Despite Holden losing its manufacturing division, the brand is being adamant that any new products coming will have Australian drivers in mind, and will be developed for local tastes. That was certainly the case for the 2017 Holden Colorado, which shares cues with the international 2017 Chevrolet Colorado.
But, what isn’t shared is the real story. Holden engineers worked carefully with international colleagues to ensure the Holden Colorado was developed specifically for Australian roads and conditions.
“The variety of roads in Australia and the variety of ways in which Australians use trucks means the 2017 Colorado has to be versatile enough to handle everything thrown at it,” said Holden’s Lead Development Engineer, Amelinda Watt.
“We know customers like to drive their Colorado off-road or on unsealed roads, but we also know they spend a lot of time on the bitumen. We’ve focused on improving refinement and drivability with a range of chassis changes, including electric power steering as well as engine and transmission noise and vibration refinements.”
Holden was present from the beginning when the 2017 Colorado project began life, and the final development drive was completed exclusively in Australia. Local testing amounted 100,000 km (or about 62,137 miles) on inner-city and suburban roads, rural country roads and 4×4 tracks in state forests.
Specifically, everyday drivability was a focus, along with car-like refinement. A revised steering calibration in combination with a faster steering rack (going from 41mm/rev to 48mm/rev), and the number of turns lock-to-lock lowered (3.9 to 3.29) delivers a car-like feel and a more precise response, according to Holden.
Furthermore, the addition of a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) torque converter keeps noise and harsh vibrations hushed.
As Holden continues to transition to an import-only brand, expect more and more Australian engineering to shine through as the brand ensures Holden continues to stay distinctly Australian.
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It has KCAS (Kangaroo Collision Avoidance System).
I would prefer the RPO code AUS so I could buy it as optioned over there.
If it is anything like the 2015 colorado, it is not built for Aussie conditions. The fuel stations in Australia are too far apart in the outback for these fuel guzzlers. Checknout the stated fuel consumption amd add about 40% and you will be getting closer.
Mine uses more diesel than my naturally aspirated landcruiser
I'd be more concerned about keeping the engine and trans cool in extreme climate conditions.
Too scared to try and pull anything bigger than a 6x4 trailer. I towed a 1.4t empty trailer (virtually no wind drag) on an open highway and got 19lt/100km, some trucks are cheaper to run than that
Wouldn't US conditions be similar to Australia ?? Mountains, long distance travel, really long distance travel, snow, tropical heat, dry heat , rain, city driving, recreation 4WD ??? I could perhaps see the need to engineer it if it was originally made for Hong Kong .
I think that maybe, just maybe Holden are starting to sweat.
I'm hoping Holden would drop a pair of spoolers, but I can't see that happening; or some V8 power.