2008 Holden Colorado First Steer
August 19, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
2008 Holden Colorado First Steer
“Holden have a new Rodeo but its not called the Rodeo. Meet the Colorado. It’s not only highly capable on and off road, but the revised styling looks considerably better than the outgoing nameplate”
- words by Anthony Crawford.
It’s not that Holden wanted to dump the Rodeo name and start again, that wouldn’t be the smart move. It takes many years and millions of dollars to build automotive brands and the last thing Holden needed, was to start again in the same category.
Rodeo paid dividends for Holden in Australia as a reliable and tough light commercial workhorse.
There was nothing wrong with Rodeo sales either. In 2007, Holden sold over 18,000 of them, skewed favourably toward the 4X4 variants.
Unfortunately for Holden, it didn’t own the name. That intellectual property belonged to successful Japanese truck company Isuzu, who’s relationship with Holden’s parent, General Motors is no longer.
The irony is, Isuzu Ute Australia is set to launch their own light commercial vehicle in Australia called, the D-Max which is sure to compete against Holden’s new model.
I’m not sure that Holden is too worried though, as the name change has forced the local operation to take a step back and look at the category with a fresh set of eyes and make some welcome changes.
For a start, Colorado is a global brand for General Motors light trucks segment, which could offer some economies of scale and subsequent pricing advantages over competitors.
You will be hard pressed to notice much of a difference between the Rodeo and Colorado, at least from the rear of the vehicle. Things are fairly similar down that end, so you need to look closely to spot the redesigned tailgate and taillight assembly.
Walk around to the front of the truck (Holden execs are using the term truck with increasing frequency when describing the Colorado) and you will be pleasantly surprised. The new grille is decidedly Chevrolet DNA and much better looking for it.
Engineering wise, not a lot of change here either. Three engines are on offer including my pick, the 3.0-litre four-cylinder common rail turbo diesel that pulls the Colorado along, effortlessly. It ought to, with 360 Nm of torque at 1800rpm with the manual and slightly less with the auto albeit, peaking at 1600rpm.
But I’m not sure how many of the 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 petrol engine variants Holden thinks they will sell, given the continuing petrol price crisis, but my guess is, not many.
Im guessing this still the isuzu right? So how has the Isuzu/GM split affected it?
Obviously in name only. I managed to scour over one of these last week and it’s pretty much a Rodeo underneath.
The holden badge will help them sell plenty regardless of what it is underneath.
They could have called it the Holden Tasmania…At least it would have had some Aussie connotations.
the colorado is obviously just an updated rodeo. Looks like Isuzu did a reasonable job of the upgrade.
Also should point out that holden does have some say over the development of this truck, it was holden for example that pushed for the alloytec to be used in it, and i think holden also do a local suspension tune for it. But yeah its mainly an isuzu design
by the way, its still no match for the hilux, bt50/ranger or triton
GM / Holden no longer have any links with Isuzu which is the reason for the name change becuase the title ‘Rodeo’ belonged to Isuzu not GM.
GM sold it’s minority stake in Isuzu in 2006 (or there abouts) and was purchased by Toyota. As for as i am concerned, the Rodeo has always trialed others as a rugged, durable tradies hack.
you yhink after 28 years though holden would have brought the name.
“Standard inventory on this sports variant include: Sports bars, soft tonneau cover, side steps, front fogies, 16-inch alloys and Sports interior trim.”
The front fogies are a great option….but I normally prefer to put my grandparents in the back seat.
Not sure where you guys get your info from?
It’s no better or worse than any other commercial utility currently on sale.
To be honest they have a solid reputation in the industry.
To me the updated look appears more dated than the previous frontal styling.
