IT’S the most brutal looking 4×4 limited edition to come out of the Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) garage to date, with a bold new look. But there’s still no mechanical upgrades, with the same 147kW/500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel still hiding under the bonnet.
To be known as the SportsCat RS and offered exclusively in Summit White, this special value pack features a range of design enhancements that deliver distinctive street appeal, including a new gloss black grille, lower fascia, inserts and splash tray.
Red and black decals frame the edge of the bonnet while a distinctive red and black “HSV” logo adorns the tub and prominent red and black decals frame the HSV hard tonneau and door sills. The SportsCat RS also features a prominent bonnet bulge.
At the side of the vehicle, rugged wheel arch fender flares frame bold 18-inch 6-spoke forged alloy wheels wrapped in Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Sports All-terrain tyres that provide the perfect balance between off-road capability and on-road ride and handling comfort.
The RS model’s exterior styling enhancements are complemented by an impressive array of features that have pitched HSV’s SportsCat as one of the most dynamic 4×4’s on the market, including a 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select as standard.
A stylish and functional hard tonneau, with load-rail provision and quick-release mechanism, combined with a rugged sports-bar, enhances the vehicles’ sporty profile, while at the rear, a prominent tailgate applique’ makes a bold statement.
Premium SV Sports bucket seats are wrapped in Jasmine leather and Windsor suede, with this trim also adorning the instrument panel. Twin-needle red stitching provides an added highlight, also featuring on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and door trims.
Branded floor mats round off the interior styling and comfort package. Contributing to the SportsCat RS driving dynamics are HSV Sports Suspension, a unique ESC and MTV damper tune (designed to deliver a more performance-based handling characteristic).
HSV has also added a widened wheel track and increased front ride height that, in addition to reducing the vehicle’s overall rake, delivers superior ground clearance for extreme off-roading.
A premium AP Racing brake package, featuring (front) 4-piston forged brake calipers and 362mm x 32mm diameter rotors, will also be available as a factory option, delivering a class-leading level of stopping power (and driver confidence) in all braking situations.
A full safety complement, including seven airbags, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, trailer sway control, front & rear park assist and a rear-view camera, completes an enviable on and off road package.
Pricing for the SportsCat RS starts from just $63,990 plus on-roads, with production strictly limited to 100 units – 94 for Australia and 6 for New Zealand. Build is due to commence at HSV’s new production facility in Clayton South, Victoria, this month.
The AP Racing premium brake package is $1,995 extra while a tub-liner (yes you really have to buy one if you want one), is $300. Do you rate the new look HSV SportsCat RS? Tell us in the comments below.
