Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV unveiled!

Chevrolet has unveiled the Trailblazer 7-seater SUV in Thailand. The Trailblazer which is expected to hit Indian shores in the coming years to take on the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour.

Looks, space and comfort

The production version of the Trailblazer resembles the Trailblazer concept which was showcased at the 2011 Dubai Auto Show back in November 2011. Based on the Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck, the Trailblazer has aggressive front with the now familiar large Chevrolet bowtie grille.

The side profile looks butch too with the 20 inch aluminum wheels, flared wheel arches and chrome coated pull type door handles. The outside rear view mirrors too, are chrome coated and come with integrated turn indicators. Read more about the Chevrolet Trailblazer here.

The rear of the Trailblazer has attractive LED tail lamps with chrome surrounds and a wide tailgate. On the inside, the Trailblazer has well sculpted front seats and an attractive central console with controls arranged in spherical fashion.

The interiors have three rows of seats arranged in 2+3+2 pattern. Expect the Trailblazer to offer more space than the Toyota Fortuner. The third row seats can be expected to be useful for adult passengers even during long drives.

Engine and performance

The Trailblazer is offered in two engine variants: a 2.5-litre diesel engine that puts out 150 bhp of power and a 2.8-litre diesel engine that puts out 180 bhp of power. In India, the Trailblazer will likely be offered with a 2.8-litre, Duramax turbo diesel motor that puts out 180 bhp of power and 468.7 Nm of torque. When compared with the Toyota For tuner’s engine and the Ford Endeavour’s engine, the upcoming Trailblazer’s engine is more powerful and also has more torque.

Expected features

The Trailblazer is expected to come with a host of driving aid features such as Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, Panic Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control, Hydraulic Brake Assist and Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist.

Comfort features such as dual-zone AC, digital climate control system, and infotainment technology with options such as touch screen, GPS navigation, DVD drive, Bluetooth support, USB and Aux-in ports may also be on offer. Apart from these features, the Trailblazer will most likely feature ABS with EBD, dual front SRS airbags, side curtain airbags and knee airbags.

Expected Price

Expect Chevrolet to assemble the Trailblazer by importing parts from Thailand via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route. Assembling the Trailblazer locally will help GM India price it competitively. We expect the Trailblazer to be priced in the range of Rs. 18 lakh – Rs. 21 lakh barging into Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour territory.

Summary

The Chevrolet Trailblazer seems to be an attractive package that will appeal to a typical premium SUV buyer in India. It has butch looks, loads of interior space, host of comfort features and driving aids, and a powerful engine too. The Trailblazer may thus pose a strong threat to the Toyota Fortuner. What do you think?