The Chevrolet Trailblazer: An SUV That Vanished Without A Trace
The Chevrolet Trailblazer: An SUV That Vanished Without A Trace

The Chevrolet Trailblazer: An SUV That Vanished Without A Trace

08/02/2025
0 Comments

History 

Launched in 1999 in North America, the compact 4-door car known as the Chevrolet S10 Blazer has its top trim known as the Trailblazer.

Later, Chevrolet discontinued it and launched a completely new midsize SUV model known as the Trailblazer. It evolved over its design and features over all these years.

Trailblazer Makes Its Way To India 

  • After gaining some momentum through the launch of the Captiva, Chevrolet thought of bringing its second SUV, the Trailblazer, to India after a long wait.
  • Launched on October 21, 2015, Chevrolet introduced a CBU unit for India, which manufacturers produced in Thailand and imported into India.
  • Initially, the Indian market responded well as the first batch of 150 units completely sold out before the next batch of 150 units arrived in February 2016.
  • Overall, it sold 335 units by April 2017.

Trailblazer Year-Wise Sales In India 

Trailblazer201520162017Total
Units in Nos.14488103335

Interior 

  • The interior features circular button controls for air conditioning and climate control
  • As Chevrolet states, the dual-cockpit design crafted nicely shaped instrument clusters that provided all the required details.
  • The center features the MyLink Infotainment System (7″ Touch Audio with Smartphone App Link).

Exterior 

  • It gets a huge SUV-ish look due to its massive dimensions, which are even taller, longer, and wider than the Toyota Fortuner.
  • The bold dual-split grill with an XL-size golden Chevrolet logo suits the size of the car.
  • Chevrolet engineers lifted it with 241 mm ground clearance and a 2968 mm wheelbase, which ranked top amongst its rivals.
  • It used to get an uncommon size combination of 18-inch rims with 265/60 tyres.

Specifications 

Dimensions: 2 WD AT LTZ
Length (mm)4878
Width (mm)2132 (with Mirror)
Height (mm)1851 (with Roof Rack)
Wheelbase (mm)2845
Ground Clearance (mm)253 at Kerb
Engine Type2.8L Double Overhead Cam, 4-Cylinders,
Duramax Diesel with 4 Valves per Cylinder
FuelDiesel
Max. Output (ps/rpm)200 (147kW) @ 3600 RPM
Max. Torque (Nm/rpm)500 @ 2000 RPM
Displacement (cc)2776
Fuel SystemCommon Rail Direct Injection
Transmission6-Speed Automatic with Active Select
Drive systemRear wheel drive
Front SuspensionIndependent Double Wishbone with Gas Shock Absorbers
Rear Suspension5-Link Coil Spring Rear Suspension
Front BrakesVentilated Disc with Floating Caliper (300mm)
Rear BrakesVentilated Disc with Floating Caliper (318mm)
Steering TypeHydraulic Power Assist: Rack & Pinion System
Wheels7.5J x 18 (Alloy) including Spare Wheel
Tyre Size265/60 R18 with Alloy wheel, including Spare Wheel
ARAI Mileage 11.45 Kmpl

Why Didn’t The Trailblazer Sell Well In India?

Tough Competition:

  • Even though Chevrolet established a well-known brand in India in 2016, it faced good rivals at the price point it launched.
  • The reliable Toyota Fortuner and the fully loaded Mitsubishi Pajero were among its rivals; both were already fighting head-to-head in the big SUV market of India.

The signs of Chevrolet’s exit plan were somewhat visible in the background:

  • Although the information remained confidential, the service centers and dealers showed signs of disinterest, lack of confidence, and uncertainty about the products in the last couple of days.

Unavailability of 4×4 version for India: 

  • Though Chevrolet has been selling the 4×4 version of the Trailblazer in global markets, they only sold the rear-wheel-drive version in India. 
  • Due to this, many consumers opted for its competitors like Endeavour and Fortuner. 
  • Who would want to get stuck and later rescued by a Bullock Cart after buying a big SUV without a 4×4? 

Lack of Variants and Drivetrain Options: 

  • Chevrolet launched the Trailblazer in India with only one variant.
  • A diesel engine with an automatic transmission limiting the customer’s ability to choose a vehicle that suited their needs.
Welcome to CarAdvice, India’s premier website for all your car buying needs. At CarAdvice, we value our customers like they are our own kind, and strive to offer them the best service possible.
Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.