Colorado MY20 range change

Holden has added the LSX trim level to the MY20 Colorado range, and made standard a DuraGuard tub liner to the Z71 and LTZ trims. The top-line Z71 also gets a bash plate and soft-drop tailgate, and the LTZ picks up leather trim with heated front seats. Holden says that 60 percent of buyers fit a tub liner, so it decided to fit one that "delivers a quality fit, and a more functional and better-looking solution for our customers". There's also a range of accessory packs: Tradie, Farmer, Black, Rig and Xtreme, which Holden says are the "result of painstaking customer research".

All MY20 Colorados have seven-inch touchscreens, LED daytime running lights, rear park assist, rear-view camera, and a limited slip differential. The 4X4 range runs from the LS 4X4 single-cab chassis for $37,490 (manual) to the Z71 dual-cab automatic for $57,190, both prices plus on-road costs, and the trim level range for the 4X4s is LS, LSX, LTZ, LTZ+ and Z71.

The 4X4 Colorados have a maximum braked tow capacity of 3500kg with a 350kg towball mass, and there are factory tow kits.

WORDS ROBERT PEPPER

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Mazda's BT-50 ute has a new top-level grade, the BT-50 Boss slotting in above the GT trim. The difference between GT and Boss is a new sound system and a "suite of gloss black accessories". The sound system incorporates four 6.5 Alpine speakers, has 17-inch black wheels, a tonneau cover and a 'Boss' decal for which there's a price rise from $48,990 to $55,990, both prices plus on-roads. That makes the new BT-50 trim line-up XT, XTR, GT and now Boss. The BT-50 4X4 can tow 3500kg with a 350kg towball mass.

BT-50 Boss

The XUV500 is a seven-seater, 2.2-litre petrol SUV with all-wheel drive in some variants, capable of towing 2500kg braked and has a six-speed automatic transmission. Mahindra says it has a "cheetah-inspired exterior", "luxury so grand you won't want to step out again", "brimming with exciting, cutting-edge technology"... and the AWD version costs $34,990 plus on-roads, including a five-year warranty and roadside assist.

The news is that there's a MY20 refresh, which is a bunch of cosmetic enhancements, and the engine has been given a new turbo, now good for 103kW and 320Nm. The suspension has been revised with input from Lotus, which has led to a "dramatic drop in the noise, vibration and harshness inside the cabin". We've not tested or driven this vehicle but it is possible Mahindra has a point when they say you could get a brand-new car with a five-year warranty for less than the price of a second-hand major Japanese wagon.

Mahindra updates the XUV500

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Rumours have been swirling for a while from multiple sources about the 200 Series replacement. We know for sure it's coming, and that Australian testing has been undertaken. We also know it won't be a V8, and that Toyota has publicly committed to 'electrification' of its entire range by 2025, so whatever the 300 Series looks like, it'll definitely have an electric hybrid option either at release or at some point in the future, and given the way V8s are going, it'll probably be a V6. For perspective, I've just finished testing for this publication a Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid that has a 2.0-litre petrol engine ... and its performance is not far off the 2006 Range Rover Sport V8 5.0-litre Supercharged. I wouldn't worry about a lack of performance if two cylinders are lost. We may see the 300 Series in 2020 or 2021.

200 Series replacement

The 200LC – over as we know it     Images credit: Matt Fehlberg

• Victoria is considering lowering rural speed limits from 100 to 80km/h in an attempt to reduce the road fatality rate. It remains to be seen how they balance lower speed with increased journey times and the consequent risk of fatigue.
• There's a new Range Rover Evoque, the launch of which was attended by importantly beautiful people including one wearing a dress made from responsibly-sourced materials used in Evoque. Only the door hinges are the same, and the vehicle is designed for electrification. Max braked tow is 1600kg, towball mass 100kg. From $62,670 plus on-roads.

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