Trailblazer how four-wheel drive works. New comment

At one time, before purchasing this car, I read all the reviews about this model that I could find. I thought that I should also leave mine, maybe it will help someone too. My review of the mid-size classic American SUV - the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. I wrote a bit too much, I will hope that my review will not tire you too much.

My car can be called a stock car: it is distinguished from the one that came off the assembly line only by the wheels (there is rubber maximum size- 265/65 R17, I like this car better). I took the car in top-end configuration(no DVD, but with a hatch).

I bought the car a little over a year and a half ago. The car was produced in 2003, at the time of sale the mileage was 35,000 kilometers (there is no need to argue about its reality). The car was in perfect condition, unless of course you take into account a few minor abrasions that were on the bumpers. Guided by what considerations I chose this particular car, it is difficult to answer. I liked it and that's it, and the cost was right for me.

And further. I needed a car with a large luggage compartment in order to carry my Chow-chow dog in it. I treat her with special warmth, so I wanted to do everything possible to protect her as much as possible from some unscrupulous individuals who, at traffic lights, strive to crash into back part auto. For this reason, I needed a car as strong as possible. That's why TrailBlazer hit me with a frame and a strong thick iron.

At first, there was no limit to the delight of the purchase. Now that some time has passed, I can look at the car more soberly and rationally. But I want to note that I did not have to be disappointed in this car, on the contrary, to this day I think this car is just wonderful.

I will try to briefly tell you about everything. I want to highlight a lot of points, I will try to choose the most significant ones.

First, let's talk about the motor.

I will try to summarize my thoughts. There are many of them, but I will choose the most relevant ones.

I cannot speak about the in-line petrol six 4,2 vortec without admiration. His work is simply excellent - smooth and quiet, so if you feel the slightest vibration, you can conclude that there is a need to visit the service. Vibration can occur for several reasons. The most common of these is clogging throttle, engine cushions wear. Most often, pillows become unusable for fans of jerks from the start.

As for gasoline, the car can be content with anyone, and this will not have a negative impact on either consumption or dynamics. By the way, I use AI-92. There were also attempts to go to the 95th, but did not see expediency, since the dynamics did not improve, but the consumption increased by 1-1.5 liters.

The motor does not consume oil, and, according to knowledgeable people, with the proper approach, timely carrying out routine maintenance its service life will be very long. Usually, guided by the data on-board computer, I change a little every 8 thousand kilometers.

Let's move on to the transmission.

Due to the ancient four-stage automatic box gear changes are eaten by a significant number of horses. The box works slowly and imposingly. But at the same time, it is quite comfortable with her. Only when you shift from first to second gear can you feel a slight jolt. Like any automatic transmission, this one also does not have a love for overheating, and taking into account the absence of a temperature sensor, the probability of overheating is quite high. But this is only for thoughtless driving. The location of the shift knob gives the car a European resemblance, as Americans usually have this knob on the steering wheel.

The transfer case is missing center differential, because of which I often only go to rear wheel drive... Full engagement is usually only recommended in off-road conditions. In such conditions, the wheels can turn freely, without unnecessary stress on the transmission.

There is also an "auto" mode, which implies connection front wheel drive in the event that they skid rear wheels... Drivers often debate whether or not to use this mode. As for me personally, it impressed me, that's why I don't use it. There are two main reasons for this. The first is that the operation of this mode is not clear enough: it is possible to turn on the front-wheel drive at the most inopportune moments. Second, the transfer case may be damaged due to the sharp connections of the front drive.

But here I want to draw your attention to the fact that my car does not have a stabilization system, like ESP. For those trails that have it, the front-wheel drive connection in this mode is more smooth.

It is worth noting here that my car is not equipped with a stabilization mode, such as ESP. On those Trails on which it is located, the front end in auto mode connects more smoothly.

The transfer case has not only a rear-wheel drive mode and an “auto” mode, I can also say about the presence of an all-wheel drive mode for driving at high speeds (within 80 kilometers per hour), and also a reduced one, designed for exceptional dirt. And on the rear axle there is a limited-slip differential. This is a separate topic for conversation. His work is flawless, for this reason, the need to use four-wheel drive is extremely rare.

