2012 Chevy Trailblazer

[steveromagnino]

I'm just wondering when one of the manufacturers will ever release a vehicle aimed at men. instead of women and metrosexuals ? In the hatchback market we are neck deep in underpowered, bland boxes with auto gearboxes that ride/drive like a bouncy castle.. The so called 'sport' editions have some decals and alloy wheels but no suspension upgrade or a manual box ( yes I know DSG boxes are faster than manual but still don't give u the feel ) Trucks are a little more masculine but if like me you are bored with trucks ( poor handling/braking no real driving enjoyment ) they are a poor choice compared to a decent sports saloon or hot hatch. Mid sized saloon ? all auto, bouncy suspension and again blandly styled. Even if paying top dollar for 'top' model the equipment level is poor.

Next SUV's In the west most of these are what the wife takes the kids to school in. Underpowered, overly soft, automatic and 'beige' in every sense of the word.

Range rover sport ? Evogue ? Cayenne ? Toureg ? Surely Mazda, Ford, Toyota et al can style a car t at least look masculine and purposeful. Maybe I'm in a minority and guys don't do the choosing anymore ? The wife likes it so thats the end ?

Hopefully the new Ford escape is a little more 'mancentric' I'm middle aged but not ready to roll over, play dead and drive a bloody CRV or somesuch.

Masculine styling, quality interior, purposeful stance, manual gearbox and a decent engine ( either deisel or petrol ) If the 'luxury' brands can do it why can't the rest but at a price. I don't need in car LCD's, reversing cam or any of the other pointless do dads.. Just a decent chassis and engine.. did I mention the manual option ?

There is nothing on the Thai market to make a red blooded bloke excited - Unless I spend 4 - 5 million baht. What do young professional Thai men want to drive ? Surely they want a Golf GTi or M3 like every other young straight bloke on the planet ?

Sorry mate you haven't been here long enough. Thais do not want hot hatches/fun cars. That's why no sports models are offered of any brand. Toyota struggled to sell the trubo model of the Soluna they offered about 6 years ago. The only good handling sporty car produced in Thailand at the moment is the Ford Focus 2.0 170 bhp which is launched in August and my wife's arrives in about 2 weeks. Stick to the Ducati for you thrills thats what I do.

how do you explain the availability and sales of a fairly decent number of euro sports cars in bangkok including A1s, Sciroccos, Mini Coopers, Mini GPs (4 I think here that I know of), Toyota GT86, Porsches, VW Golf GTIs, DS3s, Subarus, etc etc.

There are a decent number of European hot hatches around, just not in the numbers we would see if there was a cheaper locally assembled one; as many cars are for export, it's cheaper just to churn out bland people movers.

To say "Thais are not interested" is not true; and the sales of the cars above proves that. The failure of the Soluna was partly because of the choice of car and the equity of the Toyota brand.

That said, I do think the first major brand to manufacture a proper hot hatch locally with the resultant tax credits should do pretty well. Could be the Benz A200/A250 perhaps?

One of the posters here got a GTI for 1.9m baht NEW recently; there are a decent number of hot hatches around for sub 2m in the 2nd hand market, easily enough for a boy racer with some coin to enjoy.

[Boxter]

Can't decide between the Trailblazer or Captiva, help! I know the Captiva is 200k more but it has more refined features. It looks better then the Trailblazer and the interior is smarter in my opinion. But it is 200k more. Just after some feedback really. Thanks for the post from Angiud, any more comments on your Trailblazer?

[anon210]

Can't decide between the Trailblazer or Captiva, help! I know the Captiva is 200k more but it has more refined features. It looks better then the Trailblazer and the interior is smarter in my opinion. But it is 200k more. Just after some feedback really. Thanks for the post from Angiud, any more comments on your Trailblazer?

Well, MRO, a specialist of the industry who used to post on this forum referred to the Captiva as "CRaptiva". I guess that says it. Should you definitely go for Chevy (not a very good choice, considering depreciation and general quality reputation of GM), I guess the trailblazer is the better choice. Esp. as it has 4 disk brakes, which is a good point for safety. However, be aware that the top of the range model comes at almost 1.5 M THB, which is a lot of money to dish out for something.

