Holden Colorado 7 2015 review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?

What is it?

Holden's big, fair dinkum 7-seat four wheel drive, a spin off of the Colorado ute with which it shares a drivetrain and underpinnings - but with a more comfortable rear suspension configuration.

How much?

Colorado starts from $47,490 for the LT or $50,990 for the top of the range LTZ, both figures before on-road costs. Both prices also include an automatic.

What are competitors?

The competition is many and varied. Ford Territory for starters (but it's not a real offroader), Toyota Prado (it is the real deal), Hyundai Santa Fe (not a real offroader either), Isuzu MU-X (the real McCoy too and like the Colorado based on a ute), Kia Sorento (cousin of Santa Fe), Mitsubishi Challenger (bit rough and ready and based on the Triton ute) and finally the Nissan Pathfinder (more of a softroader these days).

What's under the bonnet?

2.8-litre turbo diesel with 147kW of power and 500Nm of torque at 2000 revs. It's hooked up to 6-speed auto with manual mode, but no paddles. For those wondering the related D-Max/MU-X has a larger 3.0-litre diesel, but does not produce as much power or torque.

Has high and low range four-wheel drive, but is not designed to be driven on dry roads in four wheel drive. Also gets a limited slip rear diff and a sump guard to protect the underneath against knocks off road. Impressive output figures and can tow a 3 tonne load if required.

How does it go?

Not bad. Plenty of torque produces an easy, forgiving drive experience, but unfortunately a less than exciting one.

Is it economical?

We were getting a creditable 8.6 litres/100km after some 430km which is a pretty good figure for a vehicle this size

With a 76-litre tank fuel consumption is rated at 9.4 litres/100km. We were getting a creditable 8.6 litres/100km after some 430km which is a pretty good figure for a vehicle this size.

Is it green?

Nope. Only gets a disappointing 2.5 out of 5 stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide, with CO2 emissions of 243g/km.

Is it safe?

Yes, gets a full five stars for safety, with six airbags and the whole shooting match including a rear view camera and rear parking sensors. ABS with EBD, TCS, ESC, front driver and passenger airbags, full length curtain airbags extend to third row.

Is it comfortable?

Supposed to have a more premium feel this time around. Plenty of room inside, but the seats are lack-lustre, flat and formless and not very comfortable. The leather in our test vehicle also felt hard and cheap, but the third row of seats is a good size.

What's it like to drive?

Feels old school. Very loud and truck like with vague steering and jiggly suspension. That's on the road, but if you need to go bush bashing then this will probably take you most places you're bold enough to go. Hill descent control that brakes the vehicle automatically during steep descents works pretty well. Having said that you get used to the way it feels after a while so don't be too concerned.

Is it value for money?

Our LTZ test vehicle features leather, climate air, heated front seats. Cruise control is standard, along with the MyLink infotainment system which requires a mobile phone with a decent data allowance.