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Holden Colorado Z71 is Looking for an Off-Road Challenge

Holden Colorado Z71 9 photos
Photo: Holden
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Tough, rugged and scrubbed up, that’s is exactly what the 2016MY Holden Colorado Z71 inspires. The off-road ute is arriving in Australia and New Zealand early next month, but you won’t like the price: AUD 60,163 for the 4x4 model. That represents almost AUD 5,000 over the previous range-topper - the similarly powerful and capable Colorado LTZ.
At the end of the day, the Colorado Z71 is a more lifestyle-oriented machine and less of a work ute. Available in five exterior colors including the Orange Rock hue pictured in the adjacent gallery, the Colorado Z71 is an individualistic approach to this segment.

Holden’s director of sales Peter Keley is rather adamant that: “Z71 adds an impressive range of features to the Colorado truck, not least the exterior black components and leather-appointed seats that combine to give a more aggressive look and comfortable ride.”

That’s all nice and well, but even at this price range, the hard tonneau cover is an optional extra. Even the Orange Rock is AUD 550 over the price mentioned beforehand. Still, that’s all we have to point the finger at because everything else is fine with the Z71. In terms of standard equipment, the peeps from Holden offer blacked-out components, decals, heating for the front seats, roof rails, a styled nudge bar, a dark chrome mask for the headlights, a sail plane and 18-inch Arsenal Grey Metallic wheels to go with the black hood.

In terms of technology, the LTZ’s 7-inch MyLink infotainment system is included on the Colorado Z71. When it comes to towing duties, the 2016 Holden Colorado Z71 can handle up to 3.5 tonnes (7,716 lbs) of bits and bobs. The pulling power comes from an oil burner the US-spec Chevrolet Colorado is going to get in the 2016 model year: a 2.8L Duramax Turbo.

This workhorse of a diesel engine produces 147 kW (200 PS / 197 HP) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) if paired to the 6-speed automatic transmission. If anything, the capabilities of the 4x4 platform and the groovy stylistic makeover will make Holden sell these things like hot cakes. Why? Because ute drivers look first and foremost for trucks that can facilitate an active lifestyle. Times have changed and Holden knows it too.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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