Review: Holden RG Colorado cab chassis (2012-20)

Review: Holden RG.I Colorado cab chassis (2012-13)

Overview

Released in June 2012, the Holden RG Series I (RG.I) Colorado cab chassis was available in single cab, space cab and crew cab bodies. Manufactured in Rayong, Thailand, the Colorado cab chassis was available with either a 2.5- or 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, though the former was reserved for the entry-level single cab models. The Colorado cab chassis was available with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions (see table below).

Duramax diesel engines

The 2.5- and 2.8-litre ‘Duramax’ turbo-diesel engines both had common rail injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and electronic throttle control. While the 2.5-litre engine had a compression ratio of 16.5:1, this was raised to 16.5:1 for the 2.8-litre engine. For the RG Colorado, this engine was mated to either five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Dimensions

The RG Colorado Single Cab was 5147 mm long, 1882 mm wide, 1780 mm tall and had a 3096 mm long wheelbase; the Space Cab and Crew Cab, however, were 20 mm shorter (at 5127 mm) and 5 mm lower (1780 mm).

The single cab models had a three seat split-bench front seat, while the space cabs had rearward opening doors and two jump seats. The crew cabs, however, had 60/40 split-fold rear seats with under-seat storage compartments.

Suspension and towing

The RG Colorado had double wishbone front suspension (with coil springs) and a live rear axle with leaf springs. For models with 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engines, maximum braked towing capacity was 3000 kg; for models with 2.8-litre engines, it was 3500 kg.

4WD system

The RG Colorado’s four-wheel drive system used an electronically actuated part-time transfer case. As such, the driver could ‘shift on the fly’ via a rotary switch in the centre console between the following drive modes –

• Two-wheel high: rear-wheel drive with high range gears;
• Four-wheel high: permanent four-wheel drive with high range gears; and,
• Four-wheel low: permanent four-wheel drive with a 2.62:1 gear reduction ratio.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , all RG Colorado crew cab models were awarded a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.09 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and a slight risk of serious leg injury for both front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, maximum points were awarded.

However, single cab and space cab models received four star adult occupant protection rating – with a score of 30.48 out of 37 – due to a higher risk of chest injury for the driver in the frontal offset crash test due to the fitment of a single seatbelt pretensioner rather than a dual pretensioner as per the crew cab models.

Features

Standard features for the Colorado DX included 16-inch steel wheels, a four speaker sound system with auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, vinyl floor trim, remote central locking, power windows, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Colorado LX was further equipped with front bucket seats, cruise control, a carpeted floor, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a height adjustable steering column and power mirrors. The space cab and crew cab bodies were also fitted with a six speaker sound system.

2013 Colorado Thunder Pack

In June 2013, the four-wheel drive LX Crew Cab models was offered with a Thunder Pack which consisted of a nudge bar, towing package, soft tonneau cover, front carpet floor mats, one-piece rear carpet floor mat, bonnet protector, slimline weather shields and ‘Thunder’ badges.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden RG Colorado utility and cab chassis (August 2012)

Related links

• Product Information: Holden RG.I Colorado (June 2012)
• Holden Media: Colorado Special Edition Thunders into Holden Dealerships (June 2013)

Review: Holden RG.II Colorado cab chassis (2013-20)

Overview

Released in October 2013, the Holden RG Series II (RG.II) Colorado cab chassis introduced a revised range as the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine was discontinued and a more powerful 2.8-litre ‘Duramax 2’ turbo-diesel engine was introduced. Other changes included additional safety equipment and the introduction of Holden’s MyLink connectivity system.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the automatic transmission was recalibrated and included a ‘shift stabilisation’ function for hill ascents or descents that prevented unnecessary gearshifts. For the LX variants, a Descent Control System was also introduced which could maintain the speed of the vehicle for descents on rough terrain without the need for brake inputs from the driver.

With the November 2014 update (described below), the LX variants were renamed LS.

Safety equipment

For the Colorado LX variants, standard safety equipment for the Holden RG.II Colorado cab chassis was extended to include front seat-mounted side airbags. For both DX and LX variants, however, new chassis control systems included:

• Trailer Sway Control which would apply the brakes and reduce engine torque in the event of towing instability); and,
• Hill Start Assist which automatically engaged when a gradient was detected to keep the vehicle stationary during the period from brake release to throttle application.