Driving the TrailBlazer with rear-wheel drive in the winter requires habit, since there is a lot of forces and a car, so the probability of a skid is quite high, but it can be easily removed from a skid. Last winter was snowy, I only used four-wheel drive when I was parking in the yard, and even the need for it arose with the arrival of hellish cyclones, when in our city there was almost up to our throat of snow.

In general, if we talk about management, then Trail in this regard showed himself to be on the best side in comparison with his older brother Tahoe. In terms of control, it somewhat resembles a crossover. There are no rear springs, but this does not create any special problems, and there is no significant swinging. I especially want to highlight the softness of the steering. Thanks to the small turning radius, the vehicle's maneuverability at altitude and travel within the city are very pleasant.

Car dimensions require some getting used to, but it won't take a lot of time to get used to. Although the rear end doesn't feel good enough, given how strong the bumper is, you don't really need to stress about it.

On brake system I'm not particularly complaining, although it could have been better.

A full idea of ​​the power of the TrailBlazer can only be gained when driving on the track. Whatever the speed, the acceleration is the same as from a standstill, regardless of whether the car is loaded or not.

Now let's move on to consumption. In the city: summer - 16-18 liters (depending on how you drive), winter - from 19 to 22 liters (driving style also affects). On the highway at a speed of 80 to 100 km / h, 10.5-11 liters come out, a speed of 120 km / h - 12.5 liters, 180 km / h - it turns out like in the city (16 liters).

Once in the summer there was a sharp increase in consumption by 1-1.5 liters. It turned out that the whole point is air filter... After the replacement (from 500 to 600 rubles), everything fell into place.

But as for the paintwork, everything is perfect here, which I consider to be an important advantage of this machine. The coating is able to withstand not only branches, the thickness of which is several centimeters, but even the reinforcement is not terrible for it (I was convinced from my own experience).

Off-road qualities.

Riding in the mud was not a pleasure for me, but nevertheless I had to. I concluded that against the background of others, the car shows itself pretty well. V

And now, according to tradition, about problems. There were very few of them, and the fault was usually not the car.

Firstly, not a few days ago, the wedging cylinder of the right front caliper began to bother. As a result of the inspection, I revealed the following: the repair will already help, you need to change it. But this is only my fault, if I looked there at least sometimes, then I would have done everything on time.

Secondly, problems with struts and bushings front stabilizer... Their replacement was immediately after the acquisition of the car due to a knock. But after two long journeys the knock appeared again. I thought that I wouldn’t do the replacement anymore, I could drive like that.

The interior is finished with plastic, which seems tough in appearance, but not bad to the touch. The soundproofing level is excellent. But you often have to replace burned out button backlight bulbs. At first I suffered from this for a long time, but in the end I decided that it was easier to score. In general, it is curable if you replace them with modern LEDs. Another problem is the erasable buttons of the radio. This can be corrected with a black marker.

In conclusion, I can give some recommendations to those who are going to buy a TrailBlazer. The weakest points of the car (in the absence of a proper approach to operation) are the automatic transmission and the transfer case. My advice is to check them first.

I assume you have an idea of ​​how an automatic transmission is tested. What I can pay attention to is that when you are driving a plan, you feel the transition from the first gear to the second (this is all within the normal range), as for the rest of the transition, they should not be felt.

Regarding the transfer case - switching modes is carried out using a toggle switch. Weak point here is an actuator that often fails due to the fact that four-wheel drive was incorrectly connected (for example, on the move). Another reason could be influence the environment... I'll tell you how to check the front end connection. When you are standing on a flat asphalt road, engage four-wheel drive, then turn the wheels out (all the way), put the automatic transmission selector into Drive-mode, and then release the brake (do not press the gas pedal). If all-wheel drive is on, then the car will not go, but if the car is moving, this indicates an unconnected front end. In addition, it will not be superfluous to check the rear limited slip differential to make life easier for yourself in the winter.

Is relatively inexpensive frame SUV with a large ground clearance of 26 cm. The second generation Chevrolet Trailblazer is available with a diesel or gasoline engine with a capacity of 180 or 240 hp, which work with a manual or adaptive automatic transmission.

