Meet the 2020 HSV SportsCat – the Go Anywhere Colorado

HSV took a risk by transforming the Colorado, but it is proving to be one of the most rewarding choices they have made since its modifications of its former V8 Commodores. In order to compete with popular trucks such as the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the Toyota HiLux Rugged X, HSV took the Colorado to all new heights, literally, gave it an all new look and rebadged it the SportsCat. If you are looking for a midsize pickup with HSV performance, the 2020 HSV SportsCat is the truck for you!

The HSV SportsCat begins as a Colorado Z71, but that is where the similarity ends. HSV adds a unique front fascia with gloss black trim, a new grille and lower inserts, fender flares, 285/60R18 Cooper Zeon all-terrain tyres and tough-looking forged alloy wheels. The hood gets a black matte scoop plus there are tubular step bumpers, a hard tonneau cover with alloy sports bar as well as a plethora of HSV badges and stickers. Changes are also made to the front and rear suspension that adds 45mm additional ground clearance overall. The front and rear suspension is also tuned to give the SportsCat an aggressive off-road stance that makes even the full-size off-road trucks jealous.

Inside the HSV SportsCat is kicked up quite a bit from the Colorado as well with heated leather and suede trimmed front bucket seats, leather and suede trimmed dash, and a leather wrapped telescoping steering wheel. The seats not only look good, they are even more supportive than the stock seats of the Z71 giving you comfort whether you are driving to work or hiking the nearest off-road trail. You also get the creature comforts of an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear vision camera. There is also ample back seat space for passengers or cargo that you would rather keep inside the cab. This is one advantage that transforming the Colorado to the SportsCat did not change making it a commodity amongst the mid-size truck community.

Open up the hood of the 2020 HSV SportsCat and you will find a 2.8-litre turbo diesel that offers up 147kW of power with 500Nm of torque. While it is a bit gritty it still provides the power and torque one wants when they want it. Stopping the SportsCat are four-piston AP Racing brakes with 362mm by 32mm rotors with an upgraded master cylinder. You also have a full-range 4WD system that in 4L gives you all you need to power out of nearly any situation. The SportsCat is also equipped with seven airbags including dual row curtain airbags. Not only is the 2020 HSV SportsCat a force to be reckoned with off-road, it maintains the made in Australia vibe HSV is known for. Whether you are hill-climbing or pavement pounding, the SportsCat looks good and is all around fun to drive and fun to be seen in. It may not be a full-size truck but that does not mean it does not have full-size qualities and a definite full-size attitude. With a price of about $71,000 US ($104,600 AUS), obviously these muscle cars are not for everyone. If you want fuel economy, this Mustang is definitely on the wrong end of the spectrum. If you want to go fast, have fun and drive as if you do not have a care in the world, then yes, this is the car for you. They are fast, fun and definitely the fastest production Ford on the planet.