Holden blazes new trails with sub-$48K Trailblazer
A meaningful midlife makeover gives Colorado ute-based seven-seater renewed purposeGM Holden has announced details and pricing of its upgraded, newly-named four-wheel drive seven-seat Trailblazer SUV ahead of its official release on October 1.
Priced at $47,990 plus on-road costs, the base-grade Trailblazer LT costs the same as the entry-level Colorado 7 it replaces, while the high-spec Trailblazer LTZ is $1000 dearer than its forebear at $52,490 plus ORCs.
As well as a new look – encompassing new sheetmetal from the A-pillars forward, restyled alloy wheels and a revised interior with all-new dashboard – the Trailblazer adopts a multitude of mechanical and chassis improvements.
There is also additional infotainment and safety technology aimed at keeping the model competitive against a swag of more modern competitors.
Holden says the Trailblazer’s nearest rival is the Isuzu MU-X (which is available in rear-drive form priced from $40,500), but prospective customers are also likely to cross-shop other ute-based models like the Ford Everest (from $54,990), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (from $45,000) and Toyota Fortuner (from $47,990).
The Trailblazer arrives with considerably greater local engineering input, improving areas including mechanical refinement, NVH isolation, driveability and fuel consumption.
“Trailblazer is such a versatile car,” explained Holden lead dynamics engineer, Rob Trubiani. “It’s used for anything from weekday grocery runs to weekend four-wheel driving adventures, so we had to ensure it performed in a variety of situations and terrains.”
Unchanged is the output of the model’s Duramax 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which matches the Everest for power but beats it for torque with 147kW and 500Nm on tap. It is mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption falls by 0.6 to 8.6L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle.
The Trailblazer LT comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, with a new 7.0-inch touch-screen MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear park assist and reversing camera, LED daytime running lights, seven airbags and remote window opening added to those features offered on the previous Colorado 7 LT.
The high-grade Trailblazer LTZ (from $52,490 plus ORCs) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a larger 8.0-inch touch-screen array with integrated sat-nav and voice recognition, remote vehicle start, leather appointed seats, front seat heaters, front park assist and single-zone climate-control.
Auto headlights and wipers, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror and heated and folding wing mirrors are also included.
Holden’s range-topping Trailblazer also adopts a suite of electronic driver aids, including forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a tyre pressure monitoring system for a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
“The new Trailblazer blends premium styling with impressive in-car technology, both in terms of connectivity and active safety features,” said Holden’s executive director of sales, Peter Keley.
“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 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.”
Holden continues to offer a three-year/100,000km warranty across its passenger vehicle range. The deal includes 12 months’ roadside assistance and lifetime capped-price servicing with service intervals set at nine months/15,000km (whichever comes first). The first service will cost $349.00, with the subsequent three services each fixed at $409.00.
Holden has also extended the accessories offering of its full-size off-roader, the model now available with a swag of genuine exterior and interior parts.
From airbag-compatible bullbars to snorkels, cargo carriers to off-road protection panels and even sheepskin seat covers and all-weather floor mats, the Trailblazer has weekend adventurers well covered.
2016 Holden Trailblazer pricing (plus ORCs):
Trailblazer LT – $47,990 (unchanged)
Trailblazer LTZ – $52,490 (+$1000)
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