When driving, you can use only rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive engages and disengages manually, there is a transfer case and a limited-slip differential.

Chevrolet Trailblazer II Review:

The model began production in 2001, the first generation was produced until 2008. This review will focus on the second generation, the beginning of release - 2012. Production is located in Brazil and Thailand, and assembly is carried out in Russia near St. Petersburg.

Salon:

V salon this car is spacious and comfortable. A rather tall driver, about two meters tall, can sit in the driver's seat and feel comfortable. Thanks to the high seating position and the comfortable seat setting, the steering wheel offers excellent visibility. The side mirrors are also large and informative.

Front seats without pronounced lateral support, American style. This will make you feel a little imposing and free. The plastic of the panels is tough and looks a little rough, but damage will be almost invisible on it. There is a lot of space for various little things - cup holders, niches and boxes.

On the second row for passengers there is enough space with a margin, the only drawback is the lack of a handle for embarking and disembarking. The high floor will make it difficult for some people to sit in the back seat.

The heating and cooling air ducts for the rear rows are routed under the ceiling and have openings for adjusting the air flow direction. On the third row, there will be little space for adults, but just for children. Needless to say, many children will love these trips. If you have a small family or the 3rd row is not planned to be used, it can be completely removed, significantly increasing the luggage compartment.

From disadvantages in the cabin, one can note the lack of seat heating; in winter, those who like to warm up will have to wait until the cabin warms up from the heater. This disadvantage can be corrected by the additional purchase of heated seat covers. And if you install preheater which will be especially useful for diesel engine Russian winters, the problem itself will recede into the background.

Engine:

Gasoline six-cylinder engine volume of 3.6 liters elastic. At low revs it creates good traction, at medium speeds it works quite quietly, and with sharp acceleration at speed it picks up well and creates enough torque, for example, for overtaking. The red zone of the tachometer begins at around 7000 rpm (for a diesel - at around 4500).

Automatic 6-speed box adaptive, adapts to the driving style. Shifts gears almost imperceptibly, works without interruption. If you drive quietly, it will "get used" to this style and will change gears in such a way that revs are minimal.

In order to "wean" the automatic transmission from such a mode, you need to press the gas pedal, sharply and to the end, allowing the engine to develop high revs. After that, the gear changes will become more flexible and dynamic.

Vehicle handling:

When driving on the highway The trailblazer is easy to control, rides steadily. Traction control, stabilization and brake assist systems allow you to drive quite confidently and feel relaxed. For overtaking, the engine power is quite enough, its lack is not felt.

On off-road, in mud and puddles, you can not be very afraid, tk. the vehicle's ground clearance is high and the generator is high. This will allow you to overcome rather difficult obstacles, including water. The approach angle of 32 degrees also contributes to this.

There is 4 driving modes:

• 2WD - rear-wheel drive, for driving on the highway or on urban asphalt
• 4WD High - four-wheel drive, works at speeds up to 120 km / h, at speeds above the mode is disabled
• 4WD Low - four-wheel drive, rear differential lock, forced gear shifting, disengagement of traction control and anti-lock systems, works at speeds up to 40 km / h
• Neutral - disconnect the transfer case, for towing

So, Trailblazer 2 has good driving characteristics, allowing you to easily overcome off-road conditions. The presence of the frame makes it durable and reliable, and manual engagement of all-wheel drive at any speed and a downshift range of gears is technically convenient. Suitable for people for whom adventure, drive, fishing, hunting, off-roading and competition are not just empty words.

Specifications Chevrolet Trailblazer:

Class - frame SUV
Body - station wagon
Drive - rear or full, plug-in, transfer case, self-locking differential
Engine location - longitudinally
Engine 1 - Duramax CTDI, diesel, 4 cylinders in a row, 2.8 L, 180 HP, 2013
Engine 2 - VVT, gasoline, 6 cylinders V-shaped, 3.6 l, 240 hp, 2013
Volume - 2.8-3.6 l
Power - 180-240 hp
Torque 1 - 440-470 Nm, 2000 rpm
Torque 2 - 329 Nm, 3200 rpm
Number of valves - 16 or 24
Compression ratio 1 - 16.0
Compression ratio 2 - 10.2
Fuel injection 1 - direct, turbocharging
Fuel injection 2 - distributed
Timing drive - toothed belt
Gearbox 1 - mechanical, 5-speed
Gearbox 2 - automatic, 6-speed

