New Holden Colorado flagship looming

Holden is rolling out a high-spec Colorado variant – the Colorado Z71 – to take some of the shine off Ford's upgraded Ranger and the looming Toyota HiLux.

Adopting a name applied to Chev commercials in the USA and based on the Colorado LTZ 4x4 Crew-Cab, the Z71 features cosmetic features such as an Arsenal Grey metallic finish for its 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome and black exterior detailing, a nudge bar, a tonneau and sail plane.

Inside, the Colorado Z71 comes with heated front seats upholstered in leather. Standard features already fitted to the LTZ variant include a reversing camera and MyLink infotainment with seven-inch colour touchscreen.

In keeping with the Colorado LTZ, the Z71 will tow up to 3.5 tonnes, Holden claims.

"Drivers are increasingly using trucks to facilitate an active lifestyle, whether it's surfing or snowboarding, and looking good is important to them," said Peter Keley, Holden's Executive Director of Sales, in a media statement.

"Z71 adds an impressive range of features to the Colorado truck, not least the exterior black components and leather-appointed seats that combine to give a more aggressive look and comfortable ride."

Priced at $54,990 (manual) or $57,190 (auto), the Colorado Z71 is $4000 more expensive than the Colorado LTZ counterpart, and comes with following features:

>> 18-inch Arsenal Grey Metallic alloy wheels (x5)
>> Sail plane with Z71 graphic (body coloured)
>> Leather-appointed seats (heated front)
>> Styled nudge bar
>> Headlamps with dark chrome mask
>> Gloss black mirror scalps and B-pillars
>> Gloss black tailgate handle
>> Black door handles
>> Black rear step trim
>> Z71 decal on tailgate
>> Black body side door mouldings
>> Black hood with Z71 graphic
>> Streamline soft tonneau (hard tonneau optional)
>> Roof rails

The Colorado Z71 will be available through Holden dealers from early July in the following range of colours: Summit White, Sizzle Red, Black Sapphire, Satin Steel Grey and Orange Rock. All but the white and red colours are metallic, attracting an extra charge of $550.