Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8L diesel AT starts testing in India [Update]

Update - 1

IndianAutosBlog reader, Mr. Arun Kumar Nechlani, snapped the Chevrolet Trailblazer testing in Bangalore recently.

GM India unlikely to offer base 2.5-liter diesel.

GM India has started testing the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV, ahead of a launch announced to take place this year. While the test mule seen here is camouflaged, hiding its badges, a search on import-export website, Zauba.com reveals that GM India has imported the 2.8-liter version of the SUV for R&D purposes.

The test mule, imported from Thailand, is fitted with the more powerful 2.8-liter diesel engine capable of 200 hp at 3,600 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. For the Thai market, GM also offers a less powerful 2.5-liter diesel engine with outputs of 163 hp and 380 Nm, though this engine is unlikely to be made available in India - at least initially - according to sources.

Paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Trailblazer 2.8 is offered with 2WD and 4WD in the Thai market, and the same is expected to hold good for the Indian market as well.

Also read: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro's side revealed in a die-cast

The Trailblazer's segment in India, is dominated by the Toyota Fortuner (which is headed for a next generation model) which sells an average of 1,505 units/month. To keep costs in check, GM India could opt for CKD assembly of the Trailblazer, with kits coming from the Thai plant.

Competitors: Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner
Expected Price: INR 20-30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2015

[Spyshots from Autocar India]