Review: Holden RG Colorado 7 (2012-16)

Review: Holden RG.I Colorado 7 (2012-13)

Overview

Released in December 2012, the Holden RG Series I (RG.I) Colorado 7 was a seven-seat SUV. Manufactured in Rayong, Thailand, the Colorado 7 was powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder ‘Duramax’ turbo-diesel engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Colorado 7 had a part-time four-wheel drive system with a two-range transfer case, while the range consisted of LT and LTZ variants.

Duramax diesel engine

The 2.8-litre Duramax diesel engine had common-rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger with an intercooler, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.0:1. Furthermore, the six-speed automatic transmission had an ‘Active Select’ feature which enabled the driver to change gears sequentially via the gearshift lever.

Chassis and dimensions

Jointly developed with the Holden RG Colorado utility , the Colorado 7 had a ladder-frame chassis. Despite its seven seat capacity, however, the Colorado 7 had a 251 mm shorter wheelbase (at 2845 mm) than the Colorado utility, was 4878 mm long and 2132 mm wide. Furthermore, LT variants were 1834 mm tall and had ground clearance of 219 mm, while LTZ variants were 1847 mm tall and had ground clearance of 231 mm. The Colorado 7 had a rear cargo area of 235 litres, though this increased to 878 litres when the third row of seats was folded into the floor.

Suspension and towing capacity

The Colorado 7 had double wishbone front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension with coil springs (rather than the leaf springs of the Colorado utility). Furthermore, the Colorado 7 had a maximum towing capacity of 3000 kg.

^*Fuel consumption quoted for the ADR 81/02 combined cycle.

Part-time four wheel drive

The part-time four-wheel drive system was controlled via a rotary switch positioned in the centre console. As such, the driver was able to shift ‘on the fly’ between the following modes:

• Two-wheel high: rear-wheel drive with high range gearing;
• Four-wheel high: four-wheel drive with high gearing;
• Four-wheel low: four-wheel drive with low range gearing (a 2.62:1 reduction ratio); and,
• Neutral: no drive to the wheels so that the vehicle can be towed.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden Colorado 7 included dual front airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows of seats), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Holden Colorado 7 had 300 mm ventilated front brake discs and 318 mm rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

Based on ANCAP crash testing conducted for the RG Colorado utility , the Colorado 7 received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.09 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and a slight risk of serious leg injury for both front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: Holden Colorado 7 LT

Standard features for the Colorado 7 LT included 16-inch alloy wheels with 245/70 R16 111S tyres, a six speaker sound system with auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, woven cloth seat trim, cruise control, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, 60/40 split and folding second row seats, 50/50 split and folding third row seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, 12 volt power outlets, aluminium roof rails, side steps, an alarm and immobiliser.

Features: Holden Colorado 7 LTZ

Compared to the Colorado 7 LT, the Colorado 7 LTZ was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 110T tyres, an eight speaker sound system with amplifier, climate control air conditioning, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather seat trim, projector headlights and power folding door mirrors. Visual cues for the LTZ variants included LED tail-lights, chrome surrounds for the front fog lights, body-coloured door handles with a chrome strip, chrome side window mouldings and chrome door mirrors with integrated indicators.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden RG Colorado 7 (October 2012)

Related links

• Holden Media: Holden’s Colorado 7 Off-Roader Makes Aussie Debut (October 2012)
• Holden Media: Holden Heads Off-Road With The New Heavy Duty Colorado 7 SUV (November 2012)
• Holden Media: Product Information – MY2014 Holden Colorado 7 (October 2013)
• Behind the Wheel: 2013 Holden Colorado 7 Review

Review: Holden RG.II Colorado 7 (2013-16)

Overview

Released in October 2013, the Holden RG Series II (RG.II) Colorado 7 introduced a more powerful 2.8-litre ‘Duramax 2’ turbo-diesel engine, additional safety equipment and Holden’s MyLink connectivity system.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the automatic transmission was recalibrated and included a ‘shift stabilisation’ function for hill ascents or descents that prevented unnecessary gearshifts. For off-road driving, a Descent Control System was also introduced which could maintain the speed of the vehicle on descents without the need for brake inputs from the driver.

^*Fuel consumption quoted for the ADR 81/02 combined cycle.

Safety equipment

Compared to its RG.I Predecessor, standard safety equipment for the RG.II Colorado 7 was extended to include front seat-mounted side airbags. New chassis control systems included:

• Trailer Sway Control which would apply the brakes and reduce engine torque in the event of towing instability); and,
• Hill Start Assist which automatically engaged when a gradient was detected to keep the vehicle stationary during the period from brake release to throttle application.

Features

Standard features for the RG.II Colorado 7 were extended to include a seven-inch colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink connectivity system. The MyLink system enabled drivers to connect Bluetooth-compatible devices to access applications or stream music. Embedded applications for MyLink included Pandora, Stitcher and TuneIn. Furthermore,

• For compatible iPhones, Siri Eyes Free Mode could be used to play music, compose text messages, read notifications and add reminders; and,
• The BringGo navigation application could be purchased separately to provide 3D maps, turn-by-turn directions, points of interests and emergency contacts.

November 2014 (‘MY15’) update

In November 2014, the Colorado 7 was updated for the ‘2015 model year’. As part of the update, the Colorado 7 LTZ received a new ‘Comfort Suspension’ tune which included revised spring rates, dampers and a stiffer front stabiliser bar. According to Holden, the ‘Comfort Suspension’ improved ride balance and isolation for a more comfortable ride.

Standard features for the Colorado 7 LTZ were also extended to include heated front seats, while the interior was upgraded with ‘Jet Black’ soft touch finishes for the centre console and surface fascias.

For the entire Colorado 7 range, changes included:

• Aerodynamic updates and improved door seals to reduce noise and vibration;
• Refinements to the Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) systems; and,
• A new Satin Steel Grey paint finish.

Accessories

Extra-cost accessories for the RG.II Colorado 7 included an alloy SuperBar, steel bulbar and black nudge bars. Manufactured from structural grade alloy, the Alloy SuperBar was certified by ANCAP to maintain the Colorado 7’s five star safety rating.

2016 Holden Colorado 7 Trailblazer

The Holden Colorado 7 Trailblazer was released in April 2016. Based on the Colorado 7 LTZ, the limited edition Colorado 7 Trailblazer was distinguished by its 18-inch ‘High Country’ alloy wheels, two-tone leather seats, unique floor mats, masked headlights, body-coloured roof spoiler, bonnet protector, ‘Trailblazer’ side badges and ‘Trailblazer 4×4’ rear decal.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado 7 (September 2013)
• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado 7 (June 2015)

Related links

• Specifications: Holden RG.II Colorado 7 (November 2013)
• Product Information: Holden RG.II Colorado 7 (November 2013)
• Holden Media: Holden’s MY14 Colorado Range Raises the Bar (October 2013)
• Holden.com.au: Holden Colorado 7
• Wikipedia.org: Chevrolet Trailblazer (Holden RG Colorado 7)