By John Oxley

Do you go plunging off-road for fun at weekends, or have to plough through deep mud or sand to get to work, or do your work? If the answer is “No” but you still want a double cab ute, well maybe you should have a look at a 2WD version.

Yes, you reply, but they look so “Tradie” with their low stance and lack of trim. I want something that still looks chunky and tough like a 4WD, even if it isn’t, and offers decent comfort levels.

Perhaps Holden has the answer for you, in the shape of the rear-wheel drive only Colorado LT.

You could certainly do a lot worse. The LT is just one step down from the luxuriously-equipped LTZ, and to be quite frank, there’s not a lot missing!

It gets the same five-star ANCAP safety rating, the excellent Holden MyLink infotainment system with Bluetooth, the same seven-inch touch screen, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, carpets, and front fog lamps.

Most important, though, it also gets the same 2.8-litre DOHC four-cylinder turbo-diesel as other automatics in the range, pushing out a lusty 147kW at 3,600rpm, and a stump-pulling 500Nm of torque at 2,000rpm.

Manual versions get a slightly down-torqued version with 440Nm.

However, all have a massive towing capacity of 3,500kg with a braked trailer, among the very best in the land.

Both 4x2 and 4x4 versions of the LT have six-speed automatic gearboxes with manual change option, but the interesting difference between them is their fuel consumption, with the 2WD version 3.5 percent better at 8.8L/100km.

Naturally, being lighter the 4x2 version also has a better power-to-weight for slightly quicker and crisper acceleration and overtaking.

The whole Colorado range came in for an upgrade just before the end of last year, with the more powerful engine, as well as new grey door trim for the LT.

This, together with other tweaks to the interior, have resulted in a much better “feel” to the inside, and it’s certainly well put together, with no hints of rattles or squeaks.

Improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are obvious from the first you set off in the vehicle, and it all just feels right.

One of the important features on the Colorado, given its prodigious towing capacity, is the standard fitment of trailer sway control (TSC), and this will be even more important on the 2WD version than it is on the 4x4.

The TSC is part of the ESP stability programme package, which also means traction control is another standard item. And there’s also high descent control as well as hill start assist.

Having a high riding suspension means you get the benefits of sitting above the traffic rather than in it. It also means better ground clearance. Add all of the above together, and the Colorado becomes a vehicle you can take further off the beaten track than your average 2WD ute!

As we mentioned, the LT has most of the features the LTZ has. There are a few exceptions, but to be quite frank, I prefer to be without some of them. Side steps, for instance, you can keep they just get damaged. And same with the “sports bar,” which isn’t strong enough to offer proper rollover protection, and just limits loadability. I prefer the LT’s guard frame window protector.

I’d like electric seats, but to be frank, how often do you actually adjust your seats? The LT has manual adjustment, and I’m OK with that. And both versions get a rear seat centre armrest, and flip-up back seats so you can load stuff inside the vehicle. Yes, I’d like a rearview camera, but there are some good aftermarket specials around. And there ARE parking sensors, which help a lot.

You DO get cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with satellite controls for the audio, cruise control, and phone, plus aircon, electric windows, and remote locking.

All-in-all, a good all-round package.

Specifications:

Body type                        Four-door utility         

Drive                               Rear wheels

Engine type                     Inline four-cyl. turbo-diesel

Engine capacity               2,776cc

Max power                       147kW/3,600rpm

Max torque                      500Nm/2,000rpm

Fuel consumption             8.8L/100km

C02 emissions                 229g/km

Front suspension             Independent double wishbone, coils

Rear suspension              Live axle, leaf springs

ABS brakes                     Yes

Air bags                           Six

Stability programme         Yes

Air conditioning                Yes

Lap/diagonal belts            Five

Satellite navigation           No

Electric seats                   No

Burglar alarm                    Yes  

Boot release                    N/A

Cargo cover                     No

Wheel type                       16 inch alloy

Spare tyre                        16 inch alloy

ANCAP rating                   Five stars

Price                                $47,990