10 things you should know about the refreshed Chevrolet Trailblazer

[FearLess]

Cape Town - The Chevrolet Trailblazer in its current guise has been around for more than five years and has proven itself to be a formidable contender in the mid-sized SUV segment.

Freshening up

In 2016, Chevrolet has given its flagship SUV a much-needed facelift.

Obvious changes are made to the exterior but inside is where it definitely shines as its gains a revised infotainment system and enhanced tech.

The 2016 Chevrolet Trailblazer: 10 refreshing tweaks

1 'Ignition-free' starting*

This is by far the coolest trick in the Trailblazer's new arsenal. It takes a few moments of playing around with but starting the SUV using the key is a lekker party trick. To make sure you get it right, unlock the Trailblazer, hit the lock button once and then the 'half-moon' button.

This will lock the doors and prevent anyone from hoping into the idling car (unless you unlock it). The remote switches on the vehicle and the aircon system will direct hot or cold air into the cabin depending on the temperature outside.

READ: Chev's new flagship SUV - New Trailblazer rolls into SA

2 Daytime running LED lights*

Daytime running LEDs fill the headlights and create a strong, imposing presence on the road. It gives the Trailblazer a fresher design.

3 Lane departure warning and Blind spot alert*

For added safety, lane departure warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Alert (BSA) has been added to the refreshed line-up. LDW will project an image on the screen in front of the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane; while BSA will activate an image on the side mirror if a vehicle is in your... well, blind spot.

4 Forward collision alert (FCA)*

FCA will warn if the Trailblazer is heading towards another car at too fast a speed. The FCA's intensity can also be adjusted or switched off completely.

5 Chevrolet MyLink 2.0

The Trailblazer now boasts an upgraded version of Chevrolet's MyLink system. The system's dials are easier to read, the touch function more sensitive and the imagery a lot clearer. It also makes scolling through the various settings a much easier. 

 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: The 2016 Chevrolet Trailblazer has arrived in SA. Image: Wheels24 / Charlen Raymond ~ Wheels24-Motoring
Cape Town - The Chevrolet Trailblazer in its current guise has been around for more than five years and has proven itself to be a formidable contender in the mid-sized SUV segment.

Freshening up

In 2016, Chevrolet has given its flagship SUV a much-needed facelift.

Obvious changes are made to the exterior but inside is where it definitely shines as its gains a revised infotainment system and enhanced tech.

Here's what you need to know: Full list below our clip

The 2016 Chevrolet Trailblazer: 10 refreshing tweaks

1 'Ignition-free' starting*

This is by far the coolest trick in the Trailblazer's new arsenal. It takes a few moments of playing around with but starting the SUV using the key is a lekker party trick. To make sure you get it right, unlock the Trailblazer, hit the lock button once and then the 'half-moon' button.

This will lock the doors and prevent anyone from hoping into the idling car (unless you unlock it). The remote switches on the vehicle and the aircon system will direct hot or cold air into the cabin depending on the temperature outside.

READ: Chev's new flagship SUV - New Trailblazer rolls into SA

2 Daytime running LED lights*

Daytime running LEDs fill the headlights and create a strong, imposing presence on the road. It gives the Trailblazer a fresher design.

3 Lane departure warning and Blind spot alert*

For added safety, lane departure warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Alert (BSA) has been added to the refreshed line-up. LDW will project an image on the screen in front of the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane; while BSA will activate an image on the side mirror if a vehicle is in your... well, blind spot.

4 Forward collision alert (FCA)*

FCA will warn if the Trailblazer is heading towards another car at too fast a speed. The FCA's intensity can also be adjusted or switched off completely.

5 Chevrolet MyLink 2.0

The Trailblazer now boasts an upgraded version of Chevrolet's MyLink system. The system's dials are easier to read, the touch function more sensitive and the imagery a lot clearer. It also makes scolling through the various settings a much easier. 

 
Image: Wheels24 / Charlen Raymond
6 It seats 7 passengers

Hidden in the boot are two extra seats that 1) do not intrude on loading space when folded down and 2) does not stand out like an after thought (Take note Toyota Fortuner...). With a quick, swift tug the seats can be pulled from their storage spaces and be accessed by folding the second row of seats forward.

7 Huge cargo space

With the third row of seats in an upright position, boot space is a measly 205 litres but can be expanded to 1229 litres when folded down.

Driven: Chevrolet Trailblazer - ageing but still in the SUV fight

With the second row of seats also folded down cargo space increases to a massive 1830 litres!

8 Reversing camera

When flicking the six-speed auto into reverse, it will automatically activate the new reversing-camera for better viewing of what's behind the SUV.

9 Aircon for rear passengers

A neat feature is the function to cool rear passengers down. A big, unmissable dial sits in front of the gear lever and when activated, will turn on the rear aircon for better air distribution. Passengers in the back also have the option to alter the strength of the airflow.

10 Price

The new Trailblazer is priced from R464 000 - R623 200. What about its rivals? The Fortuner is priced from R438 000 - R660 600, while the Ford Everest sells from R634 900 - R698 900.