Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Americans have it all their own way. A glance at the specifications of their cars and the prices they pay leaves most Brits speechless. Never mind bringing in vehicles from Europe - the US is where it's at for bargains.

March 2002

The Americans have it all their own way. A glance at the specifications of their cars and the prices they pay leaves most Brits speechless. Never mind bringing in vehicles from Europe - the US is where it's at for bargains.

With a few exceptions, though, American cars don't really work on this side of the Atlantic. And Chevrolet's attempt to replicate the success of Jeep's Cherokee in the UK with the Blazer 4x4 has fallen flat on its face - fewer than 250 find homes each year. Not surprisingly, the company hopes to have more success with this all-new model. Bigger, faster and better behaved, the car also has a new name - TrailBlazer. But will it be able to blaze a trail on to the driveways of Britain?

There is no doubt the 4x4 performs, rides and handles measurably better than its predecessor. What's more, it offers more cabin space, superior standard equipment and additional safety features. But the really good news can be found under the bonnet. Chevy has thrown out the V6 of the current Blazer in favour of a newly designed straight-six. This 4.2-litre unit does an impressive job of propelling a fairly heavyweight vehicle. Chevrolet claims the 270bhp engine is more powerful than any V8 in its class, and is more fuel efficient, too. Running one of these monsters is still going to hurt the pocket, though - expect less than 20mpg on average.

The newcomer's stronger, stiffer chassis allows for more compliant suspension, which is welcome on bumpy roads or rutted dirt tracks. Rack-and-pinion steering offers crisper turn-in and more feedback when tackling winding routes.

Quite how the UK version will be configured remains to be seen, but expect it to be very well equipped compared to rivals. Although there is room for improvement - the dash still looks cheap and plasticky - there's no question that the TrailBlazer is a major step forward.

The TrailBlazer now has the right credentials to take on the Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer. Extra space, pace and equipment mean it would almost certainly make more of a mark in the UK than the Blazer, but it still feels too much like an American car - especially the poor dash design. And until there is a less thirsty diesel option and more dealers in Britain, its success will always be limited.

At a glance

*All-new 4.2-litre off-roader from Chevrolet

*More spacious, powerful and economical than rivals

*Likely to arrive early 2002

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -