Holden Trailblazer

While Holden Trailblazer’s exterior might create a strong first impression with its massive size, the same cannot be said about the interior layout. The cabin is not a bad place to be in, however, the design feels slightly utilitarian for the asking price of the SUV.

The three-spoke T-shaped steering wheel as well as instrument console look very simple and lack any kind of flair. However, the wide and block themed centre console, with vertical and rectangular AC vents flanking the centrally tucked in the touchscreen infotainment system and an array of buttons below it, adds some heft to the visual appeal. The lower housing of the centre console looks pretty plain, though.

For a seven-seater vehicle which has big dimensions, the Holden Trailblazer offers great space levels for all the three rows. The equipment levels too are decent for this price, as the vehicle is blessed with features like remote engine start, power-adjustable, foldable and heated rearview mirrors, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and leather upholstery.

The Holden Trailblazer has the ability to dwarf every other vehicle on the road, just by the way it looks and its stance. The Trailblazer has got big dimensions, which give it a towering stance giving it an unmistakable presence.

The front end of the Holden Trailblazer itself is very heightened, with a high raised front fascia comprising of a huge horizontally split grille and large and angular headlamps. The large circular recesses for fog lamps too have a split design to them, while the bonnet has a scooped design.

The side profile of the Holden Trailblazer might not look too flashy, but then, the high ground clearance, large machined alloy wheels, fairly big sized windows and chrome accents on window waistline, rearview mirrors and door handles impart big and premium appeal.

The Holden Trailblazer looks slightly bland when viewed from the rear, as the small tail lamps and curved rear windshield make it look not so appealing.

As like any other old school full-size SUV, the Holden Trailblazer has got a ladder on frame chassis under its skin and suspension setup of independent double-wishbone at front and 5-link live axle at the rear. While the Trailblazer is good for low speed driving with decent ride quality, at high speeds, the handling gets a bit nervy, and at the same time, the high centre of gravity results in body roll protruding in the cabin too.

There is only one powertrain combination doing its duty under the hood of the Holden Trailblazer – a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine has the ability to belt out a maximum power output of 200 PS and a peak torque output of 500 Nm. The powertrain also gets the assistance of an electronic select shift-on-fly four-wheel drive system, with a 2-speed transfer case to channel power to all four wheels.

The Holden Trailblazer has got all the safety essentials at right places, the list of which comprises of the front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Roll Over Mitigation.

For those who want to get their drive noticed and get respect on the road, the Holden Trailblazer is an apt ticket for the purpose. However, we do wish that the design, both in and out, possessed a bit more flair to make it look more youthful. The engine feels responsive and punchy for a vehicle of this size, while it provides decent on-road manners too. It is not a driver’s delight, but it gets the job done right.