Kabelo Chabalala
S A 26-year-old, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would admire a seven-seater car. And especially not an SUV. I always thought such cars were for people with big families – and not just big families, but families that enjoy travelling.
But, make no mistake, I really like SUVs.
Every time I am in a manual, petrol-fuelled car, I say I hope to drive a big car that is an automatic and has a diesel engine.
The New Z71 Chevrolet Trailblazer with 2.8 litre diesel engine, 4x4 and auto drive-train, ticked all the boxes for this village boy. The Trailblazer is the second SUV I have ever had the privilege of driving. There was no better way to test and enjoy a four-wheeldrive than on a long stretch from Woodmead to Magoebaskloof in Limpopo, via Mpumalanga’s N14 highway.
Perhaps it was the bright colour of the car that changed my mind. Maybe it was because of its sporty look. It really does not say: “Our children are old enough, my wife, let’s just spend most of our money travelling and exploring our country.”
It is a funky big machine, and I am convinced my friends and family would have been envious seeing me behind the steering wheel.
I couldn’t wait to experience the car. Fortunately, I am familiar with the road between Dullstroom, Belfast and Graskop. It’s an open road that allows one to enjoy driving at 100km/h and 120km/h in various places. You can feel the 132 kW of power and the 440 Nm of torque the motor delivers. It is powerful.
The last time I was on that side of the world, less than five months ago, I wished I was driving an SUV. I thought the hatchback I was in was in a territory that wasn’t ideal for it. Boy, was I right about driving an SUV in that part of Mpumalanga.
The handling of the car is magnificent on the twisty and up-and-down roads.
God bless the person who came up with the idea of having an automatic car.
The road to Tzaneen that Friday was effortless, fun, exhilarating and comfortable in this SUV. The Trailblazer really is a complete package.
My height is always an issue when it comes to cars. Leg room and head space are important. Needlessto say, this 1.88m tall lad had none of these issues in this car. Again, that’s one of the attractions of a big SUV…
I also believe that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. So, when I realised that the 7-inch colour touchscreen was easy to navigate, I smiled and connected my music to accompany me through the long, joyous trip to Magoebaskloof. It’s easy to access the bluetooth, usb, and aux.
When it comes to any car’s sound system, the Renault Clio Blaze has set the standard anything else is measured against.
I have yet to come across a car that has such a well-balanced sound system. The Trailblazer sound system was really good, but not as good as that of a Clio Blaze.
Technology in the Trailblazer is cutting edge.
You really stay in your lane safely, thanks to blind spot alert, forward collision alert, lane departure alert and the rear crosstraffic alert. You don’t only feel comfortable on the leather seats, you also know that you are safe.
I was happy with the multi-
Afunction steering wheel. It should be standard on all cars in this age of technology. The cruise control function was my favourite. I will confess why I love this function; it keeps me away from jail in any car. I just put the car on 120km/h and I am safe.
The truth is that, in the Trailblazer, the comfort makes it somehow impossible to realise that the car is moving so fast. So, without the cruise control, I would have probably collected a lot of traffic fines in Limpopo. Plus they have the most lawful traffic officers I know. They do not ask for a “cold drink”.
This car is made of steel. It takes on a mountain with so much ease. The four-wheel-drive options, high and low, or two-wheel-drive, are engagingly amazing. I used to think that some of the features put in cars were unnecessary add-ons. But I was proven wrong in this car. Hill-start assist, hill-descent control – they all help one as a driver. Trust me, they helped me a great deal in the mountainous terrain of the beautiful Limpopo.
Honestly speaking, 26 or not, for someone who has just discovered his passion for travelling, the new Trailblazer is for travellers of all ages. And especially someone like me who enjoys being around people and travelling with friends and family.
To know that I can accommodate all of them in this vehicle – and from just R471 000 – is priceless. The New Chevrolet Trailblazer is a perfect companion.