From July 2016, the Holden RG.II Colorado was fitted with a driver’s knee airbag as standard.

Features

For the Colorado LX, standard features for the RG.II Colorado cab chassis were extended to include a seven-inch colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink connectivity system and rear parking sensors.

The MyLink system enabled drivers to connect Bluetooth-compatible devices to access applications or stream music. Embedded applications for MyLink included Pandora, Stitcher and TuneIn. Furthermore,

• For compatible iPhones, Siri Eyes Free Mode could be used to play music, compose text messages, read notifications and add reminders; and,
• The BringGo navigation application could be purchased separately to provide 3D maps, turn-by-turn directions, points of interests and emergency contacts.

November 2014 (‘MY15’) update

In November 2014, the RG.II Colorado cab chassis was updated for the ‘2015 model year’ – changes included:

• Aerodynamic updates and improved door seals to reduce noise and vibration;
• Refinements to the Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) systems;
• The LX variants were renamed LS; and,
• A new Satin Steel Grey paint finish.

July 2016 (‘MY17’) update

Production of the ‘2017 model year’ Holden RG.II Colorado commenced in July 2016 and it was available in Australia from September 2016. The post-July 2016 Holden RG.II Colorado introduced changes in the following areas:

• Body: Holden claimed ‘structural improvements’ provided greater occupant protection in the event of a collision;
• Reduced engine noise: an engine ‘acoustic pack’ consisted of an injector insulator, metal timing cover and an oil-pan insulator, Furthermore, the balance shafts for the engine were re-positioned around 100 mm forward to better offset engine vibrations;
• Reduced vibration: revised engine, transmission and body mounts to reduce vibration, including the introduction of shear mounts (previously compression mounts only). A Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) torque converter was also introduced to reduce noise and vibrations in Colorado vehicles that had automatic transmissions;
• Reduced wind noise: revised roof mouldings, exterior door mirror mounts, door seals, sliding glass channels, B-pillar inserts and a thicker windscreen;
• Suspension: digressive front and rear shock absorbers were introduced to improve ride comfort and the thickness of the front stabiliser bar was increased (from 29/31 mm to 34 mm); and,
• Steering: electric power steering was introduced (previously hydraulic) to reduce fuel consumption and a faster steering rack was introduced. As such, the turns for lock-to-lock were reduced from 3.9 to 3.29.

For post-July 2016 Colorado vehicles that had manual transmissions, the final drive ratio was changed from 3.73:1 to 4.10:1 for improved acceleration.

As noted above, safety equipment for the post-July 2016 Holden Colorado was extended to include a driver’s knee airbag and, for the Colorado LTZ and Z71 variants, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Beyond this,

• The standard ‘MyLink’ infotainment system introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, voice recognition and a digital radio tuner (DAB+); and,
• A rear view camera was available as an option (fitted as standard for the Colorado utility).

2018 Holden Colorado LSX Cab Chassis

The Holden Colorado LSX 4×4 Cab Chassis was released in March 2018. Based on the Colorado LS 4×4 Crew Cab Chassis, the Colorado LSX Crew Cab Chassis was distinguished by its18-inch black alloy wheels, black fender flares and a Genuine Holden Tray produced from ‘heavy duty’ aluminium. Deliveries of the Colorado LSX 4×4 Cab Chassis were limited to 200 vehicles.

Accessories

Extra-cost accessories for the Holden RG.II Colorado cab chassis included an alloy SuperBar, steel bulbar, black nudge and sports bars. Manufactured from structural grade alloy, the Alloy SuperBar was certified by ANCAP to maintain the Colorado Crew Cab’s five star safety rating.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado (March 2014)
• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado (June 2015)
• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado (December 2017)

Related links

• Specifications: Holden RG.II Colorado (October 2013)
• Holden Media: Holden’s MY14 Colorado Range Raises the Bar (October 2013)
• Holden Media: Product Information – MY2014 Holden Colorado (October 2013)
• Holden.com.au: Holden Colorado
• Wikipedia.org: Isuzu D-Max (second generation)