HSV Series 2 SportsCat revealed

HSV has sharpened the claws of its SportsCat by adding a generous list of cosmetic enhancements and revising the performance model’s nomenclature. In further good news for buyers, the price hasn’t risen as a result.

No longer known as the SportsCat ‘Look Pack’ and SportsCat+, the Series 2 variants will now be called SportsCat V and SportsCat SV.

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Starting at the front, and the updated model’s fascia, grille and lower inserts have been treated with a gloss black finish – more in line with the limited-run SportsCat RS released earlier this year.

New 18x10-inch six-spoke forged alloy wheels wearing Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Sports A/T rubber reside beneath each corner of the 4x4, while HSV branding has been ramped up, with the logo now slapped on the side and rear of the vehicle’s tub, as well as on the front seat headrests, instrument panel and floor mats. Why? Customer feedback, HSV says.

“Class-leading stature and stance, combined with bold graphics, sum up the design direction we took with the initial SportsCat program,” said HSV’s Chief Designer, Julian Quincey. “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.”

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The cabin has also been refreshed, with HSV Performance pews replacing the leather- and suede-trimmed seats of the outgoing model. Not only is the visual pattern different, the seats now feature Windsor suede inserts and include “substantially enhanced bolsters” for superior comfort and support. To guide you up and down tricky terrain, a new sports profile steering wheel wrapped in leather has been installed.

The Series 2 SportsCat remains mechanically unchanged from the Series 1, meaning both models are powered by a 147kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to a standard six-speed cog-swapper or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

The SportsCat runs a swathe of driving aids – forward collision alert, lane departure warning and front/rear parking assist – as well as HSV Sports Suspension (SupaShock suspension is optional), a limited slip diff, shift-on-the-fly 4WD, and a rear de-coupling anti-roll bar is standard on SV (optional on V). It has 251mm of ground clearance and an approach angle of 32 degrees.

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The SV features an AP Racing premium brake package, which nets it four-piston forged AP Racing brake calipers, 362x32mm diameter rotors and a 25.4mm diameter brake master cylinder. This stopping package is an option on the SportsCat V. HSV also offers the option for buyers to delete the Hard Tonneau and Sports Bar, which will cut $2500 from the RRP. The complete new list of personalisation options can be seen below.

The SportsCat Series 2 will be built at HSV’s production facility in Clayton South, Victoria, with building to commence early this month.

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Recommended Retail Pricing ($A)
SportsCat V (manual): $62,490*
SportsCat SV (manual): $66,790*
* Model pricing quoted is Recommended Retail Pricing and excludes Dealer Delivery and Statutory Charges.

Major Personalisation Options ($A)
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Active Select: $2,200
AP Racing premium brake package (SportsCat V only): $2,295
Rear De-coupling Anti-Roll Bar (SportsCat V only): $2,795
Sail Plane (SportsCat SV only): $1,300
SupaShock suspension: $2,990
Tub-liner: $300
Prestige Paint: (Dark Shadow / Mineral Black / Crush) $550
Delete Hard Tonneau & Sports-bar: (SportsCat V only) ($2,500)