Although there’s a significant demand for high-spec models in South Africa, the creature comforts that are part and parcel of the top end are not always needed by all. This is especially evident among those who prefer “roughing it” in the great outdoors, and sometimes all that is needed is a robust and reliable bundu-basher.
While the range-topping Chevrolet Trailblazer 2,8 LTZ impressed us enough in its November 2012 road test for us to consider it the Toyota Fortuner’s superior, we wondered whether or not the entry-level 2,5 Trailblazer could fly the bowtie flag high at the lower end of the line-up.
It certainly helps that at base spec, the Trailblazer doesn’t give up any of the model’s good looks and macho road presence, boasting the same colour-coded bumpers and sills as its more expensive stablemate. The only giveaway is the standard fitment of 16-inch alloys (the 2,8 LTZ boasts 18-inchers as standard).
Inside, the difference is immediately noticeable owing to the use of cloth upholstery instead of leather on the seven seats. Otherwise, the 2,5 Trailblazer doesn’t give up too much in the way of features. It still boasts a six-speaker sound system with radio/CD player, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth functionality, air-conditioner with rear overhead vents, cruise control, rear park-distance control and dual front airbags as well as curtain airbags and a multifunction steering wheel.
Powered by a 2,5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 110 kW and 350 N.m of torque, the base Trailblazer sends those figures to the rear axle via a five-speed manual gearbox. The outputs aren’t ground-breaking, and the Trailblazer’s two-tonne-plus mass seems to threaten serious momentum, but in reality the ratios are ideally spaced to make maximum use of the humble figures developed by the 2,5-litre.
The base Trailblazer impressed the team on a trip to one of the South African national parks as a support vehicle tasked with carrying photographic equipment and luggage, not only just for its generous utility room, but also the hard-wearing nature of its dual-tone cloth upholstery. Soft to the touch and almost suede-like in feel, the Trailblazer’s cloth seats took a fair beating and came out of the trip tops. This would sit well with those concerned about scuffing a leather- wrapped interior.
On the smaller alloys and aided by the independent rear suspension, the Trailblazer rode well on the park’s changing surfaces and further impressed on the national roads on the way home, ironing out the rough stuff with ease.
Test Summary
With outstanding ride quality and comfort, and decent turbodiesel oomph thanks to well-considered gear ratios, the 2,5 Trailblazer is impressive, despite the fact that it is slightly ex- pensive at R373 200. It should provide decent off-the-beaten-track thrills, and with a lengthy warranty and service plan as standard, it comes with peace of mind as too.
