The first-generation Holden Colorado was a rebadged first-generation Isuzu D-Max (RC series)—a pickup truck manufactured by the joint venture of General Motors and Isuzu Motors. It was marketed under various marques, including Isuzu D-Max and Chevrolet Colorado. In Australia and New Zealand, it was released as Holden Colorado from 2008 to 2012.
Prior to this, Holden Australia (a GM subsidiary) had been marketing an earlier version of the Isuzu D-Max (RA series) as Holden Rodeo. All these vehicles—Isuzu D-max, Chevrolet Colorado, Holden Colorado, Holden Rodeo, and even GMC Canyon and Hummer H3—have common underpinnings. The reason is simple—they share the same platform, which is the Isuzu-designed GMT 355.
In 2012, General Motors engineered an all-new platform, the GMT 31XX, which supports mid-size pickup trucks and SUVs. That platform produced the second-generation Chevrolet Colorado and Chevrolet Trailblazer, which were rebadged as Holden Colorado and Holden Colorado 7, respectively.
1st Generation: RA and RC Series (2002-2012)
RA Series: Holden Rodeo
The Isuzu D-Max RA series was jointly produced by General Motors and Isuzu Motors from 2002 through 2012 using the GMT 355 platform. It was rebadged under several marques for the different markets around the world. The following were some of the nameplates used for the Isuzu D-Max RA series:
- Chevrolet Colorado – international market
- Chevrolet D-Max – Middle East and Thailand
- Holden Rodeo – Australia and other Asian markets (2003-2008)
RC Series: Holden Colorado
In 2008, GM-Holden lost the right to use the nameplate “Rodeo” after the split-up with Isuzu Motors. In a series of modifications and facelifts (called the RC series), Holden Australia rebadged the Isuzu D-Max RC series as Holden Colorado.
Both the Holden Colorado and Isuzu D-Max (marketed by Isuzu Ute Australia) were sold alongside each other in Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring markets. Customers of the Holden Colorado were offered the choice of three body styles: single cab, double cab, and space cab. Two- and four- wheel drives were available with the following powertrain options:
- 2.4L I4 petrol engine – 92 kW power, 207 N⋅m torque, 5-speed MT
- 3.6L Alloytec V6 petrol engine – 157 kW power, 313 N⋅m torque, 5-speed MT or 4-speed AT
- 3.0L I4 Isuzu 4JJ1 turbodiesel engine – 120 kW power, 360 N⋅m, 5-speed MT or 4-speed AT
2nd Generation: RG Series (2012-present)
In the first quarter of 2011, GM’s Chevrolet Division introduced the prototype for the new Colorado at the Bangkok International Motor Show. This was a totally-new Colorado, codenamed RG series, which was manufactured using the new GMT 31XX platform. The Colorado concept car featured an extended cab with high-tech systems.
In June 2011, an adventure-type crew cab of the RG model premiered in Argentina, and later at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Finally, in July 2011, the second-generation Holden Colorado in crew cab version debuted at the Australian International Motor Show.
Holden Colorado
In 2012, Holden Colorado was sold in Australia and New Zealand in four trim levels. The initial body styles offered included single cab, space cab, and crew cab models. The availability of four trims, three ute tray types, and the two options of either 4x2 or 4x4 resulted to several combinations or packs for the customer to choose from.
All combinations, except for the 4x2 DX trim, were powered by GM-built 2.8L turbodiesel engine. The exception (4x2 DX trim) was powered by a 2.4 4-cyl diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The four spec and trim levels were:
- DX – base trim including 16-inch wheels, electronic stability control, side-curtain airbags, central locking, cloth trim, mobile phone connectivity, and other entry-level trims
- LX – base trim plus fog lights, power mirrors, hill descent control, side door airbags, others
- LT – basic trim plus fog lamps, leather steering wheel, 6-speaker radio CD, rear window demister, 7-inch touchscreen display, others
- LTZ – basic trim plus 17-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch touchscreen display, rear parking sensors with reversing camera, others
For the 4x4 version, the 2.8L engine was standard. However, a special-edition Thunder pack was offered with the following trim levels:
- LX – 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT; 16-inch wheels, cruise control, leather steering wheel, multi-function steering wheel, nudge bar, power mirrors, 6-speaker radio CD, tow bar
- LT – 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT; 16-inch alloy wheels, tonneau cover, power mirrors, nudge bar, tow bar, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, 6-speaker radio CD, fog lights
- LTZ - 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT; 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air con and climate control, alloy sports bar, cruise control, fog lights, leather steering wheel, multi-function steering wheel, nudge bar, power front seat driver, power mirrors, 8-speaker radio CD, side steps, tow bar, tonneau cover
The specs of the Holden Colorado pickup powertrain are as follows:
- 2012 to 2013 – 2.8L I4 turbodiesel engine mated with 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT; rated at 132 kW power and 440 N⋅m torque (for MT) and 470 N⋅m (for AT)
- 2013 onwards – 2.8L I4 turbodiesel engine mated with 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT; rated at 147 kW and 440 N⋅m torque (for MT) and 500 N⋅m (for AT)
For the South Korean and North American markets, the Colorado was offered with the following engines:
- 2012 onwards – 2.5L Ecotech (LCV) I4 petrol engine
- 2012 onwards – 3.6L LFX/LGZ V6 petrol engine
- 2016 onwards – 2.8L Duramax (LWN) I4 turbo diesel engine
Latest editions of the Holden Colorado offer SL-X especial edition, Storm Pack, and 271 Extreme. Various accessories and trims in different combinations are offered, including but not limited to child seat security features, additional aluminium or chrome trims, sports bar, and many more.
Holden Colorado 7
The Holden Colorado 7 is a rebadged second-generation Chevrolet Trailblazer. It is categorised as a full-size/standard SUV (US), J-segment vehicle (Europe), large 4x4 (UK), and upper large SUV (Australia). The Chevy production model was introduced in 2012 at the Bangkok Motor Show. This debut followed one year after the introduction of the Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck, on which frame the SUV was based on.
While the Trailblazer was based on its Colorado pickup sibling, its bodywork and rear suspension had been modified to match its SUV form. Major work went to its distinctive A-pillar, enclosed roof, 7-seat 4-door configuration, tailgate, and multi-link rear suspension. Three engine options were offered for the Chevy Trailblazer, which were as follows:
- 2.5L Duramax I4 turbodiesel engine (standard), rated at 132.5 kW power and 440 N⋅m torque
- 2.8L Duramax I4 turbodiesel engine (optional), rated at 147 kW power and 500 N⋅m torque
- 3.6L V6 petrol engine (optional for Brazil, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia), rated at 178 kW
From 2013 to 2016, the Trailblazer was sold in Australia as the Holden Colorado 7. In 2017, it was updated and rebadged as Holden Trailblazer. A sole engine option was offered for Holden Colorado 7, which was 2.8L Duramax I4 turbodiesel engine with 6-speed automatic transmission, rated at 132 kW power output and 440 N⋅m torque. It came to the market with the following trim levels:
- LT 4x4 – dual front airbags, ABS, air conditioning, remote anti-theft alarm system, 16-inch alloy wheels, brake assist, cruise control, fog lights, power mirror and windows, power steering, reversing camera, and more
- LTZ 4x4 – basic trim pack plus auto air conditioning and climate control, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, 8-speaker radio CD, and more
The same powertrain was offered for the Holden Trailblazer, which came with the following trims:
- Trailblazer 4x4 – basic trim pack plus auto air conditioning and climate control, Apple car play, Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome trims, power front seat driver, and many more