Holden takes Colorado to the Xtreme
Holden has launched a production version of its Colorado Xtreme concept that was a hit at the Fieldays in 2016. And it is surprisingly close to the original concept, writes
As pick ups make their relentless march towards cracking the $100k barrier very few top line utes are sold without a hearty ticking of the options list. In response to this more manufacturers are offering kitted up versions of their top-of-the-line load luggers that come fully loaded with accessories both practical and cosmetic. Holden is the latest to jump in the fray with its new Colorado Z71 Xtreme.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
Back in 2016 Holden revealed an extreme concept version of the Colorado ute called, funnily enough, the Xtreme.
Built in Australia and having its debut at the Bangkok motor show that year, Holden also bought the Xtreme to New Zealand for the national Fieldays in Hamilton, where it created quite a stir.
Now the company has released a production version of the Xtreme and it is remarkably close to the wild concept.
While the bulbous mud tyres, aggressive wheels and, um, extreme wheel arch extensions have been toned down slightly, the rest of Holden’s Xtreme version of the Z71 is surprisingly similar to the concept and, most impressively, it has been created solely using accessories developed for the Colorado in the first place.
That’s right, even the massive front bumper with its integrated winch is a Colorado accessory developed by Holden.
At $79,990 the Z71 Xtreme asks a $13,000 premium over the standard Z71 ($66,990) but, as is usual with these things, adding the extra kit separately to a Z71 would cost more.
The Xtreme adds a heftily comprehensive suite of extras over the standard Z71, including side and rear steps, flared fenders, 18-inch black alloy wheels with more serious Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres, leather seats with embroidered ‘‘Xtreme’’ logos, a fake (but very cool) bonnet bulge, an extended sports bar, a roof tray and that serious winch set up that dominates the front end.
The asking price does place the Xtreme uncomfortably close to another extreme Colorado though – the HSV SportsCat that, at $75,990 for the standard auto and $82,990 for the SportsCat+ auto, bookends the Xtreme but offers improved on and off road dynamics and massively uprated brakes. Like the HSV offering, the Xtreme still packs the standard 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 147kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
‘‘Who would ever pay $80 grand for a ute?’’ you may demand to know, but the answer to that question is all around you in the form of heavily accessorised top spec utes from all manufacturers. With utes like the Colorado Xtreme, you now just don’t have to look to the aftermarket for your extreme ute desires...
Where did you drive it?
Holden wanted a more extreme location to launch the Xtreme, so shipped one over to Great Barrier Island for a change from the usual scenery.
Narrow winding roads that are in surprisingly good condition meant that the Xtreme felt rather large, but quite at home on the island.
The more aggressive all-terrain tyres fitted to the 18-inch alloys didn’t compromise ride quality or increase road noise, although the optional snorkel (yes, there are still some options available) did increase intake noise considerably.
While it was pleasantly growly at the lower speeds we tooled around the island at, we couldn’t help but think it might get a bit droney and intrusive at a sustained 100kmh. Buyer beware with that particular option.
Because, winch aside, the Xtreme is largely made up of cosmetic changes to the standard Z71 the driving experience both on and off road is unchanged, so is a known quantity – perfectly acceptable ride and handling, with the usual ‘‘for a ute’’ caveat.
What stands out the most?
The look. While the likes of the winch and roof tray are properly functional accessories, it is the look of the the Xtreme that grabs you and practically screams ‘‘LOOK AT ME NOW! BASK IN MY BLATANT LACK OF SUBTLETY!’’
Which certainly made it stand out on the narrow roads of Great Barrier, completely dominating other island traffic (in a visual sense) which seemed to be predominantly made up of Toyota RAV4s.
Holden New Zealand is only getting 30 examples of the Xtreme, with one going to each dealer across the country, so they are going to be relatively exclusive. They will also handily serve as a rolling advertisement for Holden’s official accessory range. four, 147kW/500Nm, 6-speed automatic, part-time 4WD. Double cab ute. November.
Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme Price: $79,990 Powertrain: 2.8-litre turbo-diesel
Body style: On sale:
Why would I buy it?
Because you want the most exclusive Holden Colorado you can buy with a factory warranty and because you can’t psychologically deal with the concept of a diesel-powered HSV pick up.
Also because you can’t be bothered slogging through a list of optional accessories when it comes time to buy a new Z71 and also because the winch is a very cool piece of kit that, in a very James Bond-like touch, hides its hook behind a flip-up number plate.
And, lastly, you would buy it because it looks cool.
Why wouldn’t I buy it?
One weird and silly word: SportsCat.
HSV’s re-engineered version of the Colorado boasts better handling than the standard ute and some of the best brakes you will ever experience in the segment.
The best one, the SportsCat+, is slightly more expensive, but those brakes alone make the extra worth it.
Also, if you’re not a die-hard Holden/HSV buyer, the Ford Ranger Raptor is only $5K more, is more powerful (157kW/500Nm) and has that utterly amazing suspension that gives it a superb on road ride and insane low (and high) speed off road ability.