What might have been

COLOUR COORDINATED DOWN TO THE SHOVEL HANDLE... The Colorado concept has been designed for its visual appearance as much as its performance. Photos: Steve Hutcheson

During the last days of GMH operations in Australia, the design teams at their Fishermans Bend headquarters were still putting together a stable of concept vehicles that might have stormed onto the Australian market. Unfortunately, the company closed before that could happen.

One of those vehicles was the tricked-out Holden Colorado, a four-wheeled drive, off-road vehicle that was put together to be the optimum comfort vehicle in the off-road market.

More than an off-road vehicle, the Colorado was primed to be the upmarket, Toorak tractor with a matt finish and features that were designed to impress.

The cabins exude a higher-quality and more refined presence, better to take-on the competition that included the Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Modifications include an upgraded eight-inch colour touchscreen, improved upholstery material and  wood door appliqués with steel inserts and chrome detailing.

18-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres are an attempt to give the Colorado ute a wider and more planted stance.

Other accessories take in some of the Australian Holden-designed off-road accessories, such as a ‘Safari’ bar, snorkel, sports bar with a styled in-fill panel, roof basket with LED light bar, side steps, rear-step tow bar, and wheel arch flares.

However, with the closure of the Holden manufactured vehicles, this Colorado is not to be, and that’s a shame.