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
| 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.
