The last of the Sports Cats
The launch of the Series 2 HSV SportsCat was an endorsement of the risky decision to take the performance brand into the crowded high-end ute market.
The company believes the diesel Commodore, available in a liftback form or as a sport wagon, will find favour with fleet operators who want a large, comfortable vehicle with all-round drivability.
Their engines are rated at 400Nm torque from 1750rpm driving through eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency compared to the 2.0L petrol Commodore LT Liftback sees the diesel win by almost 2L/100km (5.5L versus 7.4L).
The Equinox diesel is a more family-orientated proposition in a three-model range, all powered by a 1.6L engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Like the diesel Commodore, the Equinox has fuel-saving auto stop/start technology as standard, and many passive and active safety aids which contribute to its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Equinox line-up starts at the LT, moves to the LTZ and through to the range-topping LTZ-V, the former as a two-wheel drive, whereas the LTZ and LTZ-V are both all-wheel drive.
The Equinox diesel models replicate their petrol siblings in specifications, including heated front seats, built-in sat-nav, remote engine start and front park assist as standard, plus one-touch folding rear seats and four USB charge points throughout the vehicle.
The LTZ steps up specification with 19” alloys, LED headlamps and tail lamps, hands-free power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, front and rear seat heating and a Bose premium audio system. The top-spec LTZ-V ups the ante with a huge two-panel panoramic sunroof, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.
The Equinox and Commodore come with the distributor’s Complete Care package which includes three years free certified servicing, three years roadside assistance and three years warranty.