Number of seats - 7
Fuel tank- 76 liters
Fuel - diesel or AI-95 gasoline
Fuel consumption (city) - 12.3-15.5 l / 100 km
Fuel consumption (highway) - 8.4-8.5 l / 100 km
Acceleration to 100 km / h - 10.8-11.8 seconds
Maximum speed- 180 km / h

Dimensions:

Length, width, height - 4878 x 1902 x 1847 mm (width with mirrors)
Wheelbase - 2845 mm
Clearance (ground clearance) - 255-267 mm
Turning radius - 6.35 m
Full mass- 2750 kg
Trailer weight - without brakes 2450-2750 kg, with brakes 5200-5500 kg
Trunk volume - 205 liters, with folded seats 1830 liters
Battery capacity - 70-90 A / hour
Tire size - R16 245/70 or R18 265/60
Disc size - 16 × 6.5J or 18 × 7.5J

Driving performance:

Entry angle - 32 degrees
Departure angle - 22 degrees

Comfort:

Air conditioning - with additional airflow for the 2nd and 3rd rows of passengers (LT).
Climate control - automatic (LTZ).
Cruise Control - Steering Wheel Button Control (LTZ).
Driver's seat- electric adjustment of position: horizontal, height and angle of inclination (LTZ).
Steering wheel - hydraulic booster, audio control with buttons (LTZ).
Center armrest.
Rearview mirror - electrochromic with auto-dimming (LTZ).
Power windows - electric, front with a door closer.

Suspension:

Front - independent, spring.
Rear - independent, five-link, spring.
Steering - a rack with a gear.

Brake system:

Front and rear brakes- disc, ventilated.
HDC system for slow downhill travel.
HSA system for hill start.

Body:

Frame - 8 additional transverse reinforcements of the frame chassis.

Security:

Alarm, immobilizer.
Airbags - 2 front - in LT, 4 airbags (front and side) - in LTZ.
Folding wheel.
Film in multilayer windshield.
Add. amplifiers in passenger door panels.

Equipment:

Headlights - halogen.
Fog lights- front (LTZ).
Rear parking sensor - LTZ.
Diode lights at the back - LTZ.

Salon:

Leather steering wheel trim - LTZ.
Fabric seats - LT.
Leather seats - LTZ.
The gear lever is chrome-plated (LTZ).
Audio - premium, radio, CD / MP3, Bluetooth, 9 speakers and amplifier.
Connectors - USB.

Electronic systems:

• brake force distribution EBD
• traction control TCS
• dynamic stabilization ESC
• help in emergency braking PBA
• cornering braking control CBC
• hydraulic braking support HBA
• effective overheating braking HBFA
• lift assistance HSA
• HDC descent assistance

Prices depending on the configuration:

Options and prices:

LT 2.8 MT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, 5-speed manual transmission, 4 × 4 - 1,444,000 RUR.
LT 2.8 AT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, automatic transmission 6-speed., 4 × 4 - RUB 1,520,000.
LTZ 2.8 MT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, 5-speed manual transmission, 4 × 4 - RUB 1,650,000.
LTZ 2.8 AT - diesel, 2.8 l, 180 hp, automatic transmission 6-speed., 4 × 4 - RUB 1,726,000.
LTZ 3.6 AT - petrol, 3.6 l, 240 HP, automatic transmission 6-speed., 4 × 4 - 1,777,000 RUR.

Prices are for information only and are not a public offer.

Used Chevrolet trailblazer can be purchased from ads. The dependence of the price on the age of the car is shown in the diagram:

The previous first generation model has a different engine with more power. For example, a 4.2 liter petrol engine with a capacity of 273 hp was installed on cars produced in 2004-2008. (four-wheel drive, automatic).

