The end of Australian production of the Holden Commodore could have been the end for its long-time performance partner Holden Special Vehicles.
Without a big Aussie sports sedan to apply its expertise to, what was it to do.
It answered that question quickly, with the announcement that its attention would first turn to a far broader market – light commercials.
More people are buying utes, and they are notorious for driving off the yard with more accessories fitted than any other product.
That’s not to say that HSV has gone merely into the accessories business.
Yes, the SportsCat is based on the Holden Colorado Z71 model but the changes go fairly deep into the vehicle.
New suspension and new brakes underpin the revised looks and accessories packages.
What does remain is Colorado’s drivetrain.
This still puts the model near the top of the performance list – at least for four-cylinder utes.
The 2.8-litre turbocharged Duramax unit produces 147kW and 500Nm in automatic models – 440Nm on manuals.
So that matches the new Ford Raptor for all important torque, and is only 10kW down on outright power.
The six-speed manual and automatic transmissions also remain.
You can still pull the all-important 3500kg braked load.
Inside, the dash, steering wheel and door trims are largely as per the donor unit – aside from an HSV badge on the steering wheel.
Everything is chunky, a little Tonka Toy-esque, and is in need of a refresh – but it works.
The Holden MyLink touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto remains one of the better on offer.
The biggest difference are the seats, resculpted and covered in a leather and suede mix – which also appears in the door panels and across the dash.
The exterior features a unique grille, fascias, fender flairs, tailgate and a locally-sourced hard lid system.
Also fitted to our review car were the optional sailplane, tub liner and clever hanging storage divider and load system.
We love the look – the SportsCat looks big, beefy and reasonably unique from the Colorado.
I like the red tow hooks, although Jeep fans may find them a little too similar to the signature setup of Trailhawk models.
The biggest changes are in the suspension system.
You can have a standard sports shocks setup, or option SupaShocks on the SportsCat+ model.
There is a de-coupling anti-roll bar, a 30mm wider track than the Z71, 45mm taller ride height and retuned electric power steering.
The brakes have had a huge upgrade with the addition of 362mm discs and four-piston AP Racing calipers at the front.
These fit under unique 18-inch wheels, shod with Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Sports All-terrain tyres – the first OEM units from the brand.
And it all works pretty well.
Around town, the SportsCat feels a little firmer than other utes, but hit some corners and it rides flat and stable.
The brakes are very effective – all utes should have stoppers this good.
How expensive can a ute get? Ford has set the new mark with its Raptor model at $84,990.
HSV has managed to stay well under that mark with the entry-level SportsCat model at $73,990, though move up the range and things become tighter.
The + model reviewed is $80,990 – but add the SupaShock suspension and you match the money.
Still, between this and the new American Chevrolet Silverado and Camaro models on its range, HSV’s future appears bright.
