The Trailblazer will enter the market as a dedicated off-roading, seven-seater SUV, and is designed to offer the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover vehicle.
General Motors South Africa announced earlier this year that it would be introducing the new Trailblazer to the South African SUV market for the first time. The Chevrolet Trailblazer made its debut to the world at the Dubai International Motor Show in November of 2011. Based on the US Chevrolet Colorado model which in turn is based on the 2012 Isuzu D-Max. The Trailblazer will enter the market as a dedicated off-roading, seven-seater SUV, and is designed to offer the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover vehicle.
The Trailblazer will be offered with three different engines: a 2.5-litre turbodiesel that cranks out 110kW and 350Nm, a 2.8-litre turbodiesel that offers 132kW and 440Nm as well as a 3.6-litre V6 petrol that produces 176kW and 329Nm. The 2.8-litre and 3.6-litre variants are both offered in 4x4 while the 2.6-litre offers 2x4 driving. With regards to utility capabilities the turbodiesel Trailblazers are capable of towing up to 2.9 tonnes, while the petrol version can haul 2.5 tonnes. Each version of the model can be coupled to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The Trailblazer runs on all-wheel independent suspension, an advantage in city driving but a slight problem when it comes to off-roading as the independent rear suspension doesn’t facilitate ground clearance in difficult terrain. Another issue may be that the mechanical rear differential lock is only an optional extra, which genuine off-roading enthusiasts will view as an unpardonable oversight.
Marketed as an “urban cruiser or weekend adventurer”, the Trailblazer 2.5-litre ‘base’ LT models feature as standard: dual parabola headlights, an electrically activated rear lift-gate latch, power windows, door locks and steering as well as front and side curtain airbags. Nifty gadgets in this spec level also cruise control, ultra-sonic rear park assist, a retractable cover for the cargo area and an enhanced driver info display.
The more luxury LTZ spec models – the 2.8-litre diesel or V6 petrol – are available with projector lens headlamps, horizontal LED tail lights, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic air conditioning and 18-inch aluminium wheels and a multiple information display system.
All Subaru Trailblazers are sold with a 5 year or 90 000km service plan and a 5 year or 120 000km warranty.
Prices – including VAT – are as follows:
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.5 LT 4X2 R364,000
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4X2 AT R423,500
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4X4 MT R454,500
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4X4 AT R469,900
Chevrolet Trailblazer 3.6 LTZ 4X4 AT R479,500
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