The Chevrolet Trailblazer is set to launch in India this year, by the festive season. The positioning of the full-size SUV is yet to be known due to the existence of Captiva in the same segment.
General Motors has officially announced the arrival of the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV in India after gathering positive response for the same at the 2014 Auto Expo. The big brute Trailblazer is a full-size SUV having a 7-seat layout and is bigger than the Captiva. The American automaker has started testing the upcoming SUV on full swing in India and recently our reader Sathish Kumar has spotted two mules of the car with heavy camouflage near Bangalore.
The new Chevrolet Trailblazer will be offered in India through the CKD route and will be assembled at General Motors’ Halol plant in Gujarat. It will be interesting to see how the American carmaker positions the new SUV in its portfolio considering that the Captiva already exists in their lineup with a price range of Rs. 23.75 – 25.85 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Either GM would price the Trailblazer at a premium (Rs. 30 lakhs plus) or discontinue the Captiva (which is not likely to happen).
If the Chevrolet Trailblazer is priced optimistically above Rs. 30 lakhs then would GM be able to sell good numbers? This would be doubtful because another American giant, Ford is preparing to launch the new generation Endeavour, which has a reputed name in our country and looks promising to give its rivals a run for their money. Also, the segment leader Toyota Fortuner will get its new generation avatar next year. Consequently, GM India has to play smart in the segment in order to get a considerable market share. Powering the Trailblazer is a 2.5-litre diesel (150 BHP, 350 Nm) and a 2.8-litre diesel (180 BHP, 470 Nm) engine. Both engines are likely to be offered in India.
