Chevrolet has unveiled the production version of its all-new Trailblazer, a bakkie-based SUV that will take on the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport when it arrives in South Africa before the end of this year.
As expected, the series model stays true to the 'tough American truck' styling of the concept that was shown off last year
This traditional SUV is built on GM's new body-on-frame pick-up platform, which it shares with the Colorado bakkie and the next-generation Isuzu KB. Like its rivals, the Trailblazer is available in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guises and a range of turbodiesel engines.
The smallest of these is a 2.5-litre unit that pushes 110kW and 350Nm and the more powerful option is a 2.8-litre that produces 132kW and 470Nm - bettering the Fortuner 3-litre's outputs of 120kW and 343Nm.
These engines can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
With its combination of a body-on-frame architecture and independent five-link rear suspension, the Trailblazer is said to offer a good ride quality and top-notch off-road ability.
It also boasts a spacious interior that can seat seven occupants, with its three-row tumble and/or fold-flat seating system said to be extremely user-friendly.
LT and LTZ trim levels will be offered and further information on specification, and pricing, will be made available closer to its local launch date. Should GMSA get the pricing right on this one, it could prove a formidable rival to the strong-selling Toyota Fortuner.