Several months ago, we joined other members of the motoring media in test-driving the new Chevrolet Trailblazer in Thailand. That story came out in our September 2012 issue. And because the venue was Thailand, the Trailblazers used were naturally Thai-market units.
Yesterday, we became the first publication to drive the Philippine-market Trailblazer, the very unit you see in the photos here. We brought it to the Batangas Racing Circuit, where we were also test-driving the hatchback and sedan versions of the subcompact Sonic.
According to Chevrolet Philippines marketing director Lyn Buena, who rode shotgun in the Trailblazer, the all-new seven-seater SUV has been assigned "introductory prices" of P1,368,888 for the 4x2 manual-transmission variant and P1,718,888 for the 4x4 automatic-transmission version. This should aid the new Trailblazer in doing competitive battle with rivals Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Toyota Fortuner.
The Philippine-spec Trailblazer is equipped with either a 2.8-liter Duramax VGT CRDi turbodiesel engine (for the six-speed automatic) rated at 180hp and 470Nm, or a 2.5-liter diesel (for the five-speed manual) rated at 150hp and 350Nm. Among the features listed for our market's Trailblazer include:
* Antilock brakes with dynamic brake distribution and panic brake assist;
* Cornering brake control;
* Traction control;
* Hill descent control;
* Electronic stability control;
* 800mm of wading capability;
* Electronic transfer-case shift mode for the 4x4 variant;
* 3,000kg towing capacity;
* Projector headlamps and LED taillights;
* 18-inch wheels;
* Flush-mounted roof rails;
* Full digital connectivity (USB, Bluetooth and auxiliary); and
* Five-year warranty with 24/7 roadside assistance.
What do you think of the "introductory prices"?
UPDATE: We've corrected the horsepower rating for the 2.5-liter variant. It should be 150hp, not 110hp. We apologize for the confusion.
Photos by Vernon B. Sarne
