Production Models

When Chevrolet Philippines, or The Covenant Car Company, Inc., launched the All New Trailblazer a number of months back, it described its entry to the premium compact SUV segment as a step above the competition.

It also boldly stated that the new Trailblazer is meant for forward-thinking and tech-savvy individuals.

The revered Trailblazer nameplate now is attached to a compact SUV that Chevrolet says is built in South Korea.

The new Trailblazer is 4408 millimeters long, 2052mm wide and 1656mm long with a 2640mm-long wheelbase, and clears the ground by 178mm. Dimensions that fall within the compact SUV segment.

TCCI brought in two variants of the Trailblazer, the Premier and the LT.

Fans of the Chevrolet brand should recognize styling cues on the Trailblazer fascia inspired by the Camaro shared by both variants. Then there is the signature Chevy dual port grille.

The accent bar integrated into the headlamps and the faux skid plate-silver on the Premium and black on the LT- give the new Trailblazer a distinctive SUV look.

Lending some truth to TCCI's claim of the Trailblazer being a step above the competition are the LED Intellibeam headlamps with manual leveling, LED Daylight Running Lights, and LED fog maps, and the Active Grille Shutters that Chevy says work to improve engine ventillation as well as aerodynamics.

The LT however comes with halogen headlamps and without the front foglamps.

The Trailblazer profile features sharp lines and thick black lower body molding that lend it a sporty character. The body-colored side view mirrors with the integrated turn signals are heated, power adjust and fold in both variants.

The Trailblazer rear features a high mount stop lamp and combination tail lamps that are LEDS on the Premium and halogen in the LT.

The rear skid plate are silver on the Premium and black on the LT.

Both variants sport a rear spoiler and roof antenna. Only the Premier comes with roof rails.

Both also ride on 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels wrapped by 225/60R17 SL 99H BW Tires.

The Trailblazer Premium and LT share much of the interior features and tech, starting with the Passive Entry system that gets one easily into the cabin that features jet back trim, dash and center console.

The leather-like upholstery for the seats also come in Jet Black color with white herringbone pattern stitching.

Only six-way manual adjust for the driver's and four-way for front the passenger's but all seats for five are heated.

The back row bench seat also splits and folds 60:40, providing flexibility as well as room to carry more luggage or cargo.

Also with heater function is the leather-wrapped steering wheel that tilts and telescopes and comes with controls for the multi-media system, audio, and cruise control, among other things.

The instrument panel features a 3.5-inch monochrome multi-information display between the circular analog speedometer and tachometer.

The display provides info on such things as trip distance, fuel range, average fuel economy, eco drive assistance as well as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and seat-belts warnings for driver, passenger, and rear passengers.

The Premium and the LT also share express up and down power windows with anti-pinch function for driver, auto dimming rear view mirrors, power door locks, rear window defogger, sunvisors with illumination, mirror and cover, as well as AC Cabin Pollen filter.

However only the Premium has the Air Moisture Sensor and Automatic Climate Control system.

The LT only has manual airconditioning.

Also only the Premium gets the Hands-Free Power Liftgate with LED Logo Projection Light.

The 8-inch Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System is the focal point of the center console in both the Premium and the LT.

The system comes with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Radio Tuner, Audio and Video, as well as six speakers (one on each of the four doors and two tweeters on the A pillars) and one Auxillary and two USB ports.

One can also set up a PIN to lock both the infotainment system and the steering wheel controls.

In both Premium and LT, one starts the engine with a push of the button.

The Chevy Trailblazer is powered by GM's next-generation Euro IV E-Turbo engine, a 1.3-liter inline three-cylinder DOHC turbocharged powerplant that delivers 155 horsepower at 5,600rpm and 236 Newton-meters of torque between 1,600rpm and 4,000rpm.

GM says the Trailblazer engine features an active thermal management system, a variable displacement oil pump, and an electric water pump that is independent from the engine, that work together to improve fuel efficiency, cut down on emission, and optimize performance.

The engine is mated to the lightweight 6-speed Hydramatic VT40 Continuously Variable Transmission that comes with a multi-drive-mode system to match road conditions.

The suspension system features McPherson struts in front and torsion beams in the rear.

An all-wheel disc brake system-ventilated in front and solid in the rear-provide the stopping power.

TCCI chose to have both the Trailblazer Premier and LT have standard and cutting edge driver assist and safety technologies and features.

These include, among other things, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Detection, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist Sensors with Camera, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking.

It also comes with Enhanced Stability Control that integrates Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Roll Over Protection, and Cornering Brake Control.

The Brake Assist System integrates Fading Brake Assist, Panic Brake Assist, Brake Pre-fill, and Torque Vectoring by Brakes.

The Chevy Trailblazer is also equipped with 3-point seatbelts for all five occupants; six airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorage, Side Door Impact Beams, a tire pressure monitoring system and tire-fill alert.

Parking the Trailblazer is also made easier and safer with Reverse Camera and Rear Parking Sensors.

The Chevy Trailblazer has the looks, performance, and technologies for comfort, convenience, and safety that should make it a good option for those looking for a premium 5-seater compact SUV.