HSV Sportscat
Like Holden, Aussie tuning house HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) has had to reinvent itself. If the new Colorado-based Sportscat TD DC ute is anything to go by, that isn’t such a bad thing.
Subtle is hardly a word you would associate with any Commodore-based HSV product. Yet that’s the word that keeps popping into my mind when I think of the Melbournebased tuner and bespoke manufacturer’s latest ground-breaking model. I recently enjoyed just over a week driving a pretty much’ top-of-the-line’ Sportscat+ model with a hint of HSV magic on or offroad; and ‘subtle’ is the best word I can come up with to describe it. The ‘top-of-the-line’ Sportscat+ sounds no different to the standard 2.8 litre fourcylinder turbo diesel from the Colorado ute on which it is based. Nor does it accelerate quicker, punch harder or otherwise out-perform a base model Colorado because – shock, horror – the Sportscat and Sportscat+ models must (surely!) be the first HSVS to land on showroom floors with absolutely no (none, zero, nil, nada) engine mods. There are two models in the new line-up, the Sportscat with RRPS of $73,990 (man) and $75,990 (auto), and the Sportscat+ (as tested here) with RRPS of $80,990 (man) and $82,990 (auto). Both get wholesale upgrades to the chassis, suspension, brakes, wheels and interior. The Sportscat+ also gets a trick de-coupling rear anti-roll bar for greater rear wheel articulation, plus the cost option of a set of larger, remote-reservoir-equipped Supashock shock absorbers. Stiffer front springs and re-calibrated MTV (multi-tuned valve) dampers as well as a 25mm increase in ride height, gives a flatter, more natural on-road stance, plus incremental improvements in both ground clearance and approach angles. Along with these changes come recalibrated ESC and TCS electronics to allow a little more slippage, while stopping power comes via the AP Racing-based upgraded master cylinder, way larger (by over 60mm) rotors and four-piston caliper front disc brake package. Filling the wheel arches are some suitably Hsv-spec, negative off-set (for a wider track) forged 18 x 10 alloy wheels shod with Cooper Zeon LTZ Sports A/T tyres developed by Cooper specifically for the two Sportscats. Higher ride height (by 36mm over a Holden-badged Colorado) and 30mm wider track/broader-shoulders, the two Sportscats can be distinguished by their all-new noses (each model has a distinctive grille), LED fog lamps, contrasting (silver) valence/sumpguards and functional (bright red) tow hooks. With a bonnet bulge and ‘cut-out’ fender flares, the Sportscats come complete with Nz-made quick release, lockable (and linked to the smart key’s central locking function) hard tray covers with provision for load rails, plus a soft-shut tailgate. The Hsv-modded seats, heated and the driver’s one at least, electrically adjustable, front seats) are stunning; so much more accommodating and all-day comfortable than most others exmanufacturer you will want a set for your front room. Ride on (and yes also off) the road is also a cut above the industry standard, which is where the value of letting a bunch of chassis and suspension experts loose on a Colorado comes in. HSV has effectively future-proofed its business. By starting with chassis, suspension and styling modes it has also created a solid base on which to add some icing in the form of engine mods (or swaps!) in years to come.