This is the first sighting of the India-bound Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV here, thanks to our reader Bhagyashree Relekar. General Motors India recently announced that this ladder-frame-based SUV will hit Indian showrooms in 2015 to take on the likes of the new Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner.
We had reported way back in 2012 that Chevrolet was mulling the introduction of the Trailblazer SUV in India.
Amongst its rivals, the Trailblazer is known for its spacious cabin and proper-seating space for all three rows as well as its off-road capabilities. It is sold with a 180bhp 2.8-litre or a 150bhp 2.5-litre diesel motor internationally. It also uses a variable geometry turbo, a balancer shaft for smooth running and smart features like a laminated-steel oil pan with an upper aluminium section.
To keep costs in check and keep prices competitive, Chevrolet is likely to bring the Trailblazer to India via the CKD route. It remains to be seen whether the Trailblazer replaces the slow-selling Captiva or is sold alongside it in Chevy's India line-up.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