RICHO,IN THE WORDS OF OUR LATE MINISTER OF FISH AND CHIPS (PLEASE EXPLAIN) WHY DOESN’T COLORADO MATCH HILUX,TRITON.DID YOU NOT READ 4X4 MAGS 07 COMPARISON(AND NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED)D40 NAVARA 1ST ,RODEO 2ND.HILUX IS BADLY RIDING ITS NAME TO DEATH,AND TRITON IS CURRENTLY THE CHEAPIST 4X4 AND THATS ABOUT IT.COLORADO(AND PREV RODEO)ARE BUILT BY G.M.IN THAILAND,USING AN ISUZU MOTOR.IT DOESN’T PRETEND TO BE A SPACE SHUTTLE(TRITON),JUST A RELAIBLE TRADIES/FARMERS UTE,AND IT WILL TOW THREE TONNES(HILUX???)
Is the extra purchse price for a hilux worth it?
I doubt it, hilux USED to be considerably better, but no longer.
calm down Jeykl, just a personal opinion mate. The colorado is the oldest design out their, significantly older then BT50 and triton and also older then the hilux. It’s still rugged and durable, however IN MY OPINION the competition have moved on in regard to refiement and general driveability. Ever tried to do a u-turn in a rodeo? Epically bad turning circle.
Just my opinion, stop shouting!
RICHO,YEP,AGREE WITH YOU HERE.THE RODEO’S TURNING CIRCLE IS ABOUT AS GOOD AS A HILUX DIFF CENTRE AND THE OLD TRITONS GEARBOX…..
Who’s this tool with his caps lock on?!?
Anyways, what’s more ironic here is this GWM thing from China based on the old stoogy Rodeo from years ago is gonna outsell the Colorado, let alone everything else in its bracket. The old “something for nothing” saying applies here…
I doubt it VW, with a name called ‘Great wall motors’ its going to be hard pressed getting the credibility for purchasers to ‘trust’ in them initially. Not saying in the future they will gain some market share…
and with names like….
Great Wall Wingle
Great Wall Sailor
Great Wall So cool
Great Wall Deer.
Its a bit ughhhh…
VW,IF YOUR RIGHT,WHY ISN’T MAHINDRA THE NATIONS BEST SELLER.WHY IS THE DEAREST(HILUX)THE BEST SELLER.WHY DONT YOU ESTABLISH A DEALER NETWORK IN YOUR SPARE TIME AND TRY..and sorry about the caps lock
Nice update, and for the money, I can see its appeal over a Triton which looks crook, and a Hilux which is way overpriced. But the D40 Navara is best in class when you factor in performance, looks and value for money.
i agree Adam,
Richo,
the rodeo/colorado is no worse than its competition.
they are all as good as each other, but if you had to pick the worst one, it would prob be a massive surprise to most as the Hilux would fall to the bottom. (but try telling a hilux owner that)
if you complain about bad turning circle in a rodeo, then i assume you have only ever driven the rodeo from this segment.
all jap utes have something like 40 turns lock to lock coupled with a non existant road feel due to the over powered steering.
and if the reviewer was shocked by the high consumption in the base 4cyl, then welcome to the jap ute segment.
all japper utes have shocking economy (bar the diesels) due to the gutless engines needing closely geared ratios.
S.G.J.T,
i dont believe it was that GM sold their share in Isuzu, but rather more like Isuzu wanting to buy their share back to become more self sufficient.
Toyota recently bought into Isuzu to enable them to partner in some diesel technology
The Holden colarado is a great ute
Toyota have ta defiently fix up there current model hilux
& it is defiently no match for the BT50 or triton, even for that matter the D40 navara
The best thing about the colarado ute is ya can put a massive big steel tray on it, great for cartin hay
heaps of room inside & not a massive big cd player thats in ya face like in a hilux.
The reason for high price in a hilux is that wen ya go ta trade it in a get a much higher premium price over other makes, which makes it more attractable buy.
& GWM is not going to last in australia, to poxy, not going to able to have enough featues for average farmes or tradies at all, same goes for mahindra piece of rubbish
Go the colarado !!!
I wouldn’t say they are the worst of the lot, but they aren’t the best. The 2.4 engine in the 4×2 is about 10 years past its used by date and it will probably continue to be outsold by every other 4 cylinder ute as at $19,990 it is lousy value. While the V6 has a poor reputation for fuel consumption, it’s current resale values are abysmal. They are a reasonably robust vehicle, but not outstanding in any way.
