Downsizing engines has been a massive trend in the auto industry since countries started implementing stricter emission standards. But scaling down an existing model takes creativity and a lot of guts. That is what Chevrolet did to the Trailblazer. It was their mid-size SUV until 2020 when it transformed into a subcompact crossover, and that is what you are looking at right now. In the eternal words of Jack Palance, “believe it or not.”
The muscle-bound body of the all-new Korean-made Trailblazer is still worthy of bearing the bowtie logo. But its squarish top half immediately reminded me of the Kia Soul’s shape, with the sharp angle connecting the windshield to the flat roof. Chevrolet got it right with a broader and slimmer grille divided horizontally by a thick chrome accent. It has sleek LED daytime running lamps on either side at the top and LED headlamps at the bottom. Below is a silver trim on the bumper with LED fog lamps on either side. A lot is going on with the front fascia, not counting the lines down the hood that give the entire nose a sinewy appearance. Other exterior features include roof rails, thick body cladding, a rear spoiler, and a rear underbody garnish. It has all the trappings of its now-defunct namesake but in a more compact package. It looks bigger than its size suggests, especially when viewed from the front. But the sloping roof and thick C-pillar somehow shorten and minimize it. It isn’t necessarily bad because its aerodynamic shape is one of its best features. More about that later. This model arrives fashionably late to the crossover party, but premium features like the power tailgate, active grille shutters, several innovative brake systems, and that Camaro-inspired face could help it score in the segment. A smart key makes access easy. Push a button on the door handle to either lock or unlock the vehicle. The cabin appears modest as the layout and angular shape of the appointments mimic that of the Trax, Spark, and other Chevy models. It does not feel very upscale, but the good-quality plastics, piano black accents, and chrome trims give it a decent finish. It uses leather upholstery with white stitching. The seats are firm, but since these are highly adjustable, it makes them easy to get to the proper driving position. There is an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a couple of USB ports (1 Type-C and 1 Type-A). The multi-function steering wheel has buttons for the 3.5-inch instrument cluster display on the left and cruise control on the right. If you are wondering where the audio controls are, it is positioned ingeniously at the back of the steering wheel. While the design could be newer, the use of different materials makes the cabin feel classy in a modern kind of way. Seating comfort is excellent, and it was one of the reasons I was still fresh after a long five-hour drive. It has plenty of pockets and cubby holes, but I find the trunk space smaller than segment rivals. In this car, Chevrolet introduces its GM E-Turbo 1.3-liter all-aluminum engine with variable valve timing. It sends 155-horsepower and 236-Nm of torque to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
It is quick for a vehicle with a small displacement engine. The response is immediate, especially at city speeds, but it is no slouch on the expressway. Acceleration is brisk even at high speed and feels very light while cruising. It has a very calm engine too, able to stay at 100 km/h while only revving at 1,800 RPM. That and the active grille shutters help it return 12.3 km/l in mixed driving conditions. What needs improvement is noise dampening. On provincial roads with broken asphalt surfaces, harshness overpowers the audio from its six cabin speakers. Handling is light, which is typical of the segment. It is precise and moves gracefully around curves and twisty mountain passes. I also like how stable it is and how body roll is minimal. Its torque vectoring by the brakes is one of the big reasons why. Safety systems include Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist with video and Tire Fill Alert with the tire pressure monitoring system. The decision to downsize is the right one, but at P1,621,888, the new Trailblazer Premier 1.3L Turbo is pricey. Sure, it has plenty of features and high fuel efficiency, which is what motorists look for today in a subcompact crossover, but will it be enough to be competitive in the segment? Chevy will have to wait and see.