General Motors doesn’t hide the fact that it’s pitching its Chevrolet Trailblazer straight at the Fortuner, a vehicle that is a massive sales success for Toyota. This new flagship of Chevrolet will try to dethrone the reigning champ as well as show the South African public what the brand is all about. I went to the launch of this SUV close to George to sample the vehicle first-hand.
Experience
The clouds hang threateningly over the mountain ranges of Bonniedale Adventure Farm near George as we slowly climb the steep, rocky slope. Although the 4×4 trail is rated only a grade three in difficulty, it still requires concentration to pick the correct lines through the rocks to avoid a slashed sidewall on one of the tyres. The comfort of the cabin, smooth engine and effortless automatic transmission in low range means that we can enjoy the breath-taking scenery while the Trailblazer blazes away.
Styling
The vehicle looks bullish and intimidating owing to its wide, high stance plus that aggressive grill design. Running boards, roof rails and chrome bits of the LTZ specification add to the drama. From the rear, the vehicle looks very similar to its main competitor but overall a feeling of substance is conveyed in a classy manner.
Interior
Inside, the Trailblazer in LTZ specification offers leather seat trim, climate control, electric driver’s seat adjustment, an eight-speaker audio system and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. There is plenty of space and a clever third row of seats that fold away to create a flat loading area in seconds. The dash shares the design with the new Isuzu KB due in 2013 (as well as some chassis components) but it looks sturdy and clean. Negatives are the hard plastics used and no reach adjust on the steering column. Many storage spaces are provided, including 11 cupholders.
Safety
Safety is not compromised and the vehicle features ABS, EBD as well as electronic stability control. It also scored a five-star rating in the Australian equivalent of the EuroNCAP crash-test programme.
Powertrain
The engine is a new generation 3,6-litre, V6 unit featuring variable valve timing and delivers 176 kW and 329 Nm. Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, it offers the smooth motive force expected from an upmarket SUV. Owing to the weight of the vehicle, the performance is not exactly startling but speed builds deceptively and the vehicle will cruise all day long on the naughty side of the national speed limit. Fuel consumption will suffer compared to the diesel powertrains but noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are better. During a combination of on- and off-road driving, the fuel consumption display indicated 17,9 litres/100 km whereas the 2,8-litre diesel-powered vehicle on the same trip indicated 12,5 litres/100 km.
Ride
The vehicle shines in terms of on-road ride quality (and where it will probably spend most of its time), and it provides comfortable cruising ability. This is mostly owing to a modern suspension setup at the rear that features a five-link and coil-spring system. Although a solid axle is still used, it provides the closest resemblance to a fully independent system in this segment.
Off road
We tested the vehicle off-road on the mountains of Bonnievale Adventure Farm and on the dunes close to Vleesbaai. The vehicle took everything in its stride and especially the hill-decent control worked a treat. Never did the vehicle break a sweat or leave us in a difficult situation. Four-wheel-drive high-range can be selected by turning the knob on the centre console at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The body-on-chassis design and low range give this vehicle all-terrain conquering ability.
Summary
In summary, the Trailblazer has achieved exactly what it set out to do: take on Toyota at its own game and develop an equally capable vehicle with arguably newer styling and more modern technology. The two things that may stand between the Trailblazer and big sales numbers are pricing and the loyalty of the public to the Toyota brand (and rightly so, as the Fortuner is a great product). Time will tell how big the blaze will be.
Specifications:
Model: Chevrolet Trailblazer 3.6 LTZ 4X4 AT
Engine: 3,6-litre V6 cylinder petrol
Power: 176 kW
Torque: 329 Nm
Fuel consumption: 11,9 L/100 km
CO2: n/a
Top speed: n/a
Acceleration (0-100km/h): n/a
Price: R479 500
Pricing includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan and a five-year/120 000 km warranty.
