Holden, Ford fire fresh shots in ute war

Sports-minded models based on the Ranger and Colorado give buyers new options as sales competition heats up.

HSV has updated its SportsCat for 2019, adding new wheels to the machine.

With the rivalry between Ford’s Falcon and the Holden Commodore consigned to history, dual-cab utes have become the main battleground for the longstanding foes.

Second only to the Toyota HiLux on the sales charts, the Ford Ranger is a smash hit with Aussie buyers.

Cosmetic changes feature on the Ford Ranger Sport.

The blue oval hopes to build on its appeal with a new Ford Ranger Sport model aimed at younger buyers. Black paint on the grille, wheels, badges and elsewhere adds a touch of menace, while driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and pedestrian recognition help keep you out of trouble.

The Ranger Sport is significantly cheaper than Ford’s Raptor ute.

Priced from $52,940 plus on-road costs, the Ranger Sport sits just below the popular Ranger XLT.

Holden fans will need to spend a little more to get hold of the new HSV SportsCat.

Based on the Holden Colorado, the SportsCat has been updated for 2019 with similar touches including blacked-out elements, new HSV logos and sports seats.

The SportsCat features the same 147kW/500Nm engine as Holden’s Colorado.

New 18-inch wheels also feature, while Supashock suspension, AP Racing brakes and a disconnectable anti-roll bar are now optional on the cheaper Sportscat V priced from $62,490 plus on-roads. Buyers who want one with the lot can get hold of $66,790 plus on-roads.