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Holden Trailblazer – understated seven-seat workhorse 4WD

Motor Torque

When it comes to workhorse 4WD’s Holden’s seven-seat Trailblazer doesn’t get much of a look in in a very competitive segment – and frankly it deserves to do much better – its more hard-nosed workhorse than 7-seat SUV, a rugged body on chassis 4 x 4 design which is based on Holden’s popular Colorado ute-pick up design. In fact it utilises the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine from the Colorado made by the Italian firm of VM Motori – with 147kW peak power and an impressive 500Nm of torque from just 2000 revs this is a really impressive slogger – mated to a six-speed automatic with manual override for towing and off-roading. And you also have the benefit of a two-speed transfer case easily selected via a rotary dial taking you from rear drive on sealed roads to 4-wheel-drive low and high range when off-road. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3,000kgs while the Trailblazer’s electronic stability control includes welcome trailer sway control. As I’ve enthused before about Holden’s local tuning of its imported product the ride and handling balance on the Trailblazer is first class. I tested the mid-spec LT-Z at $52,490 but frankly in the current climate this is highly negotiable – I managed 9.4 litre/100 driving with little regard for economy – with a 74 litre tank this gave me a range of nearly 800 k’s. A stable 4WD irrespective of road surface, it feels strong and rugged and it not easily unsettled on road. Only one gripe, like the Colorado ute no reach adjustment on the steering wheel makes it difficult to find the most comfortable driving position.

I’m David Berthon’

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Motor Torque
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