World debut in Dubai for Chevy's new TrailBlazer

Made in Thailand, sold around the world, unveiled in Dubai - Chevrolet’s new midsize TrailBlazer SUV is one of the undisputed highlights of the opening day of the region's biggest motor show, making its global debut moments ago. The seven-seater brings back the TrailBlazer name with a modern design catapulting it into a contemporary era for SUVs and crossovers, but unfortunately it then takes a step backward being based on a ladder-on-frame truck. This new generation TrailBlazer was developed by GM of Brazil in tandem by the new Colorado pick-up, so expect plenty of hauling and towing capability with genuine off-road capability, but trade in some comfort for that. Powering the TrailBlazer is GM's new 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel engine driving all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. GM claims the new TrailBlazer will be one of the toughest models in its lineup, just don't expect it to feature an oil-burner under the bonnet in the GCC market,. The car's curvaceous and somewhat soft design suggest it's a crossover, but the GM South America Design Center responsible for the styling threw in some neat details, such as the power dome, raised cowl, dual projector headlamps and Chevy's dual grille. The paint on the show car is a tricot pearlescent white, while LED front and rear fog lamps provide the jewellery. Riding on 20in wheels shod with Cooper tyros, the TrailBlazer manages to look almost suitably rugged, yet hides well its humble ladder frame roots. Inside the TrailBlazer the designers stuck with the flowing instrument panels as you find in the 'twin-cockpit' Cruze and all the latest Chevy products. It's a versatile seven-seater cabin, with three-row tumble and/or fold-flat capability - the second row splits 60/40 and the third 50/50. You can expect the new TrailBlazer to go on sale regionally next year.