Compact SUVs are the new essence of the automotive industry. The increasing awareness about climate change and the intent to leave a cleaner and greener world for the future generations is pushing buyers to compact SUVs even in the land of the big gas guzzlers.
Chevrolet revealed their 2021 Trail Blazer, a compact SUV at the Los Angeles. The Trail Blazer has a butch look in keeping with the de-riguer looks for a Sport Utility. The car has the signature Chevrolet dual-port grille. However, the upper portion is narrow and the lower portion is wide and deep. The headlamps have moved into the bumpers, which is another design necessity for SUVs now.
The car has been provided with a chrome plated scuff plate and rear view mirrors. The SUV is offered in two trims, ACTIV and RS. Both the trims allow personalisation in the form of dual tone body colour with different roof colour. The rear has a 3D tail lamp which curves around the car and adds to the width of the vehicle. Chevrolet offers the Trail Blazer with either a 1.2 litre or a 1.3 Litre turbo charged engines mated to a CVT. Both, the ACTIV and RS trims come with selectable All Wheel Drive which can be engaged off-road or in inclement weather and switched off when fuel efficiency is the need of the hour. The driver has an option of choosing from three driving modes: –
- Normal: This mode is tailor made for daily commutes and emphasises on ride comfort.
- Snow: This mode is provides more progressive throttle input for improved vehicle acceleration on snow- and ice-covered roads .
- Sport: This mode modifies the steering effort and gear shifting for a sportier feel and response.
The interiors are focussed on the driver and offer a dual cockpit arrangement. There is sufficient storage space provided inside. The rear seats are split 40:60 and thus allows loading large cargo up to 8.5 feet in length. The ACTIV trim is primarily focussed at the off roading driver. It has been equipped with unique tyres and shock tuning. The ACTIV dampers are tuned to enhance vehicle performance and ride comfort when travelling on gravel roads. The Hankook Sport Terrain 17-inch tires feature an aggressive shoulder design and an all-season tread pattern.
Chevrolet has provided the Trail Blazer with several safety features like, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam Headlamps with Auto High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Vision Camera etc. Optionally one can also order, Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera, Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and HD Rear Vision Camera.
Inside, Chevrolet offers the Trail Blazer with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also offers satellite radio SiriusXM. The car has blue tooth connectivity for dual phones allowing the driver and passenger to use their phones hands free at the same time.
Stuart Norris, design director of global Chevrolet compact SUVs said, “The Trailblazer doesn’t simply let customers express their personal style. It encourages it with uniquely styled trims that allow buyers to select a vehicle that reflects their lifestyle. Its design is bold, confident and full of personality.
The Transport Journal 