The all-new Chevrolet Trailblazer is a breath of fresh air in a market flooded by the Toyota Fortuner, where the Ford Everest makes up the numbers and where the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has arguably become a bit stale.
The Trailblazer started life as specification level for the U.S.-market Chevrolet Blazer SUV in 1999 and became its own separate model in 2002. Until 2009 the Chev Trailblazer could be had with a choice of V6 and V8 petrol engines, as well as in 5- or 7-seat configuration. General Motors discontinued the model in 2009, as the GMT360 platform upon which it was based was deemed too costly to continue to develop. The arrival of this, the second-generation Trailblazer, remains true to the original’s body-on-frame layout and shares its GMT700 platform with the new Chevrolet Colorado, Isuzu D-Max, or KB Series, which we’ll see on our roads in 2013.
With a little bit of history into where the Trailblazer has come from, it’s easier to see where it draws inspiration for its exterior styling. The split grille is a Chevrolet signature and has been revised over the years to now include a narrow upper split and chrome surrounds. The first-gen continued this split-level layout into the headlights too, but the 2012 Trailblazer features more homogeneous, single-piece headlamps. Mounted towards the top of the front facia, the headlights are headlined by the pronounced bonnet that is familiar to the Chevrolet franchise. This also helps to give the impression of muscular stance, which is further enhanced by blending with the front fenders.
The Trailblazer’s side profile is characterised by an up swept rear window, chunky C-pillar and wrap-around rear window and tail-lights. Chevrolet have done a fair of job with the rear end styling. Chrome accents within the LED tail lights, a frame-less rear window, together with the fog and reverse lights integrated into the bumper, all manage to keep the eye busy. A set of 16-inch wheels fill the arches, with 18-inch items for the range topping model, while a number of chrome highlights, including the door handles, tailgate strip and side mirror caps, add to the Trailblazer’s upmarket look.
Designed with a major focus on practicality, the Trailblazer’s interior features 7-seats, with its party trick being that both the 2nd and 3rd rows fold flat to increase boot space from 205- to 1 830-litres. The 2nd row of seats has backrests that can recline by up to 6 degrees, as well as integrated folding arm rests. ‘Theatre style’ seating means passenger space is limited in the 3rd row, but it still edges out its competitors in this regard and passengers at least have their own HVAC controls to aid comfort. Keeping with the theme of practicality, the Trailblazer has no less than 32 storage areas dotted around the cabin, including the obligatory sunglass and cup holders.
The dashboard follows Chevrolet’s dual-cockpit layout that flows into the door panels. The instruments feature a ‘cool’ ice-white backlight, while the driver’s instrument binnacle is well guarded against daylight, meaning crucial information is always easily legible. Satellite controls on the steering wheel provide access to a 6-speaker sound system that offers Bluetooth, Aux-In and USB connectivity. The driver’s seat is height and reach adjustable, although a surprising omission is that of a reach adjustable steering wheel. The driving position itself affords a clear view of the road ahead and a commanding sense of proceedings as the heavy set bonnet stretches ahead.
Manufacturers love to use the term ‘car-like’ when describing the ride and handling characteristics of their double-cab or SUV derivatives. The Volkswagen Amarok and Nissan Navara offer the best ride quality in the double-cab class as far as we’re concerned, while the Chevrolet Trailblazer is the clear winner in the D-Segment, body-on-frame, SUV category. The reason for this is the Trailblazer’s independent suspension both in front and at the rear.
While the Trailblazer’s biggest rival, the Toyota Fortuner, also features a multi-link rear suspension, the Trailblazer’s setup is better damped, making it less jittery and allowing fewer knocks into the cabin. A ride height of 267 mm on the four-wheel drive models, means that combined with short front and rear overhangs, the Trailblazer has entry and departure angles of 31 and 26 degrees respectively.
The Trailblazer is available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive, with the latter being a part-time system. Activated via a rotary dial behind the gear lever, a 2-speed transfer case splits torque between the front and rear wheels for either two-wheel drive (2H), high ratio four-wheel drive (4H), or low ratio four-wheel drive (4L). The transfer case can be shifted on-the-fly between 2H and 4H modes at speeds up to 100 km/h.
The Trailblazer clambered over rocky terrain and rutted beach sand without breaking a sweat on the local launch, which took place near Mossel Bay. The absence of a centre locking differential didn’t seem to hold the vehicle back, together with a Traction Control System (TCS) that was quick to avoid any wheel spin, or loss of momentum when required, by managing both torque and brake control between any of the four wheels. Time will tell whether the lack of hardware proves a chink in the Trailblazer’s armour, but first impressions are of a comfortable and capable off-roader.
Power comes from a choice of 2.5- or 2.8-litre turbocharged, Duramax, diesel engines and 3.6-litre V6 petrol. The 2.5-litre engine produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque, which is good for 8.2 L/100km and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2.8-litre Duramax engine offers 132 kW and 470 Nm of torque when mated to the 5-speed manual, or 440 Nm when paired with the 6-speed automatic, with fuel consumption as low as 8.8 L/100km on average. The 3.6-litre V6 petrol produces the biggest peak power figure at 176 kW, but the 329 Nm of torque is the lowest of the bunch and feels it, with the automatic transmission frequently dropping one or two gears to climb a hill.
The 2.8-litre would be the first choice for its superior torque, which despite being just 300 cc larger than the 2.5-litre engine, offers exponentially more power thanks to a variable-geometry turbocharger, while also being slightly smoother with the aid of a balancer shaft. Towing capacity is also 500 kg up on the 2.5-litre engine at 3 tonnes. Also worth noting are the 15 000 km service intervals on the diesel models, which is 50 percent up on the Trailblazer’s closest rivals.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is available in two different trim levels, namely LT and LTZ. Standard features across the range include: digital on-board computer; leather covered steering wheel; electrically operated windows and side mirrors; air conditioning; front and rear fog lamps; as well as side steps to name a few. The LTZ trim level adds leather covered seats; rear parking sensors; cruise control; power adjustable driver’s seat; roof rails; LED tail lights; chrome highlights on the side mirrors; climate control and an 8-speaker sound system.
A comprehensive list of safety equipment is on-hand to aid the driver in any situation, which includes: air bag protection for both the driver, front passenger and curtain side airbag protection for rear seat occupants; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Hydraulic Brake Assist; Panic Brake Assist; Traction Control; Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist; Engine Drag Control; Hill Descent Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a welcome addition to the local D-segment SUV line-up. First impressions suggest the Trailblazer will suit the role of the full-time mum and urban executive during office hours, while being comfy and capable for longer and more adventurous journeys too. Its combination of interior and exterior styling, ride quality and gutsy turbo-diesel engines mean we hope to see it give the Toyota Fortuner a run for its money, which has been averaging around 940 units per month in 2012 thus far.
| Pricing (Incl. VAT and CO2 Tax) | |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.5 LT 2WD M/T | R364 000 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 2WD A/T | R423 500 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4WD M/T | R454 500 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4WD A/T | R469 900 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer 3.6 LTZ 4WD A/T | R479 500 |
All models feature a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