Dead-on about poor fuel economy in a 4WD 4cyl jap ute Andrew.M.
My brothers 2000 Hilux is 2.7L petrol, he’s very happy if he gets over 500kms for 60L. Woeful. I have never done worse than 570kms for 60L (often 700kms) in my large 6 cyl family car for similar driving.
And it just crapped the rear/left wheel bearing (right one went a few years ago).
Having owned a Rodeo from 2003 to 2005, I can say with some authority that the Rodeo is one tough truck and has earned it’s solid reputation. I worked the Rodeo hard and it never let me down, those engines are bullet proof.
I’d buy the new Colorado in a heartbeat based on that.
Andrew M, GM has been in financial trouble for while. GM sold part of Isuzu to Mitsubishi heavy industries & Toyota. Since neither Toyota or Mitsubishi heavy industries has a controlling share of Isuzu still the old commitments continue. Also Isuzu trying to establish it’s own products in many markets, from what I have heard Isuzu will start to introduce it’s own products to the Ausie, it would probably be an Isuzu rode. GM has also sold it’s share of Subaru to Toyota. Navara & Hilux r the oldest in the segment BT50, Ranger & Triton r relatively new.
I bought a new single cab ute last year and settled for the Diesel Rodeo. Test drove all the others, The Triton was slow off the mark with on go until about 2000rpm. The Navara was the old model at the time so was out of its depth. The BT50 was very good but the ride was harsh and the claimed fuel economy put me off also has a smaller cab. I liked the Hilux the best but couldn’t justify the extra $6000. The Rodeo has 30,000km on it now averages about 10.7lt/100km, farm and highway driving which is only .4lt more then my ‘97 Rodeo but has so much more go. Only problem I’ve had was a squeal coming from the front which turned out to be a dry seal and repaired under warranty. The Rodeo was definitaly the uglest of the lot but I sit inside when I’m driving and see the back when it’s parked in the shed. The Colarado will be a good ute, much better looking and at a good price.
3 tonnes on the back of a ute like this (specially a single cab?)
Sounds like a case of the tail wagging the dog.
FENNO,BACK TO SCHOOL MATE!!.IF YOU DONT KNOW,YOU TAKE THE TARE WEIGHT(THE VEHICLE WEIGHT)FROM THE GROSS VEHICLE MASS(OR GVM) TO GET ITS CARRYING! CAPACITY.FOR MOST SINGLE CABS THATS ABOUT 1 TON.MOST UTES CAN TOW! 3 TONNES(THINK DUAL CAB UTE ON A BIG TRAILOR).AS A ROUGH RULE,YOU CAN TOW YOUR VEHICLES GVM.AS FOR 3 TONNES ON THE BACK…PUT IT ON YOUR UTE…
Caps-lock king…
You just said it your self.
“As a rough rule you can tow your vehicles GVM”
I wasnt actually referring to the carrying capacity, the tare, or the GVM but in fact the silly GCVM (Gross combined vehicle mass) that manufacturers are quoting these days to get you into THEIR product instead of a Hilux (2.25 towing – A sane number in anybodies language for the size of the class)
I was making an observation which you confirmed with your reply. 3 tonnes (towed) on the back of a vehicle weighing in at 2 tonnes is a case of the tail wagging the dog. If I needed to tow three tonnes, I wouldnt be doing it with a Colorado, Triton or Navara. (BMA went through that exercise a few years back by buying Nissans and most of them broke in half from the strain – hence why they’re back into hilux’s).
I would be towing with a Patrol, Cruiser or even a Disco if the need arose.
Sorry to confuse with my initial (and vague) comment.
FENNO,NO ARGUMENT YOU SHOULD TOW 2 AND NOT 3 TONNES IN ANYTHING LIKE A DUAL CAB UTE.MIGHT POINT OUT THOUGH THAT ALOT OF THE BIGGER(20FT-24FT)CARAVAN MAKERS ARE RECOMMENDING D40 NAVARA FOR THE JOB.(MAKE MINE A F250 ETC)DONT KNOW WHY YOU’D PREFER A HILUX.KNOW I FEW BLOKES WHO HAVE STRENGHTENED THEM JUST TO TOW A NORMAL LOAD.