THEN:

Engine oil change - every 15,000 km.
Oil change in manual transmission is the first after 40,000 km, then every 100,000 km.
Automatic transmission oil change - every 150,000 km.
Power take-off clutch lubrication - every 45,000 km.
Replacing grease and front bearing oil seals - every 45,000 km.
Oil change in transfer case- every 75,000 km or 3 years.
Replacement of the ancillary drive belt - every 90,000 km.
Changing the oil in the front and rear axles- every 120,000 km.
Replacement of spark plugs - every 120,000 km.
Brake fluid change - every 2 years.
Coolant change - every 150,000 km or 5 years.
Replacement of the timing belt and the drive belt of the ancillary units - every 150,000 km.

Refueling volumes:

Oil in a gasoline or diesel engine - Dexos 2, 5W30
Transmission oil in manual transmission - 2.7-3 liters, Dexron IV
Transmission oil in automatic transmission with a gasoline engine - 5.2 l, Dexron VI
Transmission oil in automatic transmissions with a diesel engine - 5.7 l, Dexron VI
Transmission oil in the removed automatic transmission to the MIN mark - 10.6 l, Dexron VI
Transfer case oil - 1.5 L, Dexron VI

Front axle reducer - 0.9 l
Rear axle reducer - 2.3 l
Front and rear axle oil - ACDelco SAE 75W90
Brake fluid- 0.8 L, ACDelco DOT4
Power steering oil - 1.5 l, ACDelco Dexron VI
Diesel Engine Coolant - 9.0 L
Coolant gasoline engine- 10.5 l
Washer fluid - 4.5 l

Manual:

Photo:

Video review Chevrolet Trailblazer:

Driving performance of the 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer on water and off-road:

Test drive on a special track:

Have you driven this car? What can you say about its cross-country ability and driving performance? How does it feel to ride it? Have you had any breakdowns? Write your own review or story, your opinion is very important to us.

The second generation Trailblazer, which has just debuted on our market, is built according to the classic recipe: a sturdy frame, rigid all-wheel drive and a transfer case with a reduction gear. It's funny that in the press materials the rear suspension was called "independent five-link", and this absurdity went for a walk in media articles. Do not believe it! The Trailblazer has a real axle at the back, suspended from the frame with four trailing arms and a Panhard rod. Front - independent suspension on double wishbones.

Trailblazer is made according to the classic recipe: robust frame and plug-in four-wheel drive

The new Chevy looks rather massive because of the high sill line and hefty wheel arches, but it doesn't turn out to be brutal. The design is sustained in the corporate style, the radiator grille is divided by a wide horizontal crosspiece with a family cross ... Yet Trailblazer does not make the impression of a "purebred Yankee". Although what is surprising about that? It is not sold in the North American market. It is produced in Brazil and Thailand, and for Russia it is assembled by a large-knot method at the St. Petersburg GM plant.

Our Trailblazer is offered with two engines - a 180-horsepower 4-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel with a volume of 2.8 liters and a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 developing 239 hp. There are also two complete sets. The basic LT is available only with a diesel engine and a manual gearbox or "automatic", the older LTZ - with both engines, but only with an automatic gearbox. Actually, these four options exhaust the variety of modifications.

Nearly five-meter SUV in lineup Chevrolet finds itself exactly in an empty niche - between Captiva and Tahoe. There are seven seats in the cabin. Moreover, the gallery is also suitable for adult riders. Of course, there is not much space and amenities there, but it is quite possible to go. Both rear rows of seats fold flat. True, provided that an optional floor box is installed in the trunk. Without it, there will be a small step. But in any case, the cargo hold is huge, so the utility of the Chevrolet Trailblazer is all right.

Practicality is also evident in the driver's seat. The front panel is made of unassuming hard plastic. Glass-lift with automatic closer - only for the driver's window. Audio system with a simple monochrome display. In general, no frills ... The only thing non-standard solution- climate control unit, designed in the form of a ring of buttons with a round display inscribed inside it. Still, perhaps, the connector for gadgets is unusual: for some reason it was made in mini-USB format. Therefore, in order to "stick" a USB flash drive, you have to use an adapter wire that sticks out of the audio system panel in the most conspicuous place. To put it mildly, a strange "creative". But the fit and the seats are quite comfortable. The A-pillars have handles that you can hold onto while climbing inside. To help riders and footboards.

