2017 4X4 Of The Year finalist: Holden Colorado

AFTER several unsuccessful attempts at bringing its 2012-launched Colorado up to scratch, Holden has finally pulled the whole thing apart and started again.

It has moved the engine’s balance shafts, added sound deadening, changed the engine and body mounts, installed a new torque convertor, recalibrated the suspension, added electric power steering, and installed a thicker windscreen, new window seals, roof mouldings and mirror mounts.

The maximum power (147kW) and maximum torque (500Nm) figures from the 2.8-litre VM Motori diesel remain unchanged, but Holden claims the low rpm torque is now stronger.

Colorado also gets a new dash, extra kit and a new front-end treatment to keep it current.

Our test vehicle was the Colorado LTZ. Heated leather seats are an option on the LTZ. The less expensive LT has 17s and a smaller touchscreen, and loses the embedded sat-nav, tyre-pressure monitoring, power driver’s seat, auto wipers, climate control, tonneau cover, sports bar and the high-end safety features.

The work-spec LS loses sidesteps and fog lights and has 16-inch steel wheels, but it has the highest payload.

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The winner of the coveted 4X4 of the Year award will be announced at the Australian Motoring Awards (AMAs) on February 1.

The AMAs, to be held at Crown Casino in Melbourne, will also present the WhichCar Style award, the MOTOR Performance Car of the Year and the Wheels Car of the Year awards.

Keep an eye on 4X4 Of The Year throughout the night on February 1 to be the first to find out which vehicle has been awarded the 2017 4X4OTY award. Or tune in to our Facebook page!

2017’s strong field of 4X4OTY contenders includes: Haval H9, Holden Colorado, Holden Trailblazer, Mercedes-Benz G300, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series and the Volkswagen Amarok V6.

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