I’m not saying I’d prefer a hilux… I’m just saying that Toyota are not quoting silly numbers to get sales. (just asking silly prices).
Caravan manufacturers will always tell you which is their preferred vehicle based on which dealership nearby flicks them the most business.
Ie- A Caravan Dealer in Ipswich Queensland has a KIa dealer attached to it and the sales staff there will swear black and blue that the best car to tow with is their new KIA Sorrento…
Kedron (northside of Brisbane) recommend Toyota etc etc.
Agree on the F-truck though. Could tow a block of flats with one of those.
i agree with most.
all vehicle ratings are seemingly over rated.
3 tonne on the back is one hell of a load.
if you have ever had 1 tonne of sand on the back of a 1 tonne ute, you will wonder why they are allowed to rate them so high.
and if you have ever towed 2 tonne, you will wonder why 1.5 tonnes isnt the limit.
and then the other factor is, having to have the power to pull 3 tonnes on the back…..
one thing is putting it there, and the other is moving it.
any more than 1 tonne on a trailer, and you really start to notice it.
at least they have one thing right, and thats if your trailer wants to tow more than 750kgs, it must have brakes.
i choose to tow with a falcon because it has more grunt than even the jap diesel utes. it is also more comfortable and its bigger wheel base and track means it isnt thrown around the road as much.
sure the falcon can tow 2300kgs, but have you ever tried it??
the biggest unbraked load ive had on would have been easily at the 1.5 tonnes mark.
the brake pedal just goes instantly hard putting you into lock up (its not much fun)
sure it pulled the load fine, but its missing the body mass.
anything over 1.5tonnes shuld really be put on an F Truck as already said.
there is no replacement for body mass and massive wheelbase to keep you sure footed.
sure these light utes will get you out of trouble on that odd day you need to pull 2 tonnes (eg car trailer), if you are a full timer at the 2 tonne mark, you are mad to even think its suitable as a day in day out exercise in a ute
Andrew, agreed….mostly.
There are plenty of vehicles that I would use to tow up to a 2t caravan, Falcon being one of them.
Territory is now a really common choice for the grey nomads wanting out of the Pajcruiser trucks.
Kluger up to 1800kg is OK. Technically on of the “jap” utes shuold be fine too, but you just don’t see them in the caravan parks – probably something to do with lack of comfort for long distance touring.
I agree over 2t it does get a little more serious.
bret,
just drive past your local horse racing track.
not many jap utes to be seen there either.
yep, comfort is one thing, and then there is the lack of grunt the jap utes have.
yep even the kluger would do a better job than the jap ute, but if its the FWD version, forget it.
Andrew I do “drive past your local horse racing track”.
In fact I visit regularly, often twice a week. And in amongst the trucks you find a few 4WD’s and a stack of Falcon/Fairlanes. Funny thing is, the ratio of Falcons to 4WD’s has gone back up of late – probably due to fuel prices and the heavy cost that that brings to the 4WD brigade.
Chris,
I have to agree with you. I am currently still driving my 1994 Holden Rodeo 4×4 dual cab and still loving it. The only mechanical problem I have ever had was a broken exhaust manifold stud, twice ( one closest to firewall ). Apart from this, it has been bullet proof. I have done everything from city driving to some pretty extreme off road driving. It performs extremely well off road and can carry a lot of gear in the back.
Saying that, I had a look at the new Colorado and was a little dissapointed in the build quality. I haven’t had a test drive yet.
have just put deposit on one,
to be picked up next week.
got a ripper deal thru the sales…
holden dealer has a nice attitude towards the colorado…so we are going to give it a go.
mind you, we currently drive a 89 holden jackaroo..thats never missed a beat! Brilliant 4X4 with the isuzu motor!
Thank goodness we have found this site…there is a definate lack of details, etc or even attitiudes of people towards such a new car/truck…
thanks for allowing me to read your responses…
ill respond when i drive it for a while! :)
to mark e
would like to hear ur thoughts if u have bought the colorado as i pick mine up in a month the ltr 4×4