Revealed – First Look at Holden’s New Colorado 7
The first images of Holden’s tough new off-roader – the Colorado 7 4WD SUV – in its Chevrolet guise have been released ahead of the global reveal of the production vehicle at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand.
The all-new seven-seater Holden Colorado 7, based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer, will be the first heavy-duty 4WD SUV to wear a Holden badge in almost a decade.
The Holden Colorado 7 shares its architecture and underpinnings with the new-generation Colorado Light Commercial Vehicle, which arrives in Australia mid-year.
Holden Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said the growing popularity of SUVs in Australia would ensure the new Colorado 7 had a ready-made fan base when it is launched at the end of 2012.
“Australians are buying more SUVs than ever before, and we’ve seen this demand reflected in the growing popularity of our Series II Captiva range,” Elsworth said.
“The Colorado 7 will be a perfect fit for customers looking for the increased packaging flexibility and lifestyle benefits of clever interior storage, seven seats and rugged off-road performance.
“Developed to deliver everything Australians could want from a tough 4WD, with coil-sprung five-link rear suspension and a competitive 3-tonne towing capacity the Colorado 7 will be an impressive addition to our SUV line-up.
“Its heavy-duty 4WD credentials and refined driving characteristics make it equally at home in the suburbs and off the beaten track.”
The Trailblazer will feature on the Chevrolet stand at the Bangkok International Motor Show from 28 March.
Holden will release official Colorado 7 product information, specification and pricing details closer to launch.
Holden’s Mid-sized Sedan Revealed
Holden’s new medium sedan, the Malibu, has made its international debut at the Shanghai Auto Show and via high-definition web broadcast.
The reveal, conducted by Holden’s sister brand, Chevrolet, saw the veil lifted on the stylish new-generation model that will be sold in up to 100 countries including Australia next year.
To be powered by a range of efficient 4-cylinder engines, Malibu will be highlighted by advanced exterior and interior design, exceptional ride and handling and outstanding safety features.
Its exterior design has taken inspiration from Chevrolet’s iconic Camaro and Corvette muscle cars, with a wide stance, broad shoulders and integrated spoiler giving it impressive on-road presence.
Inside, a spacious, dual-cockpit interior is finished with the extensive use of premium materials, including soft-touch and textured surfaces and ice-blue ambient lighting along the centre stack dials, instrument panel and storage pockets.
Malibu will offer the reassurance of a comprehensive range of safety features and has been extensively tested on a wide range of road surfaces and conditions around the world.
Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said Malibu reflected the same focus on quality and advanced technology as seen in the globally successful Cruze small car.
“Malibu will represent another major step forward in the Holden product offensive when it arrives late next year, filling a gap in our model line-up between our leading Cruze and Commodore models,” Mr Elsworth said.
“We think it will really hit the mark. From the Camaro-inspired exterior design and sleek interior to the dynamic performance capabilities, it is another great example of the sophistication we’re building into our new-generation global vehicles.
“We’ll offer high-performing fuel-efficient engines, a high level of safety and a range of features and technologies to appeal to customers in the competitive mid-size segment.”
Holden will release details specific to the Malibu model sold sold in Australia closer to its local launch in 2012.