Rally-style concept points to next-generation Colorado.

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Rally-style concept points to next-generation Colorado.

Holden's next-generation Colorado has taken another step towards being revealed in production form after General Motors unveiled its latest preview concept.

The Chevrolet Colorado Rally show ute is the second teaser for GM's new global ute and uses four conventional doors rather than the suicide-style doors of the first concept displayed at the Bangkok motor show last March.

This is also a more aggressive interpretation of the dual-cab ute that will enter Holden showrooms in early 2012, designed as a variant better prepared for the sands of Dakar rather than Bondi.

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The Rally, which was created by GM's South American Design Studio, features go-anywhere additions such as front- and rear-mounted winches, 18-inch wheels with chunky off-road tyres, a beefy roll bar with integrated high-top lights, and adjustable long-travel suspension that can offer an extra five centimetres' clearance at the flick of a switch.

The tray is lined with scratch-resistant protection, with the centrally mounted spare wheel taking pride of place in the loading bay.

But it would seem wise not to store loose items in the tray as the Rally concept is fitted with a perforated - read: it's got gaping holes in it - tailgate to save weight.

The front-end look of the Colorado is differentiated by slimline daytime running lights and an exposed bashplate, and it's easy to imagine a Holden badge sitting on the grille rather than the Chevrolet bow-tie.

Underneath the more muscular-looking bonnet hides a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine.

The interior lives up to the concept's name by fitting a rally-style rollcage and multi-point seatbelts.

Rally raid touches also include hydration packs attached to the back of the front seats and containing food solutions the driver and navigator can suck through a small tube. The satellite navigation system, naturally, is positioned on the dash in front of the navigator's seat.

The new Colorado is scheduled to go into production at the end of this year. It will be built in Argentina for the North America market, but Holden's version is expected to be assembled in Thailand.