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Chevrolet has refined the Trailblazer for better performance and it has proven to be an excellent cross country cruiser capable of making long distance with seating for seven passengers.
The refined Chevy Trailblazer was put to test recently in South Africa by auto journalists who pulled the range topping 2.8 LTZ Auto and 2.8 Z71 Auto models through a cross country trip from Johannesburg to Magoebaskloof in Limpopo.
The media team, accompanied by their partners, had the opportunity to take the bold SUV through some challenging muddy paths, steep inclines and effusive rivulets in the heart of avocado and mango gorges.
“The new Trailblazer offers superior levels of refinement, styling, and comfort which makes an excellent vehicle for taking your family on long distance drives. The vehicle also has high levels of specification including the MyLink infotainment system and advanced safety features such as lane keep assist and forward collision alert. The 2.8 litre Duramax engine gives the LTZ and Z71 models class-leading performance and drivability with great fuel consumption in any driving conditions,” Chevrolet Brand Manager at General Motors South Africa, Tim Hendon, said.
Vehicle Highlights
- Improved management of noise, vibration harshness reduces cabin noise by more than half (four decibels).
- Driver aids such as lane departure warning and blind spot alert for LTZ and Z71 models.
- Bolder nose with new bonnet and headlights and redesigned lower valance, while retaining the distinctive horizontal bar separating the updated upper and lower grilles.
- Next generation MyLink 2.0 multimedia interface, fully compatible with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
- LED Daytime running lights on the LTZ and Z71 for heightened visibility.
- Range topping LTZ Z71 flagship gets ‘blacked-out’ wheels, door handles and mirrors along with a unique decal treatment for a distinctive visual persona.
Refined Power for All Conditions
Top of the range models come equipped with the proven 2.8 litre Duramax Turbo-diesel (VGT) engine which boasts 144 kW, and a class leading 500 Nm of torque. No other body-on-frame SUV on the market can match this proven powertrain when it comes to torque output, which makes tackling even the toughest on-road as well as off-road challenges a walk in the park for the Trailblazer.
The combined fuel consumption figure for models with this engine is 9.5 l/100 km, CO2 is 249 g/km. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.4 seconds with a top speed limited to 180 km/h. All models have a 76 litre fuel tank
A ‘gradient braking’ function assists drivers with maintaining speed on difficult down hills – an especially useful safety benefit when towing. A fast-acting limited slip differential is ideal in this regard too (and also when driving on low traction surfaces), and remains a feature of all models.
In addition to its seven seat capacity, 2.8 litre models have can legally pull a braked trailer weighing 2 965 kilograms.
LTZ models are available with optional four wheel drive with low range, which is the default set-up on the Z71. Changing between the two-high, four-high, and four-low drive modes is just a turn of a dial away.
The Trailblazer is fitted with an all new Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system. The new EPS system features Active Pull and Smooth Road Shake Compensation which all add to a smoother more refined driving experience.
Comfort and convenience
The Trailblazer is well suited to both the urban commute as well as long cross country adventures. It has all the comfort and convenience features expected from a luxury SUV of this size including no fewer than five points for charging devices and eight cup holders. A great feature of the Trailblazer is the provision of adjustable air conditioning for passengers in all three rows.
Fold-flat third row seating is also a key defining feature of this thoughtfully-designed family SUV. The new Trailblazer offers a more hushed ambience in the cabin thanks to a revised sound-deadening package and a more premium look and feel has been achieved with more widespread use of soft-touch materials and updated satellite controls on the leather-rimmed steering wheel. Leather upholstery is fitted as standard irrespective of the model.
Luggage capacity ranges from 205 litres with all 3 rows upright, 1229 litres with the 3rd row down, to 1830 litres with the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded flat.
The centrepiece of the Trailblazer’s cabin is the seven-inch touch screen. The second generation MyLink system is now Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible which will enable consumers to use smartphones and associated applications effortlessly and seamlessly once connected via USB. Normal Bluetooth connectively remains however, even if the device is not paired in this way. This will mean that on LT versions phone-based navigation systems such as Google Maps can be displayed on the screen, while LTZ already have a fully-integrated satellite navigation system.
Safety and driver aids
Safety equipment across the range still includes ABS with EBD, PBA (Panic Brake Assist), HBFA (Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist), seven airbags (including full-length curtain airbags) – the Trailblazer also picks up a driver’s knee airbag for added protection, pre-tensioning seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors and front park assist.
LTZ models benefit from the addition of Stabilitrak electronic stability/traction control, HDC (Hill Descent Control), and TSC (Trailer Sway Control). A rear mounted camera parking assistance system with cross traffic alert is also fitted.
Technology added to LTZ models for the 2017 model year are forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert and tyre pressure monitoring; giving it one of the most comprehensive driver aid packages available at this level.
Conclusion
The Trailblazer is a very attractive proposition in this segment with its intelligent tumble flat seven-seat configuration, generous equipment, excellent safety levels and established engines backed up by Chevrolet’s Complete Care after sales package with a best-in-class 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a highly-competitive 5-year and 90 000 km service plan.
