Americans may remember the Trailblazer as a full-size SUV during the height of the SUV craze, but Chevrolet retired the model with the Equinox and Traverse catering to changing buyer needs, filling its gap respectively. On the other side of the world, though, the Chevrolet Trailblazer lives on and has just received an ever-so-slight update along with new features.
The minor refresh includes standard LED tail-lamps on the LTZ and LTZ1, and an new exterior color has been made available called “Satin Steel Gray.” A rear back-up camera now comes standard on every Trailblazer trim, and is activated when the vehicle is put into reverse. The touchscreen color display offers dynamic guidelines to help drivers, and the camera changes its orientation with the direction of the steering wheel.
The Trailblazer remains the longest wheelbase vehicle in comparison to any of its competitors, while offering bountiful interior space with intuitive three-row tumbling fold-flat seats.
Speaking of the interior, Chevrolet prides itself on bringing more luxury to the capable Trailblazer. New premium-grade leather is finished in a brown stone color, complemented by piano black inserts around the dashboard. The refresh also brings more sound deadening for a quieter cabin and ride thanks to additional sound insulation in the bulkhead.
The Chevrolet MyLink system remains available for all trims on the Trailblazer, with the range topping LTZ1 equipped with six speakers, a touch-screen and built-in satellite navigation.
In the powertrain department, the Trailblazer soldiers on with the familiar (to locals in Thailand at least) 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder turbo diesel. The engine makes 200 hp but an incredible 368 lb-ft of torque, plenty to make your way around town and head out for some off the beaten path adventures. The engine is also the most powerful in the Trailblazer’s class. A 2.5-liter diesel four-cylinder may also be had, but only makes 163 hp and 280 lb-ft.
Shifting duties are handed off to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. That’s right, you can row your own gears in this soft-roader. Continuing to set precedents, the Trailblazer is also the first vehicle in the segment to offer disc brakes on all four wheels.
All of these improvements are coupled with the rollout of a new marketing campaign for the Trailblazer titled, “Inspiration to Go Beyond.” The campaign highlights Trailblazer’s performance and product efficacy that has the power to do it all, enabling owners to explore new territories.
“Adding elements to an already successful package takes the Trailblazer beyond its traditional positioning to a more urban target audience, hence our campaign tagline ‘Inspiration to Go Beyond.’ We hope owners are inspired by the Trailblazer’s capability, driving dynamics and refinement to go beyond their usual destinations,” said Una Tan, Marketing Director of Chevrolet Thailand.
We know we probably won’t see the Trailblazer reach our shores any time soon, but we’re hopeful the torquey 2.8L turbo diesel finds its way under the hood of the Colorado/Canyon twins some day in the near future.
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Comments
This vehicle is more desirable than a North American Tahoe. I’m sure GM is capable of delivering our market an effective SUV with real off road abilities. Not everyone is happy with an Acadia or Yukon.
Even here in North Africa we havent the TrailBlazer, even the Colorado is now a rebadged D-MAX GM has to do more effort in defining its Chevrolet brand image.
You have the link of the Chvrolet portofolio in Algeria: http://www.chevrolet-algerie.com/fr/catalog/produits/liste
The styling on this just never grew on me. I expect we may see it here someday to replace the Tahoe half ton but by then it will see a major remake.
Instead of the Malibu fascia it should have the Impala fascia and blend with the 2015 and newer 2016 models.
I just need to point one glaring problem with the author’s article. The Chevy Trailblazer in the US was never LARG/FULL SIZE- That’s currently the Tahoe (previously just “Blazer.) The Trailblazer was first the top trim level of the S-10 Blazers, then once GM killed off the S-10s, it became the name of the next gen SUV S-10s (while the pick up became the Colorado.) The Trailblazer was in the MIDSIZED segment at it’s largest. The Traverse is in the Large SUV class, as is the Tahoe.
With that said; Redo the center console, and give it the front end of the current Colorado and you have winner. Hell, even if they sell this here as a GMC exclusive, I’d take!