Workhorse has makeover

HOLDEN UPGRADES UTES TO FEED AND GROW DEMAND, WRITES COLIN SMITH

The formula for a modern pick- up is to blend workhorse credentials and a tough truck image at the same time as rounding off the rough edges from the driving experience.

A redeveloped Holden Colorado set to go on sale from September 10 heads down that road.

Among the changes — which extend well beyond the scope of a routine facelift — are a fullscale cabin makeover, powertrain refinements and key changes to the driving dynamics achieved through new steering and revised chassis tuning.

It means a substantial lift in appeal for New Zealand’s third best- selling utility.

Last year — and in the first seven months of 2016 — Colorado sales have run well behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, though enjoyed a handy margin over the Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara, battling for fourth position.

As well as being a solid number three in a fast- growing ute segment, the Colorado now accounts for 29 per cent of total Holden sales in New Zealand and is clearly ahead of Commodore as Holden’s bestseller.

Holden New Zealand sees the utility segment continuing to grow.

‘‘ It’s a snowball effect,” managing director Kristian Aquilina said at last week’s Colorado press launch.

“The customers demand more and the vehicles deliver more and that draws more people to the segment. That’s what is fuelling it and it will continue to grow.”

The 2017 upgrades for Colorado carry Holden’s longterm hopes of making the Kiwi ute market a three- way fight — or threatening the Hilux for No. 2 status.

Colorado has been a smartlooking truck with competitive pricing since the current shape appeared in mid- 2012. The shortcomings have been the gruff — but grunty — 2.8- litre Duramax diesel engine and an interior dressed with hard plastics that has been a disappointment.

No more. In a programme