Holden Trailblazer 2017 car review

The Trailblazer is gifted with a sophisticated new look, advanced vehicle and connectivity technology, use of premium materials and a fresh design throughout. As well as starting from $62,990 for the LTZ model ($4,000 less than the outgoing model), buyers will also benefit from extras which mean the total savings add up to more than $7,000.

Extra active and passive safety items have helped the Trailblazer reach the all-important 5 star ANCAP safety rating. There’s also the side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert for the LTZ, which really puts the icing on the cake when it comes to safety.

It’s been designed to incorporate a blend of on and off-road performance, all thanks to a collaboration of engineering developments from Holden and GM Brazil. The objective was for it to complement the customer’s lifestyle and this is evident in the steering system, which includes a revised calibration to provide a more precise feel by creating a faster steering rack ratio and less turns lock-to-lock. The ute-like styling of this SUV actually drives and feels much like a car, which is exactly what the designers were going for.

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 the Managing Director of Holden NZ, Kristian 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 LTZ features a 2.8L Duramax diesel engine, delivering 147kW of power combined with 500Nm of torque in the automatic model.  It features a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD and it’s capable of towing a braked weight of 3,000kg.