Upgraded HSV SportsCat dual-cab ute revealed

Beefy dual-cab utes are hot property and Holden Special Vehicles has updated its tough machine with crucial upgrades.

This stylish dual-cab ute aims to be the baddest looking truck on the road.

HSV has unveiled the SportsCat Series 2 dual-cab ute, based on the Holden Colorado.

The brand is cashing in on Australia’s unquenchable desire for top-end dual-cabs. The two top selling utes in the country — Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger — have numerous glossy versions.

HSV SportsCat Series 2 is a beefed up version of the Holden Colorado.

The upgrades are mainly focused on cosmetic revisions. HSV chief designer Julian Quincey says: “We wanted our design to look strong and purposeful, yet beautifully integrated. The enhancements we’ve introduced with Series 2 accentuate that theme and deliver a road presence that’s truly distinctive and unique.”

Highlights include new 18-inch alloy wheels, more conspicuous HSV branding, HSV performance seats and sports steering wheel.

HSV has also simplified the variant names with the SportsCat V and SportCat SV replacing the SportsCat Look Pack and SportsCat+.

The HSV SportsCat Series 2 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

The top-shelf SV’s mechanical enhancements include a rear decoupling anti-roll bar that improves the driving performance at higher speeds and off-road, as well as beefier brakes. These features can be optioned on the cheaper S version.

With these upgrades, HSV chief engineer Trevor Barallon believes, the SportsCat will drive like no other ute on the market.

Prices are unchanged. The S starts at $62,490 (before on-roads) and the SV costs $66,790, both manual. Automatic transmission adds $2200.

The SportsCat remains competitive with similarly priced rivals, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak ($60,790) and Toyota HiLux Rogue ($61,690).

Power comes from a 2.8-litre turbo diesel (147kW/500Nm) that drives all four wheels.

But the SportsCat isn’t just about looks — it can also haul a decent load with a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a payload of about one tonne.

Production of the updated SportsCat is due to start soon at HSV’s Victorian factory.