Chevrolet has just launched its Trailblazer SUV in South Africa. Offering seven seats, a range of engines, a lengthy standard features list and coming in at from R364 000, it competes directly with the popular Toyota Fortuner.
There are two diesel engines in the line-up. The 2,5-litre Duramax diesel engine has 110 kW and a peak torque of 350 Nm. This model comes with a two-wheel-drive drivetrain. The 2,8-litre Duramax engine delivers 132 kW with 470 N.m of torque when mated to the six-speed automatic transmission and 440 N.m of torque when coupled to the five-speed manual. There is the option of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Fuel consumption for the 2,5-litre is a claimed 8,2 litres/100 km and 8,8 litres/100 in the 2,8-litre model with the manual ‘box.
There is also a petrol engine. This 3,6-litre V6 unit delivers 176 kW and 329 N.m of torque. Fuel consumption stands at 11,9 litres/100 km. This engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and comes with a 4×4 drivetrain.
For better ride quality, the Trailblazer features body-on-frame architecture which, according to Chevrolet, “provides the vehicle with the inherent toughness associated with a light pick-up whilst providing opportunities for vehicle refinement and enhanced interior space utilisationâ€.
The Trailblazer has an overall length of 4 878 mm, a width of 1 902 mm, a height of 1 848 mm, a wheelbase of 2 845mm and front/rear track of 1 570/1 588mm respectively. It has a ground clearance of 267 mm (with 18-inch wheels) and approach and departure angles of 31 degrees at the front and 26 degrees at the rear.
When it comes to safety, the Trailblazer has got you covered with features such as electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system, hydraulic brake assist, traction control, dynamic rear-brake proportioning, EBD, panic-brake assist, engine-drag control, hill-descent control and driver and occupant airbag protection among other things.
There are two specification levels – LT and LTZ. The base LT features equipment such as body-colour side mirrors and door handles, front foglamps, electrically activated rear lift-gate latch, ice-blue LED illumination, a six-speaker audio system with front loading CD, MP3 compatibility and iPod functionality, auxiliary power outlets, satellite controls for radio and cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering column, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power steering and air-conditioner with driver control for rear ventilation.
“This is an extremely exciting model range that introduces the Chevrolet core values and SUV heritage to an all-new market segment for Chevrolet in South Africa. Weekend adventurer or urban cruiser, there is a Trailblazer model to suit, and all with a high level of comfort, performance, economy and style to offer,†says Malcolm Gauld, General Motors South Africa’s (GMSA) vice-president of sales and marketing.
Read a full road test on the 2,8 LTZ 4×2 AT model in the November 2012 issue of CAR, on sale 22 October 2012.
Prices
Trailblazer 2,5 LT 4×2 R364 000
2,8 LTZ 4×2 AT R423 500
2,8 LTZ 4×4 MT R454 500
2,8 LTZ 4×4 AT R469 900
3,6 LTZ 4×4 AT R479 500
Pricing includes a five-year/90 000 km service plan and a five-year/120 000 km warranty.
