Holden Colorado LTZ

A top-quality, tradie work ute needs to get you and your tools and materials to and from the worksite. It also needs to be a mobile office, meeting room and family car on weekends. Holden has factored all these elements into the Colorado LTZ.

The 2.8L Duramax diesel on Holden’s Colorado LTZ produces 147kW of power, a massive 500Nm of torque and offers a 3.5-tonne towing capacity. When combined with the Tradie Pack, the towing capability and work potential skyrocket. We tested this with a 1.8-tonne excavator and 400kg trailer, a 2.2-tonne load, and we could barely even feel it on the back of the car. The 500Nm of torque meant the Colorado powered up the hills and the brakes on the downhill run were equally impressive, pulling up the significant load with no trouble at all.

The Tradie Pack

The Tradie Pack included a host of other impressive features like all-weather mats, weather shields on the front windows, a bonnet protector, rear step, side steps, roof tray, cup holders and 12V aux power – all of which have been well-thought-out and placed.

And I loved the little things. Like when I jumped in the car first thing in the morning. When opening the door, the cup holder was perfectly positioned to take my coffee before I climbed in. Spilling coffee on yourself first thing in the morning could be an omen and bring on several unlucky events.

Muddy, dusty, and rugged worksites can test the design of any vehicle. Having the all-weather floor mats to protect the interior footwell was a welcome addition. My size- 15 work boots have the habit of collecting a massive amount of gunk on the tread of the boot. Not having to worry about this mess trashing the new Colorado gave me the peace of mind to focus on getting the job done.

Load Up

Loading your work ute and having enough space and ability to load materials safely is another important factor. The additional steps mounted to the sides and rear made loading and strapping material very easy and safe. For me, side steps are a great feature as loading timber, PVC pipes or conduits is almost a daily task. Making sure the load is secure is a must. The Holden roof tray system was straightforward to use and strap to with the use of the side steps.

My20 Specs And Features

Apple CarPlay
Android auto technology
Forward Collision Alert (Head Up Warning)
Lane Departure Alert
Remote Engine Start
Refined interior
Heated Leather Seats (4×4 models only)
DuraGuard Spray-on Tub Liner
8-inch colour touchscreen
Embedded sat nav
18-inch alloy wheels
Alloy sports bar
5-tonne towing capability
500Nm of torque (auto models only)

Standout Safety Features

Safety is always going to be a huge factor when purchasing any new work car. The inclusion of technologies to keep you and your passengers safe is always going to be embraced. I was delighted to see the Colorado LTZ included features like Forward Collision Alert with Head-up warning, as well as Lane Departure Warning to ensure the driver’s safety is a top priority.

You hope you will never have to use these features, but it’s great to know they are there just in case.

It’s often the little things that add up to create a great product, and this was the case with the Holden Colorado LTZ. One feature I appreciated was the Remote Engine Start. Three mornings a week I wake up at 4.00am and train with Ikaika Outrigger Canoe Club. We paddle in the dark for an hour or so, and as most club members are tradies we need to be onsite by 7.00am. Sydney at 4.00am in the winter is freezing cold. Being able to remotely start the car from inside the house five minutes before I leave, to get the cabin nice and warm, is a total luxury.

Another welcomed luxury is the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Technology that display on the 8-inch colour touchscreen with embedded sat nav. The system is

straightforward to use and set up. The reversing camera further makes for added safety when reversing into tricky car parks or tight work sites.

Tradie Pack Inclusions

Towing package
All-weather mats
Weather-shields (2)
Bonnet protector
Rear step
Side steps
Roof tray
Cup holders
12V aux power

Nice To Drive

All of these great features are built off the back of a good strong base, with the alloy wheels and a very nicely balanced suspension set up. The Colorado doesn’t handle like a rigid truck. It’s smooth and enjoyable to drive and the 500Nm of torque provides ample power across all conditions.

This stylish outfit isn’t lacking in the looks department, either. An alloy sports bar, 18-inch wheels, steps and racks all combine to create a fierce look any tradie would be proud of.

Impressive

All things being taken into account, the Holden Colorado LTZ impressed on paper looking at the specs, and from behind the wheel putting the Holden through its paces over a week of various worksites and testing on tracks and the open road.

If you are in the market for a new work ute make sure to take the Colorado for a test drive to make up your own mind.