The Chevrolet Trailblazer has been a popular sight on the UAE roads since 1999 and has seen three major facelifts over the years. It has always carried the layout of a boxy seven-seater SUV in our region and got its final makeover in 2017. However, for 2020, there is an all-new Trailblazer, this time in a crossover avatar drawing design elements from the recently launched Blazer and is most likely to be slotted in between the Trax and the Equinox.
EXTERIOR
From the images, it comes as a surprise that the upcoming Trailblazer isn’t reminiscent of its progenitor by any means and when seen from the front and side, it might look like a shrunken Blazer. While it is still unknown as to why the Trailblazer carries crossover styling, it does look smashing, to say the least. At the front, you now find a strip of swept back LEDs on the upper grille and below this, you will find an area housing the head lamps following the recent trend set by the Hyundai Kona. The top spec RS trim also debuts a blackened grille, pillars, roof and side mirrors.
There are also two sloping creases along the side profile which add to the Blazer’s presence. The 5 spoke machined alloy wheels might be an interesting option for our market too.
It seems Chevrolet has been clandestine in revealing some spy shots for the rear, but time will tell whether the Trailblazer will receive its own identity or sharing its styling with the Blazer.
INTERIOR
From the images that have surfaced online of the top-spec RS trim, the Trailblazer assures a sporty yet simple interior design for 2020 and just like the exterior, it bears no similarity with the current gen’s interior. It is most likely to be available with a flat-bottomed steering wheel with controls embedded in it, contrasting color stitching on the leather, a large infotainment screen supporting Apple CarPlay, Andorid Auto, built-in navigation, climate control and automatic headlamps. Speaking of a standout feature, it might be available with a dual tone roof as a part of standard equipment exaggerating its good looks.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
Chevrolet has not yet revealed the engine specifications for the Trailblazer but considering it has gone turbocharging with the Equinox, we can expect a turbocharged mill with the Trailblazer as well.
VERDICT
When launched in the UAE, it might go up against the Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-3 and the Hyundai Kona. If launched with a powerful set of engine options and slick shifting transmission, it might prove to be the only companion you would need for your daily commutes. However, the fray in this segment is just getting adverse with every manufacturer hinting at the segment and what that means is that it wouldn’t be a walk in the park for the Trailblazer no matter how potent or well-priced it might be.
