Chevrolet has started testing the facelifted Trailblazer in India, with a heavily camouflaged test mule being spotted in Pune recently. The updated Trailblazer was first shown at the 2016 Bangkok Motor Show and is expected to be a part of Chevrolet's plan to launch five new models in the next 24 months.
The Trailblazer facelift will get a substantially revised front end replete with new headlamps and bonnet, a revised two-part grille and a completely restyled front bumper. The restyling exercise gives the Trailblazer a flatter, more squared-out front that seems to add more visual mass to the already large SUV. There are no changes to the basic shape, but the tail end will receive reworked tail-lamps, possibly with LED elements, and a revised bumper as well.
A new dashboard will lead the list of changes on the inside. Curiously, the updated SUV's new dash bears a resemblance to the Ford Endeavour's, which is one of the models the Trailblazer competes with. This new dash will host a touchscreen interface and it is possible the unit will be Chevrolet’s latest 8-inch MyLink 2 system that would deliver enhanced functionality and improved usability. Satellite navigation (not offered on the current Trailblazer) could be made standard too. Expect an improvement in material quality too.
Mechanically, the SUV will carry forward with the same 200hp, 2.8-litre diesel engine as the current model. However, it is yet unknown if Chevrolet will add more variants or offer a four-wheel-drive option on the SUV for India. At present, the Trailblazer is solely available in rear-wheel drive and automatic transmission form.
Chevrolet’s large Trailblazer has not made much of an impact in the large SUV segment so far, but the updates could just give the model the boost it needs.