The last of the Sports Cats
The launch of the Series 2 HSV SportsCat was an endorsement of the risky decision to take the performance brand into the crowded high-end ute market.
The Holden Colorado Z71 will be seen with new features when the 2020 model arrives at dealerships in November.
These will include wheel-arch fender flares, a new black grille, underbody protection, DuraGuard spray-on tub liner and a soft-drop tailgate.
Said to enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle, the new flares and grille are complemented by the underbody protection, DuraGuard spray-on tub liner and the innovative soft-drop tailgate in the functionality stakes.
In particular, the new tailgate, available exclusively on the updated Colorado Z71 has none of the the traditional thumping ‘drop action’ of tailgates that can catch users unawares.
This is undeniably the hero 4x4 model of the Colorado range.
The new features of the Z71 build on other exclusive features including 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior and heated front seats. The upgrades are included in an unchanged recommended retail price.
In addition, the new Colorado Z71 joins all other new vehicles sold at authorised Holden dealers in having a three-year free scheduled servicing plan, three-year free roadside assistance and three-year free warranty.
In other Holden news, the change in company strategy last September to focus on SUV and LCV, to meet changing consumer preferences, seems to be bearing fruit. The September 2019 result is up 47% compared with the same month last year, achieving a 9.2% market share, which placed the brand in second spot for the month and fourth overall for 2019.
Year to date, all Holden LCV and SUV models have registered substantial growth, attributable to the renewed focus, as shown by Colorado sales up almost 10%, Trax up by more than 40%, Equinox up 50% and Trailblazer up a massive 60%.
Significantly, Acadia was the biggest seller in the large SUV segment for September and Colorado achieved third in segment for the month.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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