Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has been around for a while and since its launch, competing brands with models in the same category have come out with facelifts and improvements or launched All-New versions. Chevrolet doesn’t seem fazed with the new blood that’s hit the streets.
We take the latest Chevrolet Trailblazer 4×4 for a drive and despite it being one of the older mid sized SUV’s on the roads it still feels pretty darn up to date. On the outside its quite the minimalist even compared to its 4×2 LTX brother, 18” alloy wheels, chrome surrounds around the fog lights and functional roof rails. Standing tall at 1848mm, 4866mm long and 1902mm wide, the Trailblazer is as imposing as it is capable. Projector LED head lamps, LED brake lights, side mirrors are chrome trimmed power folding, power adjustable with turn signal.
Its engine is still the most powerful in its class, under the hood it has a 2.8L 4 cylinder DOHC Duramax Diesel with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) that puts out a maximum of 200Hp at 3,600rpms and torque of 500Nm at 2,000rpms which quite a substantial amount of power and its mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with Active Select.
Inside, you’ll find it spacious, the leather seats are firm yet comfortable and they feel pretty big too. Although I’m not a big fan of the two tone interior or the beige seat color, it did give it a more luxurious feel. Its Automatic Climate Control air conditioning made short work of cooling the large cabin. The second row seats fold 60/40 split and the third row seats fold 50/50. The driver seat is power adjustable and is easy to find a comfortable seating position. The rest of the seating in the cabin is comfortable all the way to the third row, which maybe a bit of a squeeze for taller adults. For entertainment, it has 6 speakers and Chevrolet’s 7” touchscreen MyLink with Mobile Connect for iOS and Android audio/video USB, aux, clock, day date, thermometer, Bluetooth and vehicle settings. Behind the wheel, I found the steering to be a little heavy, but I prefer that over the lighter feel that electric power steering gives you.
We go try this Trailblazer’s off-roading capability at a recent event Chevrolet held in Antipolo. It handled the slippery muddy inclines without much trouble and is a pretty capable off roader in its stock form with help from Hill Descent Control and Traction Control.
If you want to take things to the next level, there are a slew of after market off road accessories if you want to get serious in that area. That said, on pavement it has a civilized ride, ironing out the bumps and potholes that are the trademark of metro Manila roads. If you ever need to pull anything, it can tow 3 tons. Also perfect for Philippine conditions is it’s 800mm water wading capability.
This variant retails for PhP1,748,888 and comes in the following colors: Auburn Brown, Switchblade Silver, Black Sapphire, Oceanic Blue, Satin Steel Grey, Summit White, Sizzled Red and Blue Mountain. At that price you get a full featured 4×4, it’s great value.
Words and Photos by Neil Pagulayan