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
Trailblazer
2015
2016
2017
Total
Units in Nos.
144
88
103
335
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 Type
2.8L Double Overhead Cam, 4-Cylinders,
Duramax Diesel with 4 Valves per Cylinder
Fuel
Diesel
Max. Output (ps/rpm)
200 (147kW) @ 3600 RPM
Max. Torque (Nm/rpm)
500 @ 2000 RPM
Displacement (cc)
2776
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic with Active Select
Drive system
Rear wheel drive
Front Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone with Gas Shock Absorbers
Rear Suspension
5-Link Coil Spring Rear Suspension
Front Brakes
Ventilated Disc with Floating Caliper (300mm)
Rear Brakes
Ventilated Disc with Floating Caliper (318mm)
Steering Type
Hydraulic Power Assist: Rack & Pinion System
Wheels
7.5J x 18 (Alloy) including Spare Wheel
Tyre Size
265/60 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.
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