Chevrolet reveals all-new Blazer SUV
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 25th Jun 2018
CHEVROLET has ripped the covers off its latest SUV offering, the Blazer, which has resurrected an historic nameplate for the brand ahead of an on-sale date in the US next year.
GM Holden told GoAuto that an Australian debut is unlikely, with its recently released Equinox serving as the car-maker’s medium SUV offering, while the Acadia large SUV will arrive locally before the end of the year.
The all-new crossover features bold, aggressive and sporty styling, and comes with a choice of two petrol-powered engines, a fresh new interior and seating for five occupants.
The design is a new direction to other Chevrolet SUVs, with slimline LED headlights slightly reminiscent of the new Silverado pick-up and Camaro sportscar, and a large central grille that is similar to the Lexus spindle grille.
At the rear, the Blazer features LED tail-lights with a distinctive pattern, dual exhaust tips, a roof spoiler and stylish rear diffuser.
Depending on the variant selected, different styling is available, such as additional chrome trim on the Premier and blacked-out elements on the RS. Eighteen-inch alloys are standard, which can be optioned up to 21-inch in size.
Inside the Blazer gains a smoothly integrated cabin design, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster and a range of different colour and trim choices.
Comfort features include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, optional heated seats on outward rear seats, hands-free power tailgate, wireless phone charging and six USB ports.
The cargo space features a cargo storage system and floor rails, while boot space can be expanded to as much as 1818 litres with the rear seats folded.
Two powertrain options will be available, consisting of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit producing 143kW/255Nm, and a 3.6-litre V6 outputting 227kW/365Nm.
Both will be available in front- or all-wheel-drive configuration, while both engines employ a nine-speed automatic transmission. Top-spec Premier and RS variants come with a new twin-clutch AWD system, which optimises performance on sub-par road surfaces.
All variants will come with a traction selection mode that can be adjusted for different conditions, while AWD versions will be able to decouple the rear axle, switching to front-drive when preferred.
Driver aids include active cruise control, rear camera mirror, and a couple of trailer hitch guides for the V6 version, which features a 2000kg braked towing capacity.
Examples of the Mexican-built Blazer are expected to arrive in US showrooms in early 2019.
The original K5 Blazer SUV was produced by Chevrolet between 1969 and 1994, after which it was replaced by the Tahoe full-size SUV.
