Holden has, at long last, launched the Trailblazer seven-seater SUV. It comes with an updated design that’s based upon the latest Colorado as well as a set of new technology and build refinements that take their lead from the ute as well, effectively replacing the Colorado 7.
It will be on sale to customers across the country starting in October in two variants, the LT and LTZ with prices remaining largely unchanged from its predecessor, starting at $47,990 (+ORC) and topping out at $52,490.
Peter Keley, Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, is bullish on the revamped and renamed SUV’s ability so successfully compete with its main rivals with its modern styling, improved comfort and more refined ride and road manners, while maintaining strong off-road credentials.
He said: “The new Trailblazer blends premium styling with impressive in-car technology, both in terms of connectivity and active safety features. The 2017 Trailblazer looks great and drives better than ever. To be able to add all of the content we have without adding significantly to the price is a real win for our customers.
“We’re also focused on providing support and peace of mind for our customers throughout the life of their vehicle with our Lifetime Capped Price Service program and our Australian based Customer Care,” Mr Keley said.
Under the bonnet we find the same 2.8-litre Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel that generates 147kW and 500Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and sending power to its permanent four-wheel drive system.
The base LT comes with a host of standard features such as 17-inch alloys, a 7-inch central touchscreen infotainment display projecting the MyLink interface with support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. There’s also rear parking assist (which includes a reversing camera), 7 airbags, Hill Start assist, and LED daytime running lights.
The higher priced LTZ, however, gains larger 18-inch wheels as well as a larger 8-inch touchscreen that now includes integrated satellite navigation and voice recognition via the infotainment system. Leather upholstery is also on offer and so are automatic wipers, heated power folding mirrors, electronic climate control.
Importantly, the Trailblazer LTZ also comes with the most amount of safety features including some advanced active collision avoidance systems such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. All this helped earn the new SUV a 5-start ANCAP safety rating.
Holden’s Lead Dynamics Engineer, Rob Trubiani, said: “Trailblazer is such a versatile car, used for anything from weekday grocery runs to weekend 4x4 driving adventures so we had to ensure it performed in a variety of situations and terrains.”
For more on Holden vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
