Holden has appealed to the adventurous lifestyle drivers with their Colorado Z71 special edition. The Holden Colorado Z71 is based on the Colorado LTZ 4×4 Crew-Cab pick-up, but adds a long list of cosmetic features.
The Colorado is already jam packed with features and presents a capable 4WD Ute and the Z71 adds to the visual appeal.
The Colorado Z71 adds 18” Arsenal Grey Metallic alloy wheels (x5), sail plane with Z71 graphic (body coloured), leather appointed seats (heated front), styled nudge bar, headlamps with dark chrome mask, gloss black mirror scalps and B-Pillars, gloss black tailgate handle, black door handles Black rear step trim, Z71 decal on tailgate, black body side door mouldings, black hood with Z71 graphic, streamline Soft tonneau – (hard tonneau optional) and roof rails
Inside it is typical Holden Colorado with some improvements.
The heated front leather seats are comfortable, but lack an adjustable lumbar support. They are also a little flat in the seat squab, meaning that on long trips they can lead to a numb bum syndrome. The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable for slide and squab tilt as well.
The rear bench is likewise comfortable but also a little flat in the squab and isn’t as comfortable over long distances as some other Utes.
The steering wheel is comfortable in the hands, with thick spokes housing the usual controls for audio and cruise control. The indicator and wiper stalks are visible above the steering wheel spokes which is a good thing. Unfortunately the steering wheel is height adjustable only which means that taller drivers with long legs will be reaching for the wheel.
The dash is clear and easy to read, providing pretty much all the information the driver needs with the MFD. The electro chromatic rear view mirror provides excellent rear vision along with large external rear view mirrors. They can be adjusted to the perfect angle, which is important as there is no blind spot indicator. Some good features however include the automatic headlights and wipers.
The centre stack houses the Sat Nav and infotainment system. It contains both Apple Car Play and Android system and the touch screen is quite responsive. Above the centre screen is a little ridge under the dash, which has a sharp edge on it that can be intrusive.
Below the Sat Nav system is the usual array of buttons for AC and stereo etc. The safety feature buttons are further down as well as the controls for the heated front seats.
Storage is a little limited with a small centre console, smallish glove box and room for small bottles only in the door pockets. One thing I don’t like is that Holden has removed the slide out cup/bottle holders below the side A/C vents. They along with Isuzu created that design and it was simple but brilliant, yet they have done away with them.
Also while the rear sports bar and tonneau cover look really cool, they do limit the available storage space in the tray. I am not the biggest fan of the Z71 cover.
Safety is a feature with a 5 Star ANCAP Safety rating. Features include Lane departure warning, forward collision warning and trailer sway control. However it does miss out on blind spot indicators as mentioned.
The Colorado has always been an excellent 4WD performer, with the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine producing 147kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Recent changes to the engine mapping allow the 6 speed auto transmission to utilise the maximum available power and torque. The Colorado has shift on the fly 4WD system and with the rear LSD unfortunately misses out on a rear diff lock. It will tow 3500Kg with a 350Kg tow ball rating and with the trailer sway control, tows easily and safely.
I have always been a fan of the Colorado, it is a robust and solid 4WD Ute. The Z71 adds a host of cosmetic features that increase its appeal to the stylish end of the market. However this is an extremely fast moving and competitive market segment, with competitors already surpassing the Colorado with features that the buying public are looking for.
What’s Good?
- Stylish looks
- Powerful engine
- Towing and 4WD capability
What’s Not So Good?
- No lumbar support for driver
- No rear diff lock
- No steering wheel reach adjustment
Model: 2017 Holden Colorado Z71
Model Price: $62,077 RDAP
Engine: 2.8L 4 Cyl TDi
Drivetrain: 4WD 6 Sp AT
Power: 147 kW @ 3,600 rpm
Torque: 500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Safety: 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions: 228 g/km
Economy: 8.6 L/100km (ADR comb)
Tow Capacity: Max 35000 kg
Tow Ball Rating: 350 kg
Servicing: Lifetime Capped Price service
Warranty: 3yr/ 100,000 km with 1yr roadside assist
Overall AnyAuto Rating 88/100
Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 8
Equipment 8
Performance 9
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 10
Towing Ability 10
Off Road Ability 10
Value for Money 8
