Any Better Than a Colorado ?

**Frankenstrat** · 13-05-2011, 11:31 AM

My boss recently test drove an Amarok, and he was underwhelmed, he currently drives a Navara dual cab. He's a big fan of VW, and I encouraged him to have a go in the 'Rok, but he didn't like the drive and handling.

**flyingfridge** · 13-05-2011, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Frankenstrat

, but he didn't like the drive and handling.

That certainly makes him a member of the minority, everyone coming through here absolutely loves it.

**kil0watt** · 13-05-2011, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by sh|tbmxrider

Not even put together by Holden, Isuzu build the damn things in the same factory as D-Max

I have had 3 D-Max's... and apart from them being a little agricultural, with a few annoying issues (squeek from front suspension, broke the lid off the centre console) they were, for the most part, a nice truck. I am sure the Amarok is nicer to drive. Will it be as durable as the D-Max? Only time will tell(if we stand this test of time)

FWIW: the 3 D-Max's were driven (company cars) for 6 months each, all got to 40k

There is alot of wrong information out there regarding the Isuzu/Colorado engine specs,who build's what and so on, if you email Isuzu you'll find that the Colorado is built in the same factory however the people that put it together on the line are not from the Isuzu camp and vice versa. So no the Colorado is not put together by Isuzu as such. If you drive them both they have small characteristics which make them behave differently, they are not identical underneath.

**sh|tbmxrider** · 14-05-2011, 12:56 AM

Originally Posted by kil0watt

There is alot of wrong information out there regarding the Isuzu/Colorado engine specs,who build's what and so on, if you email Isuzu you'll find that the Colorado is built in the same factory however the people that put it together on the line are not from the Isuzu camp and vice versa. So no the Colorado is not put together by Isuzu as such. If you drive them both they have small characteristics which make them behave differently, they are not identical underneath.

Err?

I had the pleasure of having the D-Max's at my old job. That particular dealer group also had a Holden franchise, as well as the Isuzu Ute franchise.... Thru a lack of stock of D-Max's one month, the Service manager at my dealership got given a Diesel Colorado.

Chucked em both up on hoists. Same diesel engine, same gearbox, same diffs, same chassis, same wheels, same brakes, same cab shell, same dash...different front end treatment, different badging... And you can get a Petrol Anchortech 3.6 in the Colorado.

**sh|tbmxrider** · 14-05-2011, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by Transporter

Hmm, many "1/2 emty glass" type people here. I'd like to bring a bit of optimism in the discussion.
Our 2008 Touareg done over 50,000km and is very reliable, solid as rock, no wander they won last 3 Dakar rallyes, the last one was from start to finish and the competetion didn't stand a chance.

Amarok is built from the same parts bins, so I would expect durability there, the 4 cylinder engine is well proven and I'm sure it will be OK under the Amarok's bonnet.

Just like the BMW X3 Rallye Raid vehicles are long way from a X3 of road going specification, or a V8 Supercar Commodore/Falcon is far away from a SSV/XR8.... The Touareg Dakar is a long way from a Touareg your or I can buy... Still a great car, but a Dakar Special it aint...

**Transporter** · 14-05-2011, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by sh|tbmxrider

Just like the BMW X3 Rallye Raid vehicles are long way from a X3 of road going specification, or a V8 Supercar Commodore/Falcon is far away from a SSV/XR8.... The Touareg Dakar is a long way from a Touareg your or I can buy... Still a great car, but a Dakar Special it aint...

Oh, I know that. What I mean is, that they have the same DNA.

**phaeton** · 14-05-2011, 09:22 AM

Square up some errors-

-D-Max (Isuzu) is built in a separate plant to the Colorado (GM Rayong Plant).

-I agree with the statement that Amarok has Dakar technology, BiTDI is a product from the Dakar.

**kil0watt** · 14-05-2011, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by sh|tbmxrider

Err?

I had the pleasure of having the D-Max's at my old job. That particular dealer group also had a Holden franchise, as well as the Isuzu Ute franchise.... Thru a lack of stock of D-Max's one month, the Service manager at my dealership got given a Diesel Colorado.

Chucked em both up on hoists. Same diesel engine, same gearbox, same diffs, same chassis, same wheels, same brakes, same cab shell, same dash...different front end treatment, different badging... And you can get a Petrol Anchortech 3.6 in the Colorado.

I realize this as i've had experience with them both. My point was that they are not simply identical clones fitted with different badges and front ends. There ARE differences such as better headlights in the D-max, different aircon gear, different computers, different trim and gauges in the current d-max. Anyways it's all off topic, the original post was whether the Amarok is any better than the Colorado and the answer is yes! Why you ask.......because it cost more and has a euro badge so it must be better! The best dual cab ute is the one you can afford that YOU like best be it a great wall, Colorado or a Amarok.