The folks at Chevrolet have given the rugged TrailBlazer a series of trim, specification and powerplant updates for 2014. We got behind the wheel of the entry-level 2,5 LT to see if these tweaks have given this already capable off-roader a welcome shot in the arm.
Outwardly it appears that the TrailBlazer’s handsome wrapper has been left largely untouched. It’s still as body colour-coded and upmarket as before, rolling on a fetching set of 16-inch alloys that don’t look at all out of place, even when lined up alongside the higher-specced LTZ’s 18-inch items.
The big changes lie within. One of the criticisms that was laid at the earlier models feet was an interior colour scheme typical of the Indonesian market from which this car is built; a rather impractical beige trim. Chevrolet has heeded this observation, dispensing with the easily soiled light trim in favour of a charcoal grey colour scheme that better hides the dirt and scuffs that this vehicle will inevitably have to weather.
But it’s the range-spanning inclusion of the company’s MyLink infotainment system that really stands out. First debuted in the Sonic RS, this system utilises a 7-inch touchscreen interface with such functionality as Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, USB/aux connectivity, as well as picture and video display, the latter only being accessible when the vehicle is parked. Chevrolet is also ushering in a MyLink App that will bring some scalability to the system by broadening the variety of entertainment available media, with such features as Internet radio in the offing. The system also introduces a camera-based rear parking aid with a bright, crisp display on higher-spec LTZ models.
The system’s interface is easily navigable and the display looks suitably slick and crisp. Pairing with both Android and iPhone wasn’t a challenge, but if there was one mark against the interface it’s that adjusting the volume sees all of the other display items blanked behind a huge volume scale.
The 2,5-litre turbodiesel powerplant has undergone a number of minor mechanical revisions to bring the outputs up to 120 kW and 380 N.m; up from those of the earlier car by 9- and 8,5 %, respectively.
Like other Duramax units the 2,5 exhibits a fair deal of diesel clatter at start-up and low speeds but that bit of extra oomph is noticeable on the open road, making overtaking manoeuvres less of a gamble. The manual gearshift retains the long-throw action and suitably tractor-like low-end gearing that makes terrain crawling less taxing, but you have to build up a good head of steam when in the newly included sixth gear to keep momentum on moderate to steep uphills that can otherwise knock some wind out of the engine’s sails.
Body control is typically body-on-chassis; there’s noticeable lean when negotiating sweeping bends at speed and the nose will pitch considerably when stamping on the anchors.
The smaller alloys(16-inc vs. LTZ’s 18-inch) and independent rear suspension setup allowed the Trailblazer to soak up most of the large road scars that were a frequent occurrence on our Mpumalanga route. Considerable axle articulation and lofty 239 mm ride height means that the TrailBlazer remains a seriously capable off-road tool. The model we drove didn’t feature a stability control system but it felt sure footed enough on the gravel sections of our drives. Even if traction is broken at fair speeds, it still feels predictable enough to rein the tail in.
Even in its earlier guise the TrailBlazer presented a viable alternative to the entry-level Toyota Fortuner 2,5D-4D RWD. Although it commands a premium of roughly R25K over the Toyota, and the two are closely aligned in terms of specification and outright on- and off-road ability, the Chevrolet serves up a more car-like driving experience and a welcome 20 kW and 37 N.m. It’ll be brand loyalty that’s the arbiter final, but the updates to the TrailBlazer could well make those of a Toyota persuasion to take another look.
*Specifications
Model: Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2,5 LT 4×2 MT
Engine: 2,5-litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 120 kW at 3 600 r/min
Torque: 380 N.m at 2 600 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,5 seconds
Fuel consumption: 8,0 l/100 km
CO2: 215 g/km
Top speed: 171 km/h
Price: R386 500
Service plan: 5 year/90 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
*According to Chevrolet
