CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
Chev’s big boy is looking good!
Ihave seen the new Trailblazer around for a couple of months, but I haven’t seen the range-topping LTZ Z71 up close, until recently. When I showed a picture of it to my American friend, she said it looked like something from the movie Transformers. It made me reconsider the vehicle’s updated aesthetics and I've come to agree with her, especially when those slick daytime running lights on the typically American wide-styled nose flick on. And also because I think the Transformers are cool as hell.
From the outside
The LTZ Z71 is right at the top of five new Trailblazer models. There is the 4x2 2.5 litre LT model, in both manual and automatic, and the 2.8 litre LTZ model which is available in 4x2 or 4x4 automatic versions. Under the bonnet the Z71 does not differ from the regular LTZ – it’s more a matter of looks. When you look at it head on, the Z71’s grill looks mean. The curves around the fog lights make it look like it has a wide scowl, but it seems fitting when you take the power under the bonnet into account. The Z71’s most distinguishing feature, the black decals on the hood, compliment the grill nicely. I’m usually not a fan of racing stripes, since they more often than not just look cheesy, but the design team of the Z71 got it right here. The other bits that make the Z71 look different from the regular model are black rear-view mirrors, black door handles, black B-pillars, black alloys on the 265/60 R18 wheels and black mouldings on the lower bodyside. None of these things seem out of place or distracting. In fact, it brings a nice contrast to the look of
the vehicle, especially on the white models.
On the inside
Apart from some embroidery on the front headrests, the Z71 does not differ from the LTZ model on the inside either. It’s seven seats are all covered in jet black leather and the rear-most pair fold completely flat in order to give you a spacious load bin. The Z71 has all of the tech features also found in the regular LTZ, such as a MyLink 2.0 touchscreen infotainment system with satnav, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, front and rear park assist, a rear-view camera and a built-in tyre pressure monitor system. These things all make the Trailblazer feel luxurious as well as comfortable. On the open road I found that some of it’s safety features, like the forward collision alert, lane departure warning and obstacle detection lights that flash in the side mirrors, help a lot with keeping you alert during long drives. You can now also start the Trailblazer with the remote on the key – a nifty little trick to impress your friends with, but it is actually meant to regulate the temperature via the AC before you get in. Don’t worry, it still can’t be unlocked or driven without the key.
Behind the wheel
During a weekend with Chevrolet in Limpopo earlier this year, I had the chance to take the Z71 off-road on the muddy dirt roads of Magoebaskloof. Granted, the off-roading was mid-range at best, but none the less representative of what the average driver would encounter. The lack of a rear diff-lock was never noticeable on slippery inclines, rocky patches or water crossings. This is due to the addition of a Stabilitrak traction control system, and coupled with the limited slip differential it handles most obstacles where one would traditionally need difflock quite well. Once I got used to just easing on the throttle and letting the computer do the rest, I could feel the distribution of grip followed by power, and off I went. This was in the stock standard model without any aftermarket gear fitted, so I wonder what kind of off-road beast you’d have if you lifted the suspension, chucked a couple of off-road bumpers on and fit chunkier tyres underneath that 144 kW, 500 Nm engine.