ZEEGNITION / Ishaan Rastogi


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American automobile giant Chevrolet, has decided to jump into India’s booming premium SUV market by bringing the long-awaited Trailblazer SUV. The 4.8-metre long SUV will be capable of seating seven and will only be available in the top-spec LTZ trim.


The front fascia of the Trailblazer is reminiscent of Chevrolet’s current design language with a large split-grille separating its projector headlamps. The boxy side and rear profiles are befitting of a large American SUV, which isn’t a bad thing. Judging by how well the similarly proportioned Toyota


Fortuner has performed in India, Chevrolet will be confident of the butch yet simple design of the Trailblazer, striking a chord with Indian consumers. The 231mm ground clearance and tall body stance will appeal to those buyers who are in search of a car with a supremely commanding on-road presence.


Although sadly, the India spec Trailblazer will only be available with rear-wheel-drive. Safety features are reported to include hill-descent control, hill-start assist, anti-locking brakes, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, electronic stability program and panic brake assistance. Dual airbags for the front seats will be standard.


On the inside, the Trailblazer’s dual tone beige and black colour scheme has been heavily updated with a 7-inch ‘MyLink’ touchscreen infotainment with a built-in rear-view camera display dominating the central fascia. Technical features are set to include steering mounted audio and telephony controls, cruise control, electronically adjustable driver’s seat, split-third row seating and smartphone app-link for the infotainment system.


The Indian-spec Trailblazer will be powered by a 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel engine that churns out 200PS of power at 3,600rpm and 500Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 2-ton car sits on 18-inch wheels with the engine capable of pulling its immense weight to 100kph from standstill in under 10-seconds.


The Trailblazer is likely to cost around the Rs 29 lakh mark which puts it in direct competition with the Toyota Fortuner, Ssangyong Rexton, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and hotly awaited 2015 Ford Endeavour. Its launch date is expected to be around 20 October 2015.