First look: new Holden Colorado

[csv8]

First look: new Holden Colorado
Stephen Ottley
March 8, 2011 - 3:43PM


Holden remains tight-lipped about its next-generation Colorado ute despite the release of a sneak preview image from its US parent.

The image shows the front corner and side of the Chevrolet version of the one-tonne ute.

The rest of the car is set to be unveiled before the Bangkok motor show later this month. Australians will have to wait until early in 2012 to get their hands on the new Colorado though.

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When it does arrive, the Thai-built Colorado will have a slightly different front end to its Chevrolet sibling.

Holden spokeswoman Emily Perry wouldn’t reveal any details of the car, insisting that further information will only come closer to the car’s local launch.

But in a recent interview Holden managing director Mike Devereux hinted that the company is likely to offer a seven-seat SUV based on the same underpinnings as the Colorado.

That would give the company a rival to the Mitsubishi Challenger, Nissan Pathfinder and Ford’s rumoured SUV based on the new Ranger.

“We have a fantastic new product coming and that will tick all the boxes that it needs to tick," Devereux said.

“Could be a good idea to do more than a pick-up. Who knows? It could be something we might want to look at."

[TheInterceptor]

First glance i see some Caprice in it.

[CODSASR]

is it just me or have they used a few ford design cues?

raised bonnet like fiesta and new ranger, drl same shape as fords, indicators on mirrors and mirrors thhem selfs look alot like new ranger, then the back of the cap looks alot like a toyota hilux

Looks verry asain though

[LeadFoot81]

Looks like a pretty nice ute!

It's interesting that commercial utes are undergoing the same transformation as the Falcon and Commodore utes in the late 90s; becoming more car like with better features and the addition of sports models.

[Ben73]

Looks pretty American. Which isn't bad.

[FPV8U]

Looks good from what i can see.

[chrisfpv]

Originally Posted by CODSASR

is it just me or have they used a few ford design cues?

raised bonnet like fiesta and new ranger, drl same shape as fords, indicators on mirrors and mirrors thhem selfs look alot like new ranger, then the back of the cap looks alot like a toyota hilux

Looks verry asain though

There will be Ford characteristics in this car i'm sure, as there will be Holden characteristics in Fords and so on if there aren't any already. Every car can't be completely different from it's competitors.

From first glance it looks pretty good, but that could just be good photography ('11 Ford Territory for example).

[The Yeti]

I tell ya I replaced my Territory with a Colorado LTR and had leather added as an option and I bloody love it, you cant compare the Terrtitory with it I know, but as far as a 4WD Turbo Deisel ute goes its great bit of gear

[vztrt]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/s...-announced-fo/

Chevrolet Captiva Sport announced for U.S. fleet customers

by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Mar 11th 2011 at 1:57PM



Do you miss the Saturn Vue? If so, General Motors is ready to wipe your tears away. Meet the new Chevrolet Captiva Sport, a shockingly familiar crossover being offered for fleet sales here in the United States. GM is quick to point out that the Sport is a variant of the popular Captiva CUV sold in other markets, though its Saturn-badged kin can still be found all over the nation.

The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available in three trim levels – LS, LT and LTZ – with two different powertrain choices. The base engine is GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, while the uplevel powerplant is The General's 3.0-liter direct-injected V6. Having experienced both of these units in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers, we found the four to be far smoother and more refined than the anemic V6. In any case, both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is optional on LTZ models.

LT and LTZ models use the 3.0-liter V6 and come standard with OnStar and Bluetooth connectivity. LTZ standard equipment also includes leather-trimmed seats (heated for front passengers), a rear-view camera and premium audio system.

Fleet companies can take delivery of the Vue Captiva Sport as early as the fourth quarter of 2011. For the full details, follow the jump for GM's press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Press Release

Chevrolet Captiva Sport to Help Meet Fleet Customer Demand for Compact Crossovers

DETROIT – Chevrolet will introduce the Captiva Sport, a new entry to the U.S market, later this year to help satisfy growing demand for compact crossovers by fleet customers. The Captiva Sport is a variant of the globally successful Chevrolet Captiva compact crossover.

Variants of the compact crossover are sold in more than 50 markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South America. The U.S.-specific version will give fleet customers a contemporary five-seat crossover with a comprehensive range of features and amenities, and will also address their need for roominess, utility and fuel efficiency.

"It says a lot about our ability to draw on international programs and proven, quality crossovers that we were able to identify and federalize a strong new entrant such as Captiva Sport for the U.S. market," said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. "We turned to our global network for a solution to quickly meet the rising demand from local fleet customers and continue to meet strong retail demand for the Equinox."

The Captiva Sport will be available for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011, as a 2012 model.

The Chevrolet Equinox continues to show strong retail sales growth, with retail sales up 98 percent in February compared with the same month last year. Chevrolet expects sales retail sales to remain strong, in part due to its 32 mpg highway fuel economy rating, higher than the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Ford Escape.

The Captiva Sport features either an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder or 3.0L direct-injected V-6 engine – each matched with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Because the crossover is based on a proven GM global architecture, only minor revisions are required to meet federal standards, allowing Chevrolet to fast-track the Captiva Sport for the United States.

The Captiva Sport will be offered in LS and LT models, with four trim packages, including an all-wheel-drive model (LTZ). All models feature 17-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, six-speaker sound system, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, air conditioning, power locks and windows (with driver's express down) and remote keyless entry.

Uplevel LT and LTZ models include the V-6 engine (with dual exhaust), along with OnStar and Bluetooth phone connectivity. A rear-view camera and leather trim package – including leather-trimmed and heated front seats – are standard on LTZ and available on other trims. The LTZ trim also includes a 10-speaker sound system and a sunroof.

"The range of features offered by the Captiva Sport is as rich as any Chevrolet vehicle," said Batey. "Our fleet customers will find it to be a versatile vehicle that gives them the cargo capacity they need, in a fuel efficient package that will help keep their ownership costs in check."

Under the skin

At the core of the Captiva Sport is a European-inspired driving character, with a stiff, steel body-frame integral structure complemented by a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension. An isolated engine cradle enhances quietness and contributes to a smooth ride.

Standard on all models are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control – systems that work together to provide outstanding vehicle control

In addition to handling features such as StabiliTrak that help drivers avoid crashes, the Captiva Sport helps protect occupants with its high-strength steel structure and a long list of standard occupant-protection safety features. Dual-stage front-seat air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags and rollover capable head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models.

Other standard safety features include front-row safety belt pretensioners, Pedal Release System that decouples the brake pedal in a crash to avoid injuries, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system, automatic power door locks and side turn signal lamps.

[Road_Warrior]

Ranger > Colorado

[gregcampbell123]

The few colorado's we have had come through work havent been all that great in the looks department, i hope they work more on the visual side of things, eg dash meeting up correctly etc.

But i think at the end of the day after driving both i would buy a ranger before i bought a colorado

Greg

[1TUFFUTE]

alot of guys i talk to know how good the new ranger comig is going to be...and its true....everything will have to step up a lot to keep up id say....espescially that colarado

[DENKO]

yuk!!!!

[outside]

something else to stick a chev badge

[billy302]

I like is it looks al-right. Brochures and pic's are hard to go by lets wait until we see it in the flesh.