[Seong Giho's Tavoleo] Chevrolet Has Changed... Solid Compact SUV 'Trailblazer'

#Affordable 19.95 Million Won #Compact Like Large #Generous Tax Benefits #E-Turbo Engine Satisfies High-Speed Driving #2040 Target Design

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Korea GM's 'youngest breadwinner' Trailblazer has been launched. Although its size is classified as a 'compact' sport utility vehicle (SUV), expectations are 'large.' This is because Korea GM President Kaher Kazem introduced it as "containing the hopes of all stakeholders," and Kim Yong-gap, the union chairman, responded by saying, "It contains 30 years of union know-how," reflecting Korea GM's aspirations. Perhaps that is why the Trailblazer is reasonably priced, starting at 19.95 million KRW. This pricing takes into account criticisms that "Korea GM's cars have good performance but are expensive." It is said that intense internal debates took place regarding pricing. Thanks to this, the Trailblazer easily surpassed 1,000 contracts within two days of its launch. To see if it can truly become Korea GM's hope, we took a close look at the Trailblazer. The test drive was conducted over approximately 90 km, starting from Incheon International Airport and returning to Gimpo City, Gyeonggi Province.

-They say it is an impactful SUV beyond compact size. How big is it?

The Trailblazer is not small. Of course, it is a compact SUV. However, it is larger than typical compacts. It measures 4,410 mm in length, 1,635 mm in height, 1,810 mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2,640 mm. Compared to its biggest competitor and the largest in its class, Kia Motors' Seltos, the Trailblazer is 35 mm longer and 25 mm taller. Its width and wheelbase are each 10 mm more spacious. The rear seat is also roomy for a compact SUV. It is large enough to accommodate two child car seats comfortably.

The Trailblazer is a truly 'domestic car,' with Korea GM responsible for the entire research and development (R&D) process and production. This means it reflects Korean consumers' tastes and preferences well. It seems to sufficiently satisfy Korean preferences, which are sensitive to interior space.

-The design is unusual. What does it look like?

The Trailblazer targets people from their 20s to early 40s. The design clearly reflects this target. The most eye-catching feature is the line running through the side and rear. It gives a simple yet muscular impression. It emphasizes volume that appeals to young tastes.

Above all, the exterior colors can be chosen in various options depending on the trim. Up to eight colors are available: six basic colors including Agatha Red, Modern Black, Snow White Pearl, Satin Steel Gray, Ginger Orange, and Midnight Blue. The highest trim, the RS model, offers exclusive Ibiza Blue, and the trim just below, the Dream Active model, offers exclusive Zeus Bronze. The overall design slightly differs among the three trims: the base model, RS, and the off-road dedicated Active.

-They say it has an eco-friendly engine. How is the performance?

The 'E-Turbo' engine is truly an engine with much to say. The Trailblazer is equipped with two types of engines: a 1.2L gasoline 'E-Turbo Prime' and a 1.35L gasoline E-Turbo engine. They deliver maximum outputs of 139 horsepower and 156 horsepower, and maximum torques of 22.4 kg·m and 24.1 kg·m, respectively. The combined fuel efficiency is also satisfactory at 13 km/L and 13.2 km/L.

We understand your concerns. No matter how advanced the technology, the 1.2L and 1.35L figures are lower specs compared to the competitor Seltos's 1.6L.

You might worry if there is a 'heart problem.' You don't need to worry about that. In actual driving, the power is sufficient. There was no feeling of sluggishness even at high speeds. In fact, this controversy has already been tested. The 1.35L gasoline E-Turbo engine was already tested through the All-New Malibu.

Moreover, the smaller size brings advantages. It has received the third-class low-emission vehicle certification, so choosing the E-Turbo offers tax benefits due to the low displacement, as well as various benefits enjoyed by eco-friendly vehicles, such as discounts on public parking lots. These are significant advantages for customers considering the Trailblazer. Practicality should come before specs on paper.

-Is the driving performance satisfactory?

When starting the engine and setting off, it lightly took to the road. Its power is similar to that of a mid-size sedan, but with a lighter curb weight, the handling felt nimble. Particularly impressive was the low engine RPM maintenance. This was due to the quick response of the 9-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the low RPM, engine noise was not very loud.

Noise and vibration during driving were appropriate for the class. There was road noise and wind noise, but not excessively loud.

Convenience features should not be underestimated compared to previous Korea GM vehicles. From the base trim, it is equipped with a forward collision warning system, low-speed automatic emergency braking system, forward pedestrian detection and braking system, and lane departure warning and lane keeping assist system. Additionally, it has an 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Google will be applied later according to policy). Features preferred by domestic consumers such as adaptive cruise control, head-up display (HUD), and ventilated seats are also prepared. However, auto hold is not installed.

On the 16th of last month, attendees including Kaher Kazem, President of GM Korea, and Kim Seong-gap, Chairman of the GM Korea Labor Union, posed at the 'Chevrolet Trailblazer Media Showcase' held at Paradise City Chroma in Jung-gu, Incheon. The Trailblazer is a sports utility vehicle (SUV) made by Chevrolet, equipped with a 1.2ℓ gasoline E-Turbo Prime engine and a 1.35ℓ gasoline E-Turbo engine. Photo by Hyunmin Kim, Yeongjongdo kimhyun81@

-How is the cost-effectiveness?

Compared to the competitor Seltos, the Trailblazer's starting price is 300,000 KRW higher. The fully loaded Trailblazer costs 33.2 million KRW, somewhat higher than the Seltos's 31.5 million KRW. However, this price difference is considered reasonable given the interior space.