By: IOL Motoring Staff
You couldn't really call this a facelift as you're not going to notice much change to the styling of the 2014 Trailblazer, but GMSA has stoked the desirability fire by packing more gadgets into the cabin and upgrading the two diesel engines on offer.
The 2.5- and 2.8-litre Duramax high-pressure common-rail turbodiesel motors were already at the sharp end of the power scale, but now they offer even more perk.
The 2.5-litre diesel sees its outputs raised from 110kW/350Nm to 120kW and 380Nm while the 2.8 diesel raises the bar from 132kW to 144kW - with torque remaining at 470Nm - while the automatic model is uprated to 500Nm.
There's an economy benefit too as the 2.5 returns a claimed average of 8.0 litres per 100km while the 2.8 keeps it down to 8.5.
The brawny 3.6-litre V6 petrol option, with 176kW and 329Nm, is carried over for those that own fuel depots.
LINKED UP
The big news on the interior front is the new MyLink infotainment system that's standard across the range. This gadget is operated via a seven-inch touch-screen and, in addition to hosting the six-speaker USB/Aux audio system, MyLink allows smartphone integration and provides a downloadable app set that gives access to numerous media formats, including internet-based radio.
Furthermore, LTZ models gain a reverse camera as standard and all models feature a new Dark Ash Grey interior colour scheme.
As before, the Trailblazer seats seven and offers a five-model range that includes rear-wheel drive and 4x4 models. A five-year or 120 000km warranty and 5-year or 90 000km service plan is standard.
PRICES
2.5D LT 4x2 - R386 500
2.8D LTZ 4x2 AT - R456 400
2.8D LTZ 4x4 - R489 800
2.8D LTZ 4x4 AT - R506 400
3.6 LTZ 4x4 AT - R516 700