Blazing new trails New Chevy to be firm favourite A brand spanking new Trailblazer has arrived and is ready to rock your world. The new range comprises five manual and automatic versions of the rear-wheel-drive 2.5-litre LT, rear and four-wheel-drive auto and manual versions of the 2.8 LTZ and a new flagship in the shape of the Z71, based on the LTZ 4x4. Prices start from N$464 000 to N$623 200 for the Z71, which pays homage to Chevrolet''s rich ''Zee'' car performance heritage.
Brian Olson, vice president of vehicles sales, service and marketing for General Motors sub-Saharan Africa, said: “The new Trailblazer brings together superior levels of refinement, styling, comfort and technology with class-leading performance and drivability to meet the versatile needs of increasingly discerning customers.”
Highlights
2.5-litre LT model fitted with six-speed automatic transmission delivers 132kW/440Nm.
Improved management of noise, vibration harshness reduces cabin noise by four decibels.
Driver aids such as lane departure warning and blind spot alert for LTZ trim level models.
Next generation MyLink 2.0 multimedia interface, fully compatible with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Daytime running lights (LED on the LTZ).
New LTZ Z71 flagship gets ''blacked-out'' wheels, door handles and mirrors.
Revised drivetrains
The Trailblazer''s 132kW/440Nm 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, mated to a six-speed auto (in LT trim), has a fuel consumption figure of 8.6-litres/100km. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h takes 11.0 seconds with a top speed limited to 180km/h.
The 2.5-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine remains in the 2.5 LT when matched with the six-speed manual. Power is rated at 120kW/380Nm. Combined fuel consumption is 7.6-litres/100 km, 0-100km/h is dispatched in 11.8sec and top speed is limited to 180 km/h.
Top-of-the-range variants are equipped with the 2.8-litre Duramax Turbo-diesel engine boasting 144kW/500Nm, which can be coupled with a six-speed auto or manual.
Combined fuel consumption for the 2.8-litre is 9.5-litres/100km. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h takes 10.4sec with a top speed limited to 180 km/h.
Styling and features
Chevrolet''s trademark ''bowtie bar'' is now wider and the upper and lower grille sections run the full width of the front. Wider tyres (255mm width compared to 245 previously) on new 17” wheels are fitted to LT derivatives, while LTZ versions retain 18” wheels with a glossy black design for the Z71.
The SUV has five charging points for devices and eight cup holders. It also features aircon for passengers in all three rows. Leather upholstery is fitted as standard across the range.
Another feature available on all models fitted with auto transmissions is Remote Vehicle Start, which allows the engine to be switched on from the outside using the buttons on the key fob, says Chevrolet.
Luggage capacity ranges from 205-litres with all three rows of seats upright, 1229L with the third row down, to 1830L with the second and third row seats folded flat.
The second-generation MyLink system is now compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, while LTZ units are fitted with satnav.
The new Trailblazer range comes with a five-year or 120 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.
Wheels24