The dynamics of the diesel Trailblazer are not breathtaking. It is quite enough to keep up with the city flow, but nothing more. On the highway, the excellent high-torque power of the turbodiesel helps out: overtaking is given to an SUV without much stress.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a bit rude, but an honest hard worker - a real utilitarian!

The suspension is sufficiently assembled and does not annoy with excessive swing on the longitudinal wave of the coating. The rolls in the corners are also not too great. In any case, from such a "bump" one could expect big ones. The suspension copes well with irregularities: it does not come to breakdowns even on large potholes. But the vibrations of unsprung masses are well sensed in the cabin, which reduces comfort and somewhat smears the overall impression. But you can't find fault with the steering. It provides an understandable feedback... And although a frame SUV with a dependent rear suspension does not shine with exquisite handling, the car behaves honestly and reliably even on steep mountain serpentines.

The gasoline version accelerates, as expected, more vigorously, but otherwise the behavior completely repeats the behavior of a diesel car. The difference appears on serious off-road conditions. Turbodiesel looks preferable here. Its huge torque allows it to move in tension, easily climb steep climbs and force ambushes. And on descents, the diesel engine brakes much more efficiently gasoline engine, therefore, there is no need for a downhill assistance system - just tuck in a low gear. The petrol Trailblazer is a little harder to do off-road exercises, but ultimately it does it well, too. The key to this is the presence in the transmission of a demultiplier with a gear ratio of 2.62, a large ground clearance of 255-267 mm (depending on the dimension of the wheels) and decent angles of entry and exit.

Two to seven

The interior of the Chevrolet Trailblazer is quite suitable for traveling in every way. Even the third row of seats can accommodate adult riders without much discomfort. On the second, it is already really spacious, and the seat backs are adjustable in tilt angle. Of course rear seats you can add everything together or separately - in a variety of combinations (the middle row is divided in a ratio of 40:60, and the third - 50:50). When the seats are folded down, a flat loading area is formed. True, this requires an optional floor box (in the photo - in a red circle).

Chevrolet trailblazer
2.8 L (180 HP) 6AT
price: from 1,510,000 rubles.

The trend is evident: the supporting frame, continuous axle beams, rigidly connected all-wheel drive are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Their place under the sun is confidently occupied by crossovers of various stripes. And now in this troubled time for real SUVs Chevrolet brings to the market the new Trailblazer, the design of which meets all the immutable canons of jeep construction.

And it is interesting that live Chevrolet Trailblazer looks much more advantageous than in the photographs. For some reason, the image captured on the camera's matrix is ​​not able to convey the true harmony of an athletic, without excess fat, with lean lines of the exterior. And along with the elegance in the design of the body, there is a hint of both endurance and good off-road capabilities. However, this is not surprising - after all, the appearance of the Trailblazer was created in the South American design center of General Motors almost simultaneously with the single-platform Colorado pickup, which, by the way, is quite popular in the countries of South and North America.

Speaking of trucks, it is worth noting that the Chevrolet Trailblazer, even though not a pickup truck, has a very serious potential in this regard. A spacious seven-seater salon, when the third and second rows are folded, an impressive platform is formed; and the total trunk volume, which in this configuration reaches 1830 liters, is worthy of respect. Of course, in full accordance with the law of the genre, with all the passenger seats occupied, there is not much space left behind the "gallery" for luggage, but even in this case, a pair of bulky suitcases will fit easily. By the way, unlike most of its brethren, offering a seven-seater cabin layout, Trailblazer has almost full third-row seats. For example, with a growth of a little less than 180 cm, I settled there, if not quite at ease, then without noticeable discomfort. Naturally, the second row of seats has the greatest reserve of free space for passengers in this car. Here, three men, even of a fairly dense physique, will not feel squeezed. And of course, it should be noted the mass of glove compartments and compartments for various small luggage scattered throughout the cabin.

