New Chevrolet Trailblazer.

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Chevrolet will unveil the Trailblazer at the Bangkok motor show next week. Thailand is one of the largest light truck markets in the world so it isn’t surprising that Chevy has chosen the Thai city for its global unveiling. Since the company is seriously evaluating getting this all new SUV to India, watch this space closely.

The Trailblazer is slated to compete with the likes of the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner in markets like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, this body-on-frame SUV could soon come to India if numbers and strategies align themselves. GM is hoping to assemble the Trailblazer at its Halol facility, where it currently carries out all its CKD operations.

Looking at the first pictures of the production version, it clearly looks attractive. Part of a US$ 2-billion global program, Chevrolet says this is the most clean-sheet truck it has designed in its 100-year history – and it shows. The stance is just right and it blends muscle and sophistication almost perfectly. A large, two-part Chevy grille dominates the raised cowl, the headlights have been toned down for the production version and the LEDs on the concept give way for conventional fog lamps.

Penned in GM’s South America Design Center in Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil, the designers there say they were very conscious of sticking to a “body-in, wheels-out” stance. Also contributing to the sporty look is a rising beltline, dropping roof and a pillarless rear. Large six-spoke alloys complete the package, lending a tough, unbreakable look to the SUV.

Forget the relatively cramped Fortuner, the Trailblazer is expected to have even more space on the inside than the Endeavour. The front of the cabin is wide enough for it to be classified a medium-sized truck in the US, the design of the dash is very car-like and the seats are spacious and comfortable, even by American standards. The Trailblazer will come with car-like features too, and Chevy vehemently claims that this is a proper seven seater. “It’s an authentic third row where people can sit comfortably for long trips,” says director of design Matt Noone.

Under the skin, the Trailblazer gets a stout purpose-built ladder frame that helps it haul massive loads easily. Power comes from a choice of 2.8-litre, 180bhp or 2.5-litre, 150bhp diesel units. The larger 2.8 common-rail diesel makes a very strong 47.9 Kgm, incidentally 10kgm up on both the 3.0-litre Fortuner and Endeavour. It also uses a variable-geometry turbo, a balancer shaft for smooth running and smart features like a laminated-steel oil pan with an upper aluminium section. Chevy is likely to start off with its six-speed automatic too.

On paper, Chevrolet’s Trailblazer, likely to be the first proper Chevy SUV in India, has everything it takes to be a winner. And GM India, looking at its recent track record, is likely to get the pricing right as well. But will it cannibalise the similarly-priced Captiva’s sales? That’s the million dollar question Chevrolet has to answer before committing wholeheartedly to what could be a sureshot winner. 

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