The all-new Chevrolet Trailblazer went on sale this week in China, priced
from RMB 139,900 (US$ 19,650) to RMB 179,900 (US$ 25,275). Positioned above the mechanically-related
Tracker and providing the base for the US-spec model that will arrive for the
2021 model year, the Trailblazer is available in five trim levels.
As with other Chevrolet products, the 2020
Trailblazer adopts the Redline/RS dual-appearance and dual-interior strategy.
While the Redline “projects an expressive sporty and fashionable image,” the RS
“ provides a more refined and powerful persona,” according to the automaker.
Inspired by the FNR-CarryAll concept SUV (and the
Blazer, we might add), the new Trailblazer looks modern and sporty, with
highlights including the “floating roof” design, sleek Camaro-inspired LED
headlights, dual-port grille, taut bodyside lines, and bold hood shape. What
matters more is that is is a practical SUV, offering 26 storage spaces in the
cabin and up to 1,375 liters of cargo space with the rear seats
folded down.
The compact crossover also offers Chevrolet’s new
MyLink+ in-vehicle infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity which
supports Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife and is fitted with USB and SD card
slots. Furthermore, in-vehicle apps provide navigation, entertainment, music,
news, real-time weather and traffic info.
As with the range-topping Tracker, the Trailblazer
is powered by GM’s eighth-generation Ecotec 1.3T turbocharged three-cylinder
which delivers 162 HP at 5,600 rpm and 240 Nm of torque
between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. There’s a difference, though: while the Tracker
only gets the 1.3-liter engine with a CVT, the Trailblazer can also be ordered
with a nine-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
Along with the optional nine-speed auto, the 2020
Chevy Trailblazer gains a four-wheel-drive system that can be manually
activated in 0.2 seconds via a switch. In this configuration, the compact SUV
sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, with average fuel
consumption rated at 6.7 liters/100 km (35.1 mpg).
The CVT-equipped front-wheel drive model is both
quicker and more economical than the 4WD version, as it accelerates from 0 to
100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and averages 5.9 liters/100 km (39.8 mpg). It remains
to be seen whether the U.S. model will get the 1.3-liter three-cylinder too, or
switch to a more powerful four-cylinder unit.