Sports notes

As for the front interior space, then here, perhaps, the main thing that attracts the eye in the first seconds of inspection is that it is executed in the spirit of sports models Chevrolet instrument cluster with indicators recessed into square wells. And in general, the interface for managing all functions is not only beautifully drawn, but also pleases with an intuitively understandable algorithm of use. The seats are also not bad - even if their profile does not have pronounced lateral supports, and the softness of the pillows hints at the American essence of the car, but the long hours spent in the driver's seat did not affect pain in the lower back or in other parts of the body. Of course, the overall good ergonomics of the pilot's seat played a significant role in maintaining the driver's long-term performance, the only serious complaint about which is the lack of steering wheel offset adjustment. Well, and, perhaps, also disadvantages include not the most expensive finishing materials - plastic is hard everywhere, and not only to the touch, but also to the eye.

For Russian market The Trailblazer is offered with two types of engines - a 2.8-liter turbodiesel and a 3.6-liter V-six. It is interesting that, unlike many competitors, it is the turbodiesel that plays the role of the base unit here. Duramax series inline four-cylinder engine with a maximum power of 180 hp. has just scrap torque, the peak of which of 470 Nm is reached already at 1600 rpm. Here, however, it is worth noting that this indicator refers to a diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, but together with a five-speed "mechanics" the maximum torque is limited to 440 Nm. However, the car we tested had the right combination - diesel plus automatic. And the test conditions were quite suitable - Armenia boasts many mountain paths of various qualities, from decent asphalt to complete off-road... And in any conditions, the engine running on heavy fuel showed itself from a good side. The dynamics, albeit not hurricane, but quite sufficient, but excellent traction already in the lowest rev range allows you to feel confident in almost all driving situations. The algorithm of the six-speed automatic machine is also matched to the motor. It moves up gears very gently and almost imperceptibly, if necessary, it quickly enters the kick-down mode and only when braking does not provide proper deceleration, which, however, is easily solved by "tucking" the required stage in manual mode. Much the same can be said about the chassis. The frame construction with dependent rear suspension has good articulation, but in steep turns at high speed shows decent roll. True, at the same time, the stability of a given trajectory practically does not suffer, and in general, given the design of the car, the handling can be called decent. And of course, an excellent ride - the Trailblazer suspension, although it transmits information about the condition of the road surface to the crew in particularly broken directions, but practically all the flaws of the roadbed "swallows" without the slightest hint of breakdown.

Theory and practice

If in the "asphalt" nominations the car showed itself to the top four with reservations, then its off-road performance deserves only praise. High ground clearance (255 mm for cars with 16-inch and 267 mm with 18-inch wheels), good overall geometry and rigidly connected all-wheel drive, coupled with the presence of a lowering row and a limited-slip differential of the rear axle only with theoretical calculations cause respect. The opportunity to confirm this in practice was given to us high in the mountains when driving on a clay plateau during a pouring rain. Deep ruts, significant changes in the relief, slippery slopes and other surprises that arise in these conditions Trailblazer digested without the slightest problem.

And finally, the main question: how much? The car, which, by the way, is assembled at the St. Petersburg GM plant, is already available from dealers. The starting cost of a Trailblazer with a turbodiesel in combination with a manual gearbox is 1,444,000 rubles. Replacing "mechanics" with an automatic machine raises the price of the car to 1,510,000 rubles. in the minimum configuration and up to 1,650,000 rubles. in the case of rich equipment. The top of the price tag is an SUV equipped with a gasoline V6 with automatic transmission, which is offered only in the maximum configuration at a price of 1,777,000 rubles.

Verdict

Thrust-to-weight ratio
Turbodiesel, despite its low declared power, has excellent traction. No wonder the creators have emphasized that this engine surpasses almost all competitors in the segment in terms of maximum torque.

Comfort
In principle, the comfort component in this car is taken out in a separate chapter. The spacious interior, good sound insulation and a fairly comfortable suspension, plus decent equipment with various equipment, put it slightly above some competitors.

Behavior on the road
Miracles do not happen: a frame heavy car with a high ground clearance not the best way for high-speed passage of complex zigzags. But in normal modes, its behavior is quite reliable and, most importantly, predictable.

Off-road behavior
Here the Chevrolet Trailblazer is able to give odds to more eminent SUVs. Decent ground clearance, big moves suspensions, rigid connection of the front axle, the presence of a lowering row and a high-torque unit in this nomination almost make the car an excellent student.

