Chevrolet’s new Trailblazer creates a stir in the wilderness

Chevrolet recently unleashed the updated Trailblazer on the South African public and it comes as no surprise that the launch of this impressive vehicle had us drive just over 1000km over three days, across terrain ranging from flat open highways to tarred as well as gravel mountain passes, and aggressive off-road obstacles.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer’s LTZ and Z71 derivatives place it in direct competition with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, all priced within shooting distance of each other. All offer seating options for seven and similar specification levels. The Trailblazer however has one thing going for it, and that is that many underestimate the capabilities of this vehicle.

What’s changed?

The new Trailblazer sees the addition of a new front end consisting of a new bonnet, new headlights with included DRL’s (Daytime Running Lights) and a redesigned valance that maintains a solid look.

The Z71 model gets a cosmetic upgrade with blacked out wheels, door handles and an aggressive graphics package that really lets everyone know this vehicle means business.

Interior wise is where the biggest additions have taken place. On the technology front a new seven-inch touch screen takes centre stage in the dashboard, and the system now hosts Apple Car Play 2.0 and Android Auto.  A new EPS (Electronic Power steering System) has been introduced that incorporates Active Pull and a feature that I am quite fond of called Road Shake compensation – this essentially takes the shake out of the steering wheel when driving on tar roads with off-road-biased tyres.

There are also five charging points, and leather upholstery comes as standard on all models. Acomprehensive sound-deadening application makes the interior of the Trailblazer over four decibels quieter than the previous model. Another cool feature (no pun intended) is that all three seating rows have adjustable air-conditioning.

That’s all well and good, but tell me about the power!

The LTZ and LTZ Z71 models are fitted with the tried and tested 2.8 Duramax Turbo diesel engine that will deliver 144kW and 500Nm or torque.

The engine returned just 9.5l/100km on our journey and you will have the peace of mind knowing that while you’re out tearing up the trails just 249g per km of CO2 will be making its way out into nature. A four-wheel drive model is available on the LTZ model. The system is controlled from inside the cabin via a rotary-style dial that enables you to select modes without having to stop the fun.

We know it’s good off-road, but what about safety?

All Trailblazer models now come standard with seven airbags and a host of electronic trickery to keep you and the passengers safe.

The Trailblazer LTZ and LTZ Z71 models are equipped with Stabilitrac (Stability Control), Hill Decent Control, Trailer Sway Control and a rear-mounted camera connected to parking sensors that monitor for cross traffic. Other features include forward collision alert, lane departure assist, blind-spot detection alert and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Drive

Spending 600km on the road during the course of the first day, the Trailblazer showed its road prowess and impressed along the winding roads of Mpumalanga and into Limpopo, along some truly picturesque routes.

Our second day brought us 250km of rain and mud driving, along majestic off-road routes through the mountains and valleys surrounding the Magoebaskloof region. The Trailblazer once again stepped up to the plate and delivered, never letting us down once, whether climbing mountainous gravel roads, crossing rivers or traversing mud strewn rocks, the Trailblazer kept on delivering.

Verdict

We highly recommend testing out a Trailblazer before you run out and buy an Everest or a Fortuner. The package that Chevrolet currently offers is hard to beat, with a strong motor and drive train, technology and feature-packed interior, and we love the muscle-car-style graphics package on the Z71.

Models and Price

Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.5 LT 4x2 M/T	R 471 000
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.5 LT 4x2 A/T	R 489 100
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4x2 A/T	R 562 800
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4x4 A/T	R624 300