The big changes are to the drive chain (more power and more gears) and in the cabin (the new My Link entertainment unit).
First, the engine: for the automatic version the 2.8 litre Duramax engine gets 11% more power and 6% more torque, up from 132kW and 470Nm respectively to 147kW and 500Nm; the manual version gets the same increase in power, but torque remains at 440Nm. However, the five-speed manual is replaced by a much more useful six speed and the engine modifications have improved the availability of torque across the rev range.
We drove the LTZ automatic model, which now gets more kit including rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and a nifty chrome sports bar.
The extra torque is instantly noticeable and the LTZ felt grunty on the road and effortless off road. Torque is now readily available and the automatic no longer has to hunt through the gears to find it. Holden now rates the towing capacity at a class leading 3.5 tonne.
The chassis dynamics are not class leading – Ranger/BT-50/Amarok have moved the goalposts – but the Colorado has surpassed the big selling Hilux, for now. It is fine by ute standards though and is easy to live with as a daily drive. Loading the tray or towbar up, as its maker intended, settles the ride.
The entertainment system, dubbed My Link, is a well regarded unit now found in other Holdens such as the Commodore and Malibu. It is fitted standard on the LTZ, adding useable navigation and hands free for your phone to the Colorado. It can also link to your smartphone’s full range of functions, giving you access to all your favourite apps. Admittedly, extracting full value from that last feature in a truck was beyond us.
Overall though we found the upgraded Colorado a much better vehicle, offering plenty of power and features for the money. It is also a tough looking truck and in LTZ form with the 17 inch alloy wheels and chrome sports bar, it has more than a hint of American pick-up about it.
The LTZ automatic costs $61,990 and the manual costs $59,990. Forgo the fancy stuff and you can get into a work clothes DX single cab 4x4 for $44,990.
