HSV updates Colorado SportsCat for first time

BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 5th Jul 2019

HOLDEN Special Vehicles (HSV) has rejigged its Colorado SportsCat range after 18 months on sale, with the dual-cab pick-up now available in two full-time grades instead of three, both of which feature new styling inside and out, while pricing has held steady for carryover variants.

The unnamed entry-level SportsCat variant has been discontinued due to the rugged styling theme of the flagship SportsCat+ finding more favour with customers and dealers alike.

It was for this reason that HSV permanently introduced the SportsCat+-inspired Look Pack variant in December last year, although the former and latter have been renamed to V and SV respectively as part of this update. The SV nameplate was last used on the company’s Commodore-based models.

As such, the price of entry to the SportsCat line-up has risen by $1700, with the V (nee Look Pack) now kicking off proceedings from an unchanged $62,490 plus on-road costs, while the SV (nee SportsCat+) still commands a $4300 premium.

However, the starting price can be brought down by $2500 if the V’s hard tonneau cover (with load-rail provisions and a quick-release mechanism) and alloy sports bar are deleted together. This option is not offered on the SV, though.

While a six-speed manual transmission is standard on both grades, a six-speed torque-converter automatic unit can be optioned for $2200.

Compared to the previous model, the Series II SportsCat has picked up a gloss-black finish for its grille, front fascia and lower inserts as well as matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels featuring a new split six-spoke design and wrapped in 285/60 Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Sports all-terrain tyres.

Inside, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel has been added, while the Windsor suede-accented HSV Performance seats have been redesigned with a new trim pattern and “substantially enhanced bolsters for superior comfort and support”, according to the company.

Customer feedback also drove the decision to add addition ‘HSV’ branding to the SportsCat, with it now prominently featuring on the sides and rear of its tub as well as on the front seat headrests, instrument cluster and floor mats.

Once again, no upgrades have been made to the Colorado’s 2.8-litre DuraMax turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 147kW of power and either 440Nm (manual) or 500Nm (automatic) of torque.

As reported, the SportsCat range gains several features over the Holden Colorado Z71 grade upon which it is based, including a black bonnet bulge, red recovery hooks, unique black fender flares, black tubular side steps, LED foglights and perforated leather/suede dashboard trim.

It also gets sports suspension (front strut braces, stiffer front springs, revised dampers and raised ride height), but buyers can instead option a SupaShock set-up for $2990.

The SV ups the ante with a rear decoupling anti-roll bar and AP Racing front brakes (362x32mm discs with four-piston callipers) as standard, although they can be optioned on the V for $2795 and $2295 respectively.

Other options include a sail plane ($1300) for the SV and a SportsGuard tub-liner ($300) for both grades. Prestige paintwork (Dark Shadow, Mineral Black and Crush) costs $550.

Standard equipment otherwise includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, DAB+ digital radio, a seven-speaker sound system, climate control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, hill-descent control and seven airbags.

As before, the SportsCat’s braked towing capacity is 3500kg, while its maximum payload is about 1000kg.

Production of the Series II SportsCat will commence early this month at HSV’s facility in Clayton South, Victoria.

2019 HSV Colorado SportsCat pricing*