– By Marc Sibbald –
The last time I drove this vehicle it was in the Flinders Ranges and we did blaze some trails. Back then it was called a Colorado 7. It impressed me because I wasn’t expecting such a comfortable ride as a passenger over five days and 2,000 (without the family).
Now it’s called a Trailblazer and it feels like the same vehicle (I’ll probably be shot by Holden for saying this but its true). Obviously its not the same car. Its a new model and there have been some noticeable changes to the interior and the infotainment system which makes it perfect for a novated lease.
The reaction from the kids was great. They loved the size and the space in the back. After arguing about who got the middle spot in the second row for ten minutes, the eldest wasn’t upset with the first shift because she thought it was more comfortable than the Toyota Fortuner we used on the last road trip.
On the inside there isn’t much to comment on with the LT model. Its utilitarian and sparse. The highlights are the Apple CarPlay and the DAB radio. The LTZ comes with leather and additional safety features but if you only need a practical seven seat diesel 4X4 the LT does the job.
Our road trip took us to Dubbo to visit the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The first leg was seven hours in the car including some short some toilet stops and a food break in Orange. I was tired from the driving but not uncomfortable or sore. Some reviews complain about the lack of adjustment in the steering but I had no problem finding a comfortable driving position.
The diesel engine was economical and smooth. I was able to set cruise control at the desired speed and the Trailblazer did the rest with engine and six speed auto working well together. My wife noticed the wind noise at speed but it wasn’t uncomfortable in the cabin.
Around town the audible rattle of the diesel and size of the Trailblazer was noticeable especially when parking in shopping centres. Though on the tourist trail in Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo it fitted in with the locals and was easy to handle.
Driving back from Dubbo to Bathurst we took the better road through Wellington to stop at the caves. I surprised the kids and rekindled a childhood memory when we saw the caretakers cottage which is called ‘Sibbald House’ after the original caretaker James Sibbald. (I’ve now passed on the origin of the family name to the next generation so they can take their kids on the same road trip in 20 years – maybe in a self drive EV Uber).
In Bathurst we took the Trailblazer around the mountain, because its mandatory for every visitor to the regional town, though didn’t break any lap records. After some ice skating at the winter festival and an overnight stay, we headed back across the sandstone curtain to battle the motorists of Sydney.
Would I buy one? Yes. There are some competitors in the same segment and the Trailblazer can hold its own.
