Trailblazer Drive Series visits Baler

A WEEKEND of fun in Baler, Quezon, for Walter Villa and copilot Arvie Adto photos by Walter C. Villa

HOW DO you improve on a test drive experience?

Plot a challenging trail with a merry mix of uphill, downhill, curves, concrete and gravel roads. Check. Add a local color, travel, and tourism facet. Check. Engage drivers in an Amazing Racesque adventure that puts their navigating skills and penchant for selfies and social media to the test, and you have a very sticky test drive experience.

Chevrolet Philippines kicked off the first leg of You Trailblazers Drive Series in Baler, Aurora, a province bounded by vast rainforests and beach with rolling waves for surfing, and a driving destination that’s perfect for Chevrolet’s power-packed midsize SUV and flagship model, the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Two teams, two variants

The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) Trailblazers, consisting of two teams, started the adventure from Chevrolet Greenhills last Friday, Jan. 9. The PDI-Trailblazers rode the newest variants of Trailblazers: the 2.8 6AT 4×2 LTX (P1.4 million) and the 2.8 6AT 4×4 LTZ (P1.7 million).

Powered by the second generation Duramax Turbo-diesel engine, the 2.8-liter Chevrolet Trailblazer produces 200 HPat 3,600 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, making it the most powerful in its class.

In addition, the SUV’s engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select which features returned ratios that maximize the improved Duramax engine’s higher output. This results in a much coveted sweet spot of good performance and fuel economy.

Designed with a sturdy frame and commanding high stance for better view, the Trailblazer is a pleasure to drive on straight highways and zigzagging country roads. With semi straight roads and relatively fewer vehicles, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway proved the ideal place to try the exclusive cruise control feature of the 4×4 LTZ.

Adding to the vehicle’s appeal were Chevrolet’s signature dual-port grills, power dome hood design, and black “B” pillars that drew out the appearance of the vehicle’s glasshouse frame with an eye-catching sports profile.

CHEVROLET Trailblazers in Costa Pacifica, Baler

With room space that can accommodate a group of seven, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is fitted with second and third row air-conditioner vents that provide better air circulation. The middle row is also adjustable with a 40:60 foldable capacity to fit additional luggage such as a cooler filled with liquid necessities, our photo gears, knapsacks, chips, junk foods and what have you.

Another 4×4 LTZ exclusive is the Chevrolet MyLink, an infotainment system that wirelessly connects mobile devices to a built-in sound system. We were able to connect our smartphone’s Spotify playlist via Bluetooth in three easy steps.

Chevrolet Mylink also syncs phone contacts, activates voice command using Siri, and uses apps like Stitcher to listen to podcasts and Tune-in, the latest news, sports talk, and entertainment radio from anywhere around the world.

The Trailblazer 4×4 A/T LTZ variant is also loaded with quite a number of safety features usually found in more up-market SUVs such as the Panic Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (that activate automatically when the car senses the driver’s need during compromising situations), Hill Start Assist (that prevents the car from sliding down for five seconds in hanging situations), the Hill Descent Control (that automatically activates the Trailblazer’s brakes while descending very steep mountain terrain), and Traction Control (that helps improve wheel traction on the uneven or slippery grounds).

On the other hand, the 4×2 LTX variant carries exclusive cards on its sleeves: it has a new digital compass, a new chromatic rearview mirror featuring a 4.3-inch LCD with overview sensing monitor, and a new rear reversing camera with rear sensors for any driver’s reverse parking safety.

“The You Trailblazer Drive Series is Chevrolet’s way of showcasing the Trailblazer’s versatility as a lifestyle SUV and a capable offroader,” said Lyn Buena, senior vice president and director for marketing and customer service of Chevrolet Philippines. “Its best-in-class power and torque made quick work of the busy North Luzon roads and the challenging terrain of the Sierra Madre mountain range.”

Catch more of Chevrolet Trailblazer adventures in the coming weeks as motoring journalists from various print and online publications take the Car Awards Group’s 2013-2014 SUV of the Year for a drive to popular travel destinations in the country.