Eventually
A relatively inexpensive, passable SUV with a decent level of comfort is a good purchase for those people who value these qualities in a car in the first place. And for travelers this is just a godsend.

Competitors

Mitsubishi Pajero sport
Like our hero, it differs in frame construction and belongs to one of the most budgetary proposals in this segment. At a slightly lower cost, it boasts an all-wheel drive Super Select transmission, but is inferior to the Trailblazer in terms of passenger capacity.

Nissan pathfinder
Of the proposed power units- two turbodiesels. Prices are slightly higher than Chevrolet; has good behavior on paved roads. In the same way, like our hero, it has a seven-seat configuration of the cabin, however, here the "gallery" is very cramped.

Ssangyong rexton
The alternative, produced in Russia under the wing of the Sollers company, has a design and price tags similar to the Chevrolet Trailblazer. There are options with seven-seater salons. There are three engines to choose from (two turbodiesels and one gasoline) and two types of transmission.

text: Alexey TOPUNOV
photo: manufacturer

I completely forgot to answer the question of my dear LJ friends - my "trail" was produced in St. Petersburg. But despite his St. Petersburg roots and Moscow residence permit, there is not an ounce of intelligence in him. This is a brutal American redneck. And this clearly masculine character of the car is very to my liking. To check how the character of the "trailblazer" corresponds to its real off-road capabilities, we decided in a place called "Bestial Mountains". Mud, sand, pits, mountains and huge puddles - everything is here as we wanted.

Since the car did not undergo special training and is serviced exclusively in Moscow, where else we need to get, we decided to do without extreme - we did not give more than 80 in the mud and drifted quite a bit. Watch the video)

You know, I have never tested SUVs before. And I don't even know what to write here. I will just share my emotions. But for now, I'll tell you about the technical part - this is important.

The clearance of this giant is 220 mm. Short overhangs and the absence of plastic in the lower parts, as well as severe steel protection, allow you not to be afraid of damage even on the most difficult tracks. The crankcase protection here resembles a sheet of armor at all. The driver's position is very high, the visibility is perfect. In the rear-view mirror, you see only the upper part of the roof of the cars driving behind. They do not honk this car, but only throw reproachful glances if they did something wrong. Huge side mirrors would make any car a chebarshka, but not that. Everything is visible - great!

Hidden under the hood is a turbodiesel, 2.8 liters, 180 horsepower, torque - 470 Nm. Maximum speed - 180 km / h, acceleration to hundreds in 12.5 seconds. The transmission is automatic, 6-speed. Plug-in four-wheel drive, low gear with differential locks. Suspension - independent front and multi-link rear. In addition to the usual safety and stability systems (ABS, HSA, EBD, ESC, ESC, CBC, HBA), there is a switchable traction control system (TCS) and a hill descent control system (HDC).

But enough words - a forest trail awaits us! What is unusual - a huge city is noisy a kilometer away, but complete silence reigns here.


2

Yesterday it was raining, so the mud and puddles are just right - as we like)


3

In the car, I am sure that the mud will pass through on the rear wheel drive. But for every firefighter, right on the go, I transfer the car to four-wheel drive with a washer. For ponzhayki it would be necessary to stop and switch through neutral - otherwise nothing ... But with it the car rushes like a tank. Slowly and inevitably.


4

For a complete buzz, turn off and traction control system- it is displayed on a separate button. There is also a descent assistance system, but in a month I have used it once or twice ...


5

Pedal to the floor, let's go!

6

Banzaaaaaay! If only not to lose the action cameras, densely clung to the hood and fenders of the car ...


7

We drove through the mud surprisingly quickly and easily. How about a climb?


8

Eh, we would have rubber ... another would ...


9

We slide on the clay and slide down. And if in reverse? ..


10

No, not in this weather. I couldn't even get here on foot.


11

Nothing, this is just the beginning!


12

We'll rest for a while, and you watch the video!

13

Let's see how the car is doing with hanging.


15

Come on, "trail", use it!


16

He is now like a watchdog with his paw up)


17

Drove! And now let's drift in the sand, since the power allows it!