As to long-term reliability, I honestly don't know. I just know the bad reputation of Chevrolet everywhere else in the world.

[Boxter]

Sadly your comments have a fair amount of truth and 1.7m for the Craptiva is ridiculous. As far as an SUV, there is nothing else modern available. MU7-old and ugly, Fortuner-old old old, Mitsi-after having owned a proper Pajero (Montero, Shogun) the sport is a a very poor second.

I think I'll have to take the risk on the Trailblazer, bad on Toyota for not changing the Fortuner sooner as I'd much rather stay with a top brand.

[bkkjames]

Sadly your comments have a fair amount of truth and 1.7m for the Craptiva is ridiculous. As far as an SUV, there is nothing else modern available. MU7-old and ugly, Fortuner-old old old, Mitsi-after having owned a proper Pajero (Montero, Shogun) the sport is a a very poor second.

I think I'll have to take the risk on the Trailblazer, bad on Toyota for not changing the Fortuner sooner as I'd much rather stay with a top brand.

New Fortuner next year. But why not order 2013 Toyoyta LandCruiser - 4-5 million baht...

[Boxter]

Land Cruiser great, I've owned several but out of my budget in Thailand. How do you know there will be a new Fortuner next year? If that's the case I'll order a Fortuner now and trade up, will lose less money that way.

[stevenl]

I think there is also a new Mu7 scheduled for this or next year.

[bkkjames]

Land Cruiser great, I've owned several but out of my budget in Thailand. How do you know there will be a new Fortuner next year? If that's the case I'll order a Fortuner now and trade up, will lose less money that way.

the shadow always knows ps, I suspect if new Fortuner, will also mean new Hilux Vigo.

[Boxter]

There is a lot of smoke and mirrors with proposed new model release dates. . We just cancelled our new Fortuner order the other week, the wife sat down with the manager in Korat and said if there was any chance at all of the new model coming out next year we would not ask for our deposit back. He said no it wouldn't be. So does someone have more reliable intel that this? We've all seen the pics of the new concept Hilux (Vigo) It has the small suicide doors, looks pretty cool but I've seen nothing leaked on the new Fortuner. We also have a 2011 D-Max which we would have traded on a new MU-7 Isuzu said no for next year on the new MU7, who the %^&k knows. Someone knows, somewhere....

[bkkjames]

There is a lot of smoke and mirrors with proposed new model release dates. . We just cancelled our new Fortuner order the other week, the wife sat down with the manager in Korat and said if there was any chance at all of the new model coming out next year we would not ask for our deposit back. He said no it wouldn't be. So does someone have more reliable intel that this? We've all seen the pics of the new concept Hilux (Vigo) It has the small suicide doors, looks pretty cool but I've seen nothing leaked on the new Fortuner. We also have a 2011 D-Max which we would have traded on a new MU-7 Isuzu said no for next year on the new MU7, who the %^&k knows. Someone knows, somewhere....

Not sure if this is it http://vehiculo.mercadolibre.com.co/MCO-22090204-toyota-fortuner-2013-_JM but you are correct - who knows for sure.

Besides, sales people (car sales people) generally lie to get you into what they have available today or tomorrow.

The Fortuner is due for a change, how long has this model been around, seems like a decade. MU7 needs an upgrade. Like the Trailblazer Captiva or not, from what I have seen the Captiva and similar types at the 1.5 range have to be eating into Toyota Sales. I see an awful lot of Captiva Red Plates around.

[2unique]

here you go...

OK, there's so many changes/additions to this list that I hardly know where to start... and I'm sure I'll forget some

Chery:

2013: un-named Pickup Truck to be locally assembled

BMW:

2012: New F30 3 series

2012: New 520i

2012: New Z4

2014: i8

Chevrolet:

2012: All-new Trailblazer - released

2012: Spark (Aveo replacement - codename T300)

2012: Cruze minor change (new 2.0L diesel)

2013: New MPV (Codename PM-7)

Citreon:

2012: DS4 - released

2012: C-Crosser - mid year

2012: DS5 - Q4 release

Ford:

2012: New Focus - released, TDCi in Q4/2012 or Q1/2013

2013: New Everest in Q1

2013: New Escape in Q1

2013: Fiesta minor change

2013: New Mondeo? (TBC)

2013: Territory crossover (TBC)

2014: EcoSport? (TBC)

2015: Plus an additional 3 new models (undisclosed) to be released by 2016.

