vast bandwidth of customers in multiple markets.
Designers have made full use of Colorado’s brutish proportions to create a bold and appealing exterior design that conveys a sense of agility and purpose. Colorado 7’s strong personality is balanced with muscular styling with finer sculpted highlights which sweep through Colorado 7’s roofline, doors and fenders, and a distinctive upper glass canopy that wraps around the rear corners of the exterior.
