Spied: 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer caught testing in India
Chevrolet might have put its Spin MPV plans on hold, but it seems the American car manufacturer is gearing up for the launch of the 2017 Trailblazer in India. The premium SUV was first showcased at the 37th Bangkok Motor Show in March 2016. This was followed by the unveiling of its production-ready version in Brazil. And now one of our readers, Nitin Aghi, has snapped a few shots of a camouflaged 2017 Trailblazer on the outskirts of Delhi.
The camouflaged test mule reveals the new headlight design and the revised wider chrome grille. The 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer gets a host of changes on the exterior with emphasis on the front profile. The hood gets strong character lines while the radiator grille extends to the redesigned clear lens headlights. The headlights also come with integrated daytime running lamps. The new grille features a strong chrome garnish something that is a favourite in India and often associated as a premium trait. The bumper too gets an update in terms of new lines that run around the fog lamp housing.
The side profile of the upcoming Trailblazer looks similar to the existing version, except for a tweak in the alloy wheel design. Similar to the present iteration, the new Trailblazer will be continue to ride on 265/60 R18 tyres. Even though the profiles of both existing and the upcoming models look similar, the length has been increased by 9mm while the width and height are almost similar at 2132mm and 1845mm, respectively.
Even though the cabin layout is not visible in the test mule, it is expected to come equipped with more premium materials for an enhanced appeal. The dashboard is all-new and features a dual-tone beige ebony shade. The AC cents, central console and even the touchscreen infotainment have been updated as it offers second-generation MyLink paired with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition to rotary and touchscreen controls, the infotainment will have voice assist. The list of safety features in the Trailblazer facelift include cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, collision warning, lane-change assist and blind spot warning. The Trailblazer sold in India doesn't get any of that.
The seats will come with new premium leathers, and Chevrolet also claims that the armrests and door handles have been reworked to offer more comfort. Since the dimensions of the upcoming Trailblazer aren't significantly different from its present form, the headroom and the legroom will remain unchanged, though we expect the revision in the cabin to make it more comfortable.
In addition to the changes outside and inside, the new Trailblazer gets new sets of suspension and brakes which has believed to improve the vehicle dynamics according to Chevrolet. This has also affected the vibration levels and the cabin insulation.
The 2017 Trailblazer will come with an all-new 3.6 V6 petrol motor which makes 274PS at 6,400 rpm and generates 350Nm at 3,700rpm. This motor will come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it might seem too enthusiastic for Chevy to bring in this motor in India, with the ban imposed on the 2-litre diesel vehicles in Delhi and Kerala, which is also expected to spread to other major cities, Chevrolet may consider bringing this engine in the 2017 Trailblazer.
The diesel variant will continue to be offered with a 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel motor. The 4-cylinder DOHC unit makes 200PS at 3,600rpm and puts out 500Nm of torque that's available from just 2,000rpm. We have already sampled this motor and found that the higher torque rating makes cruising in the Trailblazer at high speeds an effortless experience. Also, triple-digit speeds can be maintained without straining the engine. Considering the fact that the Chevrolet Trailblazer is imported through the CBU route, it is only available in a 4x2 version. Chevy, however, may launch the 4x4 as well when it brings the new Trailblazer in India.
The 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer will face competition from the new Ford Endeavour priced between Rs 26.10-30.55 lakh. You can read our comparison report of both the SUVs here. The new Trailblazer will also compete with the Toyota Fortuner priced between Rs 25.09-27.94 lakh, all prices ex-Mumbai. Here is where these three SUVs stand against each other spec-wise. We expect the prices of the 2017 Trailblazer to range between Rs 28-30 lakh when it reaches Indian showrooms by early 2017.
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Image gallery: India-bound 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer