Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme: Hands-on review

From asphalt to outback: we got hands-on with the new Holden Colorado Xtreme to see how it handles. Would we have to use the winch?

Holden has taken the Colorado and turned it up to 11 with an array of add-ons that will have the kid inside all of us grinning. But have these additions compromised the ride and handling of the Xtreme? We headed out to Coober Pedy to test it out in some of Australia's toughest terrain.

Pricing and features

To buy the new Holden Colorado Xtreme, you’re looking at an outlay of $69,990. This is roughly a $12,000 increase on the top-of-line Holden Colorado Z71. However, the Xtreme boasts over $19,000 worth of genuine Holden accessories.

Features

These are some of the features you'll get with the Xtreme that aren't fitted to the Z71:

• Winch bar with integrated winch
• LED light bar
• Vehicle recovery kit
• Complete towing package
• Roof tray kit
• Rear steel step
• Front suspension kit
• Fender Flares
• Colorado branding on tailgate
• Xtreme branding decal
• Black tubular side step package
• Black grille
• Soft tonneau cover
• Bonnet bulge
• 18” Goodyear all terrain tyres Wrangler 256/60R18
• Black Extended sports bar

Does it look extreme?

Yes. The Colorado Z71 Xtreme certainly lives up to its name visually. Straight off the factory floor, it looks like a fully modified off-roader dream. We’ll let the pictures below tell the story.

What powers the Xtreme?

The Xtreme continues with the same 2.8 Litre Duramax Diesel as the rest of the Colorado range. As a result, it also maintains a class-leading 3,500kg towing capacity. However, it is worth noting that the payload is going to take a hit when compared to the Z71 (which is rated at 1,000kg) due to the added weight from the accessories.

Going off the beaten track

Coober Pedy is a town I have always wanted to visit. But to be completely honest, I wasn’t aware of the roads that lay ahead.

Driving through the streets of Coober Pedy, the Colorado handled just like any other car. It was easy to maneuver and quiet in the cabin for a diesel vehicle. There isn’t too much asphalt around Coober Pedy, so we headed off road as far north as Oodnadatta to see if the Xtreme’s new additions had much of an impact on handling.

We largely drove on gravel and dirt and the Xtreme handled it well. It was also able to cope with constantly changing surfaces with ease. The 4WD system kept the vehicle in check and us in control at all times.

Locals told us the roads were the most corrugated they have been in a long time during our visit. Despite that, the ride was actually quite comfortable. You were aware of what you were driving on, but were surprised (and happy) that your head wasn’t putting dents in the roof. It was equally comfortable travelling as a passenger.

Just as impressive was how the car, with added weight at the front, handled crests and raised cattle grids (which we may or may not have slowed down for). Despite the potential for being seriously shaken up, we seemingly floated over them. This is something that vehicle development manager Jeremy Tassone is particularly happy with.

“The proudest thing I have is how easy it is to drive a Colorado on those roads," he told Finder. "And not all cars feel as connected or as safe and sure-footed as that does today”.

After hours of constant shaky, gravel roads and general punishing conditions, we returned to the bitumen in Coober Pedy. The first thing I noticed is that the vehicle hadn’t developed any rattles, and I’m not going to lie, I expected some.

One of the most intriguing features of the Holden Colorado Xtreme is the winch system, which is essential for rescuing bogged vehicles. Fortunately for us we didn’t have to use this in a real-life scenario, but did get to see it in use.

Removing a bogged Colorado from the top of a dirt mound was no issue for the winch and nylon line combination, which is capable of handling up to 10,000lb. It's also designed to ensure the safety of the operator while winching.

What if you don’t go off-road often?

Gone are the days when 4x4 utes were only driven by tradies. These are fast becoming the family car as well.

With a well laid-out leather interior, the Colorado Xtreme has a much more premium cabin than you might think based on its exterior.

And there’s no need to worry about the Crew Cab if you have a large family or regularly have people in the back. I'm just over 6 foot tall, and there was leg room to spare in the back as well as storage space in the door for bottles and smaller items.

Apple Carplay and Android Auto is accessible through the same 8” touchscreen MyLink system as the LTZ and Z71 Colorado models.

Built-in tech means that getting around the city isn’t a tough task:

• Forward collision alert with head up warning
• Electronic stability control & traction control
• Front park assist
• Rear park assist
• Rear view camera
• Hill start assist

It is worth noting that forward collision alert is different to AEB (auto emergency braking) which isn’t available on the Colorado.

The Finder verdict

The Holden Colorado z71 Xtreme is a unique and aggressive-looking vehicle that has some serious off-roading credentials. With a winch as standard along with a plethora of other additions, the Xtreme can take on the harshest conditions and get yourself or others out of sticky situations should they arise.

This model is also covered by Holden's 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, meaning you won't need to rely on third parties if you have issues with the included accessories.

If you love your four wheel driving, then it is worth considering the Xtreme.

Disclosure: Alex Jeffs travelled to Coober Pedy as a guest of Holden.