[News] Holden NZ Launches New Trailblazer SUV

The full details of the new 2017 Holden Trailblazer has now been released, with higher specs up from its predecessor, and a slight price decrease. Combining car-like comfort and tech with rugged truck capabilities, the Holden Trailblazer is the 7-seat SUV off-roader made for family adventure. Shift between 4WD and 2WD modes to enjoy the school run, camping or on a surf trip along the coast.

“This is a win-win situation for our customers, one which has resulted in increased specification but a decrease in price,” said the Managing Director of Holden New Zealand, Kristian Aquilina.

“This will help position the new Trailblazer as not only the newest large SUV in the market, but also one of the most attainable.”

The price of the new Holden Trailblazer LTZ is $62,990 (+ORC), which represents a $4,000 reduction compared with the outgoing model. However, when extra specification is considered, the overall value equation increases to a net gain for enthusiasts of more than $7,000.

Trailblazer debuts with a new look, advanced vehicle and connectivity technology, the use of premium materials and a fresh design throughout.

“The Trailblazer will be sure to challenge the 4×4 SUV market, thanks to its significant engineering, feature and design upgrades, combined with competitive pricing,” said Mr Aquilina.

Awarded a five star ANCAP safety rating, Trailblazer offers an array of active and passive safety features including additional driver’s knee airbag, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and Hill Descent Control.

The addition of Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to the LTZ model contribute considerably to the overall safety story, while the exterior of the vehicle has received a revised bonnet and now features headlamps with LED daylight running lights, a new front fascia and upper grille.

The interior has had a major remake and now the center console is seamlessly integrated with the rest of the dashboard. It now has a more car-like appearance and features a new MyLink system, while an 8-inch screen with integrated sat-nav completes the look of the LTZ.

Developed in collaboration between Holden and GM Brazil and alongside the acclaimed 2017 Holden Colorado, the Holden Trailblazer blends 4×4 capability with refined and confident on-road performance.

The 8-inch screen also comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a in-car vehicle app that connects to your phone to virtually become your second screen in your car. Very handy if you’re like me, who likes to use Google Maps for navigation on an Android phone! (Apple Carplay shown in above picture)

Holden Australia’s Lead Dynamics Engineer, Rob Trubiani, mentioned that the vehicle was very versatile to customers’ needs and lifestyles.

“The Trailblazer is such a versatile SUV, used for anything from weekday grocery runs to weekend 4×4 driving adventures so we had to ensure it performed in a variety of situations and terrains,” Mr Trubiani said.

The extensive engineering improvements include a revised steering calibration, co-developed between Holden and Brazilian engineers providing a more precise steering feel thanks to a faster steering rack ratio and less turns lock-to-lock.

Other key developments in Trailblazer’s chassis include a revised set of engine, transmission and body mounts to provide a more refined and composed ride which will improve drive quality, particularly while towing. Driver confidence is furthered with the variable steering efforts in Trailblazer’s Electric Power Steering system.

When all changes are considered, the launch of the new model sees the introduction of a clear naming distinction between the Colorado truck and Trailblazer SUV siblings.

“The new model is a significant enhancement compared with the predecessor, so the opportunity was taken to initiate a name change to differentiate the two bodystyles,” said Mr Aquilina.

“The Trailblazer shares similar improvements to ride and handling as its Colorado stablemate but we wanted to emphasise the significant enhancements it’s undergone, so a standalone name was appropriate.”

The Trailblazer LTZ features a 2.8-litre Duramax diesel engine, delivering 147kW of power combined with 500Nm of torque in the automatic model.  The automatic transmission is a 6-speed, with Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD and is capable of towing a braked weight of 3,000kg.

The Trailblazer proved itself a competent off-roader when it was used as a support vehicle on the recent Colorado launch in the Lees Valley, which included a river crossing and off-road component.

For more information on the new Holden Trailblazer, please visit: https://www.holden.co.nz/cars/trailblazer

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