HSV SportsCat Series 2 pricing and spec: Ranger Raptor-hunting performance ute updated

HSV’s SportsCat has just been updated, with the brand unveiling the Series 2 version of its Ford Ranger Raptor-fighting, performance-focused ute. 

We're not talking huge wholesale changes, though, with the update more a nip-and-tuck that focuses on equipment over added performance.

Chief among the changes is a new-look lineup, with HSV ditching it existing names (SportsCat, Look Pack and SportsCat+) in favour of a two-model lineup now called the SportsCat V and SV.

There has been some tinkering with the exterior design, with the SportsCat adopting a gloss-black grille and fascia as standard, and a set of 18-inch, six-spoke forged-alloy wheels, wrapped in all-terrain rubber. 

Inside, you'll find new HSV Performance seats (which the brand says provide larger bolsters, along with Windsor suede inserts), and a new leather-wrapped steering wheel.

While the SportsCat always stood out on the road, you'll have even less trouble spotting one now.

HSV says it listened to customer feedback in shaping the refreshed model, and that key among the requests was more HSV branding. And so you’ll find the logo stamped on the floor mats, seat backs and the glovebox, as well as stickers on the side and rear of the tray.

“Class-leading stature and stance, combined with bold graphics, sum up the design direction we took with the initial SportsCat program,” says 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.”

Elsewhere, though, the SportsCat still serves up the same power as its Holden Colorado donor vehicle, with a 2.8 litre Duramax turbo-diesel engine that offers 147kW and 500Nm (or 440Nm with a manual).

The SportsCat arrives with a six-speed manual as standard, but can be optioned with a six-speed auto (which also unlocks that extra torque).

Where HSV has weaved its magic, though, is in the ride and handling, with the SportsCat still arriving with unique sports suspension and a stiffer front spring rate designed to help the ute sit flatter through corners, and to serve up less body roll. The SportsCat's ride height has been lifted by 45mm at the front to aid in ground clearance and approach angle when off-roading, and SV models also get a de-coupling anti-roll bar, while all SportsCats get on-the-fly 4WD, a limited-slip differential and a sump guard.

The SV trim also gets better brakes, with HSV fitting AP Racing calipers at the front, along with increasing the size of the rotors and brake master cylinder to deliver what it calls "a class-leading level of stopping power". SupaShock suspension is a $2990 option.

You'll still find seven airbags, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera as part of the safety kit, while a hard tonneau, automatic headlights and wipers, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and heated front seats appear on the standard features list, too.

The SportsCat V carries an RRP of $62,490, while the SV ups the price to $66,790. That's with a manual gearbox; a six-speed automatic adds $2200 to the sticker price. But HSV points out that you can delete the standard hard tonneau and sports bar on the V model, dropping the manual starting price to $59,990.

By comparison, the Ford Ranger Raptor lists at $75,990.

Does the HSV SportsCat have the Ranger Raptor licked? Tell us in the comments below.