 Holden Colorado |
VS |  Volkswagen Amarok |
Welcome to the 2012 Volkswagen Amarok Vs 2013 Holden Colorado comparison. The Holden Colorado shares its construction and technology with the Isuzu D-Max while the Amarok is a clean sheet design from Volkswagen. Note that unlike the Ford/Mazda twins the Holden/Isuzu twins are configured noticeably differently eg. engines and transmission.
To its credit the Amarok does look different to all the utes and other light commercial vehicles currently on the market. Sure it is conservative and looks dated but it is a great first time effort. The Holden Colorado is a completely new model but it strangely has similar design touches to the current Toyota Hilux at certain angles. The front is a derivative of the Chevrolet signature face which looks good in isolation.
The Colorado has a modern 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine with plenty of torque and similar power to the Amarok but its not a huge difference considering the larger engine capacity. At least it doesn’t have the ‘treat them stupid’ multiple but same engine options like the Amarok which is a literal $$$ rip off. The other mechanical feature of the Colorado is that the 2WD version have the same ride height as the 4WD which is great feature. If you like the 4WD look but don’t need the extra bits then this is the car or its twin to buy.
The Holden Colorado’s interior is an OK place to be but it is definitely lower (the bottom end actually) on the first impressions than other utes. It’s design and materials are bare bones commercial than private buyer compared to the Amarok. Almost all the off road and safety and in car entertainment technology is in the Colorado it just needs more presentation and refinement. It presents its self as older in design than say the Hilux and more Triton. The lack of storage and/or ability to easily add communications and other 3rd part equipment is disappointing
Purely due to the disappointing presentation on the inside, it’s recommended retail price is difficult to justify especially compared to other manufacture’s new releases. On the other hand the Amarok’s price and on going maintenance is hard to justify as well.
In the end the Amarok is the winner compared to the Colorado even without resorting to the test drive which as we understand is not front running (Colorado). That said we wouldn’t choose either – for now. Instead we say focus on the Ford Ranger if you want a new model and Hilux for value for money.
| Holden Colorado | Volkswagen Amarok |
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| Engines | |
| Automatic 2.8 Litre (2776cc) Diesel Turbo charged with intercooler Claimed 132Kw @ 3800 RPM Claimed 440Nm @ 2000 RPM |
TSI300 2 Litre (1968cc) Petrol DOHC 16 Valve with EFI Turbo charged with intercooler Claimed 118Kw @ 3800 RPM Claimed 300Nm @ 1600 RPM |
| Manual 2.8 Litre (2776cc) Diesel Turbo charged with intercooler Claimed 132Kw @ 3800 RPM Claimed 440Nm @ 2000 RPM |
CDBA TDI340 2 Litre (1968cc) Diesel DOHC 16 Valve with EFI Direct Injection – Common Rail Turbo charged with intercooler Claimed 90Kw @ 3750 RPM Claimed 340Nm @ 1750 RPM |
| DDBA TDI400 2 Litre (1968cc) Diesel DOHC 16 Valve with EFI Direct Injection – Common Rail Turbo charged with intercooler Claimed 120Kw @ 4000 RPM Claimed 400Nm @ 1500-2000 RPM |
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| DDBA TDI420 (TBA) 2 Litre (1968cc) Diesel DOHC 16 Valve with EFI Direct Injection – Common Rail Turbo charged with intercooler Claimed 132Kw @ 4000 RPM Claimed 420Nm @ 1500 RPM |
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| Weight | |
| FROM Approx 2000Kg Towing capacity up to 3500kg |
FROM 2047 Kg Towing capacity up to 2800kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 76 litres Diesel 9.3 lts per 100km (Auto) |
Up to 80 litres IL4 Diesel 7.9 lts per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 speed Auto or 5 speed Manual Overall height/width 1780/1882 Overall length/wheelbase 5347/3096 Tray Lxxxxmm x Wxxxxmm x Dxxxxmm Total payload capability 500kg (Approx) ANCAP safety rating 4/5 |
6 speed manual or 8 speed Auto Overall height/width 1835/1954 Overall length/wheelbase 5254/3095 Tray L1555 x W1222-1620 x D508 mm Total payload capability 500kg (Approx) NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover N/A Minimum ground clearance xxmm Water Fording depth N/A 4WD system: Part time 4WD High & Low range |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach 28 Departure 23 Breakover N/A Minimum ground clearance 429mm Water Fording depth 500mm Max All Wheel Drive or 2WD |
| Performance | |
| 0-100kph 11.1secs (TDI400) | |
| Pricing | |
| 2012 $42,990 – 51,990 AUD (4WD Dual cab) *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |
2012 $43,990 – 58,990 AUD (4WD dual cab only) 2012 FROM $29,990 – AUD (2WD only) |