Honda:

2012: New Civic - released

2012: New StepWgn Spada - released

2012: New Oddyssey - released

2012: New CR-V - released

2012: Freed minor change

2013: New Accord + Accord Hybrid

2013: New Jazz

2013: Brio minor change

2013: Civic (2HC) minor change (moved forward from 2014)

2014: New City + CNG City

2014: Brio 4-door

Hyundai:

2012: New Elantra (AKA: i35) - released

2012: New H1 - released

2012-3: Genesis & Veloster under consideration for TH

Isuzu:

2012: New D-Max limited edition model

2013: New RT-50 based PPV (SUV) to replace the MU-7

2013: New D-max first minor change

2014: New D-max second minor change (new engine options expected)

Jaguar:

2012: XF and XJ minor change (updated 2.2L diesel)

2013: C-X16

KIA:

2012: Grand Carnival minor change

2012: Rio minor change

2012: Soul minor change

2013: Carens replacement

Land Rover:

2014: Grand Evoque (7 seater)

Mazda:

2012: New Mazda3 released in 2011 becomes available in 1.6L

2012: More Mazda2 limited editions

2013: New CX-5 in Q1

2013: New MX-5

2013: New RX-x (TBC)

2013-4: New Mazda 2

Mercedes Benz:

2012: New SL-Class

2012: New ML-Class

2012: E-class minor change

2013: New S-Class

2013: New GL class (TBC)

2013: New A class

Mitsubishi:

2012: New Mirage eco-car - released

2012: Pajero Sport 3.0 V6 (219HP gasoline) in June.

2012: Last Triton minor change

2013: New Triton

2013: Mirage Hybrid and EV (TBC)

2014: New Pajero Sport

2014: Mirage 4-door

2015: New Lancer

Nissan:

2012: Upgraded GT-R with 550HP (gray market)

2012: New TIIDA replacement.

2012: New C Segment sedan (codename L12F) to compete with Corolla/Civic/3/Focus.

2012: March minor change

2012: New Urvan

2013: Almera minor change

2013: New compact sedan (TIIDA Latio replacement)

2013: New Teana (to be named Altima?)

2013: New Navara

2014: New Navara based PPV (though not likely to be called the Pathfinder and that's now a crossover)

Peugeot:

2012: 508

2012: 408 (ex Malaysia)

Porsche:

2012: New 911

2012: New Boxster (unveliled)

2012: New Cayman

2013: New Cajun SUV

Proton:

2012: Persona Replacement

2012: New Exora Crossover version

Subaru:

2012: New XV crossover to be unveiled in December with deliveries in Q1 2013.

2012: New BRZ

2013: New Impreza

Suzuki:

2012: New Swift eco-car (released)

2013: APV Replacement

2013-2014: Grand Vitara completely phased out

2014: Swift 4-door

2014: New micro car

Toyota:

2012: New Camry - released

2012: Yaris last minor change - released

2012: VIGO/Fortuner minor change with 5AT and 190HP/410Nm in Q3

2012: VIOS last minor change

2012: Altis minor change

2012: New FT-86

2013: New Yaris

2013: New VIOS

2013: New eco-car in H2

2014: New Hilux (codename IMV2)

2014: New Altis

2014-5: New Fortuner

Volvo:

2012: V50 Drive (T4F+powershift as per 2011 V40 Drive)

2012: V60 new pricing (ex Malaysia)

2013: New XC-90

VW:

2012: New Beetle

2012: Golf minor change

[frankphuket]

Sadly your comments have a fair amount of truth and 1.7m for the Craptiva is ridiculous. As far as an SUV, there is nothing else modern available. MU7-old and ugly, Fortuner-old old old, Mitsi-after having owned a proper Pajero (Montero, Shogun) the sport is a a very poor second.

I think I'll have to take the risk on the Trailblazer, bad on Toyota for not changing the Fortuner sooner as I'd much rather stay with a top brand.

To me it seems like because of lack of choice the Captiva is doing well. Not so convinced by the origins being Daewoo, if I am not wrong. I would probably say a Captiva drives nicer.

