Holden takes Colorado to the Xtreme
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 9th Aug 2018
HOLDEN has given its Colorado pick-up a boost with the release of a fully loaded limited-edition, the Z71 Xtreme, inspired by the 2016 Bangkok show car of the same name.
The production version is armed with Holden genuine accessories, some of them originally designed and developed by GM’s Port Melbourne-based design and engineering team for the show car.
Hitting showrooms in October, the automatic-only Xtreme will be priced at $69,990 driveaway – $12,800 more than the recommended retail price of the variant on which it is based, the Colorado Z71 crew cab, which goes for $57,190 plus on-road costs.
The Xtreme also has a higher price than Holden Special Vehicles’ kitted-out Colorado SportsCat+ that costs $68,990 plus on-roads.
Holden says the Z71 Xtreme is fitted with $19,000 worth of Australian-designed-and-developed genuine accessories that add a more rugged look and improve off-road credentials.
It is fitted with a “best-in-class” winch with a 4.5 tonne load capacity and a 30-metre synthetic line. The winch – hidden behind a flip-up number plate – is mounted in a custom-designed bumper with integrated bash plate.
The Z71 Xtreme also gains a high-visibility LED light bar, winch bar, upgraded front suspension, all-terrain tyres and a vehicle recovery kit.
Judging by the press images, the Xtreme will also be offered in the same bright orange colour as the concept vehicle.
The Xtreme is powered by the regular Colorado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 147kW and 500Nm, paired only with a six-speed automatic transmission. Braked towing capacity is 3.5-tonnes, while fuel consumption is a claimed 8.7 litres per 100km.
It is unclear how many Xtremes Holden will offer, but the company says it will be “exceptionally limited”.
Holden product marketing manager Andre Scott said the Z71 Xtreme’s hardcore looks matched its off-road ability.
“The top end of LCV market continues to develop, and we’re seeing a growing number of customers demanding greater off-road capability,” he said.
“The Colorado Xtreme was a concept car that resonated with our customers, and to not only put it into production, but elevate it, is very exciting.
“As a base vehicle, Colorado Z71 is already very capable, so we’ve expanded our Genuine Accessories range for additional off-road capability. Cue the Holden Winch system, the Xtreme’s hero accessory, which is a game-changer.
“Backed up with a long list of accessories, customers can have confidence that their ute will not only look rugged but will be able to perform in the harshest of environments.”
The Colorado is seen by Holden as one of its best chances of sales success, given the huge interest in pick-ups in Australia and the success of rivals such as best-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
Holden has sold 11,065 4x2 and 4x4 Colorados to the end of July this year, which is an 8.8 per cent dip over the same period of 2017.
