HSV Sportscat Killed: GM Ends Right-Hand Drive Production

It had a short run of just two-and-a-bit years, but the HSV Sportscat is no longer as General Motors shuts down global right-hand drive production. On the bright side, there are still some Colorados left for HSV to convert to Sportscats at their Clayton base meaning for now, there are still dealer stock so it’s not too late to grab one.

The Sportscat was a Holden Colorado based ‘truck’ that had lifted suspension and several visual cues to set it apart form the regular Colorado. The Sportscat is better equipped than the Colorado for those who take their 4×4 off the beaten track as its increased ride height, ‘supashock’ suspension, widened tracks and wider tyres cope better with off-roading and harsh terrain.

The series one Sportscat sold 1,400 units in its 18-month run – HSV hopes that the second series will sell as well. Retail pricing puts the Sportscat V manual at $62,490 plus on-road costs (the auto is $64,690) with the upper-spec SV manual at $66,790 (the auto is $68,990) though buyers are set to grab a bargain as GM closes up shop locally.

Unchanged from regular Colorado models, the Sportscat uses a 2.8-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 147kW of power and 440Nm of torque through either a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic.

The upper-spec Sportscat SV adds AP racing brakes which have 4-piston fixed head callipers and a larger brake master cylinder (optional on the Sportscat V) and a rear de-coupling anti-roll bar which gives the car better off-road ability. The interior of the Sportscat is a subtle upgrade to the regular Colorado: there’s heated bucket seats, a sports steering wheel and a stitched dashboard to give a higher quality vibe.

Any Sportscat bought new will still come with its five-year/unlimited kilometre (200,000km for fleet buyers) warranty that will still be honoured.

Should you consider a runout HSV Sportscat?

Those considering a Ford Ranger Raptor, Nissan Navara N-Trek or Toyota HiLux Rugged X should look at a Sportscat and compare as it encompasses the same feeling and ability as its rivals while having an iconic name attached to it and a slight price advantage.