Do you need 4wd? if not, there is one car which maybe is worth having a look into. Nissan X-Trail, it sells for about 1.1m something. Nicely speced, decent engine, good cargo space and surely nice to drive. My wife has the old model with 4wd since 5 years and we are happy with it, did not miss a beat.

Of course there are also the likes of Hyundai Tucson, which is indeed a good car, except it will have rather poor resale value, but IMHO it is surely better in all aspects except resale than the Chevys. Or fancy to be different: Skoda Yeti, smaller, great to drive, no 4wd either, funky little 1.2 turbo engine which goes better than even a 2.4 Honda Cr-V i was told.

Anybody has something to say about the new PJS with a V6 benzine? Except I guess it is made to go with LPG.....how does it go compared to the diesel?

[Boxter]

Bit the bulllet and ordered a Trailblazer through lack of choice really. I'll report in when I've had it a while. I've got a diesel tuning box for it which will give me another 15-20% BHP as well.

[bangkockney]

Picking mine up right now. Navigator.

[thailoht]

Picking mine up right now. Navigator.

Congratulations on your new SUV! What color is yours?

2Unique posted this nice article comparing 3 of the most popular SUVs in LOS:

Edited August 20, 2012 by metisdead
: Link to Bangkok Post removed as per forum rule 31!

[bangkockney]

Picking mine up right now. Navigator.

Congratulations on your new SUV! What color is yours?

2Unique posted this nice article comparing 3 of the most popular SUVs in LOS:

Black. Trying to convince the Mrs on a matt re-spray, but she's having none of it!

Will try to post more once I've spent some time in it.

Edited August 20, 2012 by metisdead
: Link to Bangkok Post removed as per forum rule 31!

[bangkockney]

Thanks for that link too, interesting to read.

I did notice the throaty engine during the test drive. We were pretty ragged with it then, so hope the noise won't be an issue with everyday use.

[funcat]

Picking mine up right now. Navigator.

Congratulations on your new SUV! What color is yours?

2Unique posted this nice article comparing 3 of the most popular SUVs in LOS:

Black. Trying to convince the Mrs on a matt re-spray, but she's having none of it!

Will try to post more once I've spent some time in it.

...don't re-spray,wrap it...should have no problems reselling(if that's your wife problem)..

Edited August 20, 2012 by metisdead
: Link to Bangkok Post removed as per forum rule 31!

[thailoht]

Thanks for that link too, interesting to read.

I did notice the throaty engine during the test drive. We were pretty ragged with it then, so hope the noise won't be an issue with everyday use.

As long as it is a responsive engine with good a good passing gear, you should be good to go! I think I'll go check out a Trailblazer if foor models have finally arrived at the local dealership.

Congratulations on your new SUV! What color is yours?

Black. Trying to convince the Mrs on a matt re-spray, but she's having none of it!

...don't re-spray,wrap it...should have no problems reselling(if that's your wife problem)..

Excellent color choice, especially if it's kept washed and waxed - welcome to 'Our Color-of-Choiz SUV Club'!

I'm not getting what 'matt respray' is....Surely you are not talking about re-painting your new Trailblazer??? and, 're-wrap' what?

Edited August 17, 2012 by thailoht

[anon210]

Congrats as well, from another member of the "Black SUV" club.

Normally, it should be alright if GM did indeed put its focus on quality now.

[angiud]

Picking mine up right now. Navigator.

Welcome in the club! Congratulations.

can you frind the English version of the GPS?

[thaipod]

I just checked out the trailblazer and thinking of ordering one ,not sure of the color as yet but would like to know how it performs off road . Any reports as yet?

[angiud]

Not yet gone off-road, but shouldn't be the best off-roader on the market. Anyway a good bottom clearance.

[Boxter]

I took delivery of my new LTZ1 last week Went for the dark brown colour, wasn't first choice but I must admit the colour looks good. Haven't driven it yet as I'm not due home until Sat. Will report in when I've given it a good thrash.

