Chevrolet Trailblazer. Half the world for a horse

Chevrolet Trailblazer. Price: not determined. On sale: spring 2013.

When a year ago Chevrolet first rolled out the second-generation Trailblazer concept onto the podium of the Dubai Exhibition Center, all the sheikhs flocked not only from the automotive but also from the jewelry exhibition held in the neighboring pavilion to gawk at the luxurious American SUV. Shining brighter than the purest diamonds, the Trailblazer concept stunned the discerning Arab audience, embodying American luxury on wheels. However, in August 2012, at the Moscow International Auto Show, a completely different Trailblazer debuted, and it was this one that we tested in South Africa.

In three-quarter view, against the backdrop of the South African savanna, the Trailblazer resembles a hippopotamus that has come ashore. However, the gaps in grace are fully compensated by the cabin's volumes
Photo: GM

Apart from the aggression and strength in the exterior, there is no trace left of the Arab glitter of the concept. The trim materials of the production Trailblazer became not just simpler, but an order of magnitude simpler. American luxury in the interior was replaced by Asian minimalism and cheap hard plastic. This is hardly surprising, given that the main sales markets for the second-generation Trailblazer will be Asian countries, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia. Hence the rather contradictory and unusual character of the new GM SUV. In the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Asian minimalism is whimsically combined with the "American handling" typical of body-on-frame SUVs and the unexpected - absolutely uncharacteristic for Yankee SUVs - "European intelligence" of the 32-bit automatic transmission controller.

To conquer the Russian expanses, the Chevrolet Trailblazer will set off with two new engines in its lineup: a 180-hp 2.8-liter diesel and a 3.6-liter gasoline unit producing 225 hp. The latter, however, will be more of an addition to the diesel. As Chevrolet admits, 95% of Trailblazers will come to Russia with diesel engines, which is quite sensible in terms of reducing competition from Japanese gasoline rivals in the same class. Naturally, we chose the diesel Trailblazer as our test subject during the South African test.

Chevrolet Trailblazer
Photo: GM

Its maximum torque varies from 440 to 470 Nm, depending on the gearbox: a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The latter gearbox fully deserves a closer look. The six-speed automatic is unequivocally the strongest trump card of the new Chevrolet Trailblazer. Even if we abstract from Chevrolet's loud claims that it is "one of the most high-tech transmissions produced by the automotive industry," one cannot but admit that the gearbox turned out to be extremely successful. The automatic with a sport shifting algorithm not only easily "digests" all 470 Nm of torque but also does so with an extraordinary combination of smoothness and speed. Depending on how the accelerator pedal is worked, the gearbox allows both creeping with the softness of a cat and tearing with the ferocity of a tiger, dropping two gears at once on kickdown. By the standards of the pro-American chassis of the Trailblazer, the gearbox is even too good. However, GM also worked hard on the chassis...

Compared to the LCD monitors of competitors, Chevrolet's proprietary digital display in new cars looks increasingly archaic every year
Photo: GM

In accordance with General Motors' new global architecture concept for mid-size and light trucks, the Trailblazer gained a load-bearing frame integrated with the body, which improved ride smoothness without compromising off-road capabilities.

Handling also became incomparably better than that of the first generation, but it is still a body-on-frame vehicle, and on the highway, of course, you won't be able to forget about it. However, the new Trailblazer gained not only in on-road characteristics but also off-road. The new five-link rear suspension and the layout of springs above the rear axle allowed for an even greater increase in ground clearance. And the two-speed Part-time transfer case with electronic control allows, via a rotary switch on the center console, selecting one of three torque distribution modes: rear-wheel drive (2H), normal all-wheel drive (4H), or all-wheel drive with a low range (4L) with a transfer case ratio of 2.62.

While the first two rows comfortably accommodate five adults, the third row in the Trailblazer is definitely for children
Photo: GM

Add to this minimal overhangs, allowing you to tackle hills of any steepness...

However, it should be admitted: the Trailblazer's appearance, born in GM's Brazilian design studio in Caetano do Sul, is not only functional thanks to the ultra-short front and rear overhangs but also quite striking, bold, and modern.

The same could be said about the interior. The design itself is quite good by American standards, and in terms of the 7-seat cabin's volume and the ease of transforming the two rear rows of seats, the Chevrolet 7-seat SUV is even one of the best in its class, if not for two "buts." The traditional but morally outdated display on the center console somewhat stands out from the modern design. And the hard, rattling "Chinese" plastic is downright disappointing, especially considering that the car's price in Russia, according to unofficial data, will start at around 1.5 million.

While the first two rows comfortably accommodate five adults, the third row in the Trailblazer is definitely for children
Photo: GM

OUR VERDICT

From the standpoint of combining driving characteristics on asphalt and off-road, the Trailblazer is quite good. Now the whole question is the price, which will be announced no earlier than the New Year. It should definitely be lower than that of the main competitor - the Mitsubishi Pajero. Then the Trailblazer will have good prospects in Russia.

Driving
The impression of the excellent engine and transmission is somewhat spoiled by the off-road handling of the body-on-frame SUV.

Interior
The quality of trim materials leaves much to be desired!P

Comfort
Despite its off-road focus, the comfortable American suspension does not allow strong body rolls.

Safety
The equipment includes almost the entire range of modern active and passive safety systems.

Price
Not yet determined

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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