Holden launches Ford Ranger Wildtrak rival

Holden has taken aim at Ford's popular Wildtrak Ranger variant with a rivalling flagship Colorado called the Z71.

The new model will be available in Australian showrooms from early July, priced from a lofty $54,990 (plus on-road costs) in six-speed manual guise, or $57,190 (plus on-road costs) for the optional six-speed automatic.

The Z71 is based on the regular Colorado LTZ 4x4 flagship, fitted with the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 147kW of power and 440Nm of torque (500Nm in automatic trim). It features a standard braked towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes and a maximum payload capacity of 926kg, including passengers.

Coming in $4000 more expensive than the LTZ, the Z71 brings 18-inch gun metal alloy wheels, a 'sail plane' around the tray area and a styled nudged bar, plus other black exterior accompaniments including roof rails, side door mouldings and tailgate handle.

Inside, the Z71 adds leather-appointed seats (heated up front). It carries over the LTZ's reversing camera, seven-inch screen and Holden's MyLink infotainment system.

Unlike Ford's Wildtrak, which offers a lockable roller tray lid, the Z71 gets a soft tonneau cover as standard. It also misses out on a unique interior scheme as found in the Ranger, though its purchase price undercuts the Ford, which starts at $57,390 (plus on-road costs) in manual guise.

The Z71 is the latest move by Holden to integrate General Motors' global model designations into its Australian line-up. The Z71 draws parallels with the Chevrolet Silverado Z71 in the US, however unlike that model, the flagship Colorado is identical to its siblings in towing capacity and off-road ability.

Ford Australia is increasingly utilising a similar naming strategy, reportedly trademarking FX4 and Raptor nameplates in Australia in a move that would parallel the structure of Ford's American F-Series.

Holden sales director Peter Keley said the Z71 was aimed at weekend enthusiasts and families – a factor that invariably mimics the marketing strategy behind Ford's Wildtrak variant.

"Drivers are increasingly using trucks to facilitate an active lifestyle, whether it's surfing or snowboarding, and looking good is important to them," he said.

"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."

2015 Holden Colorado Z71 pricing and specifications

On sale: July

Price: $54,990-$57,190 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 147kW at 3600rpm

Torque: 440Nm at 1600rpm (manual), 500Nm at 2000rpm (automatic)

Transmission: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic

Fuel use: 8.1L-9.1L/100km combined