[sushi5734]

We had been quite excited by the announcement of the trailblazer and I had been driving past our local Chevy dealership straining my neck to see if they had one in. My dreams were answered a month or so ago so I quickly popped in and asked for a look at one, the salesman offered me a test drive and well I've got to say I was a bit disappointed, not with the ride or power, all reasonable enough, but the level of trim on the model, that was one down from the top of the range, was very mediocre. One of the features I had really liked the look of was the illuminated roof panel, with a screen the swung down, but I was told it wasn't available, even on the top of the range model! well why the hell was in the brochure and website!? I know cars are always going to look amazing in brochures and on adverts it's their job to make it look sexy, but this was like two completely different cars =\ I was also very annoyed to see that the panels for various side impact air bags were present but only driver and passenger front airbags were available....poor show chevrolet, in fact downright shameful!!

On the other hand I saw a Volvo v50 today that was stunning 1.7 million baht so a bit more than the Chevy but a really good looking motor with a real feeling of quality inside and something a bit different from the hordes of civics out there. no issues with safety kit from Volvo!

[thailoht]

.... I was also very annoyed to see that the panels for various side impact air bags were present but only driver and passenger front airbags were available....poor show chevrolet, in fact downright shameful!!

On the other hand I saw a Volvo v50 today that was stunning 1.7 million baht so a bit more than the Chevy but a really good looking motor with a real feeling of quality inside and something a bit different from the hordes of civics out there. no issues with safety kit from Volvo!

I am looking to visit the local Chevy dealer and check out that Trailblazer, too.

Good luck with your Volvo, it is a nice looking station wagon!

But, IMO and sadly, it's no SUV: No ground clearance for this land of floods and bad roads, 2.0i (diesel?) - not enough power to adequately negotiate some of the mountain routes - and at a too high of a price ....

[Boxter]

Even though I've just bought one, what amazes me is the lack of up to date brochures and advertising. What is their art department doing? If you see the press launch with all the glitz, glamor and Farang top management one wonders why they couldn't at least get their POS material out there and accurate. And what about accessories? Sadly the Thai auto market still has a long way to go. I need cross members for the roof rails and a tow bar. When a new motor is launched in the UK or NZ or Oz you can get all these things right off the bat, from the dealer!

The fold down screens you saw were for the Dubai launch several months back. That vehicle had many extras such as twin pipes, custom mags, body inserts, different dash and interior, misleading I agree. Bad form on Thai Chev for not having their act together. Do you notice how there are no email addresses for the senior management on the web site. I really wish to speak to them.

[thailoht]

Even though I've just bought one, what amazes me is the lack of up to date brochures and advertising .... And what about accessories? Sadly the Thai auto market still has a long way to go.

The fold down screens you saw were for the Dubai launch several months back. That vehicle had many extras such as twin pipes, custom mags, body inserts, different dash and interior, misleading I agree. Bad form on Thai Chev for not having their act together.....

TIT!

It's sad, but you hit the (reality) nail right on the head ....

and we can only make best of what's here .....

[angiud]

OK, almost a month after I got the Navigator model, I can say that I love most:

Style

power

inside accessories (for a Thai model)

maneuverability and driving

front and rear drive visibility

seats and saddlery

and a few small disappointment

an inside global cheap plastic feeling (being the top model)

thirsty engine (compared with the MU7), 7/8 km/lt, maybe automatic engine fault

still no accessories

lack of reverse camera (I will buy a commercial one)

lack of the 4x4 light on the instrument panel (only very small on the knob)

lack of a proper clock

But until now I'm very happy with this beautiful car

[thailoht]

OK, almost a month after I got the Navigator model, I can say that I love most:

Style

power

inside accessories (for a Thai model)

maneuverability and driving

front and rear drive visibility

seats and saddlery

and a few small disappointment

an inside global cheap plastic feeling (being the top model)

thirsty engine (compared with the MU7), 7/8 km/lt, maybe automatic engine fault

still no accessories

lack of reverse camera (I will buy a commercial one)

lack of the 4x4 light on the instrument panel (only very small on the knob)

lack of a proper clock

But until now I'm very happy with this beautiful car

Thanks for posting your observations .... I have been waiting to read it!

I'm glad you are happy with your new Trailblazer!

I intend to go today to see if there is a model on display at the Chevy dealer.

I almost forgot that you 'are' (were ) a manual shift kind-of-guy .... my automatic MU-7 (4x4) is getting very good fuel economy, too!