Holden has announced it will drop the seven-seat Colorado 7 4×4 wagon and replace it with the Chevrolet Trailblazer which will go on-sale later this year.

HOLDEN HAS ANNOUNCED the new Chevrolet Trailblazer, which was recently revealed in Brazil, will takeover from the seven-seat Colorado 7 in the Australian market, “bringing an extra dose of luxury to the adventurous SUV”.

In a statement, Holden said: “With a more sophisticated design, increased content and refined ride comfort, Trailblazer will be a significantly different vehicle to its Colorado 7 predecessor, catering for different customers and needs”. With a more ‘luxurious’ 4×4 wagon, Holden is clearly hoping to take on the Ford Everest, but will likely do so at a more realistic price.

Holden’s Executive Director – Marketing, Geraldine Davys, said customer feedback and a change in vehicle design were important factors in the decision to rename the popular SUV Trailblazer.

“With the redesigned 2017 Trailblazer, we have dialled up the luxury and ride comfort to offer a more premium SUV that’s comfortable and confident in urban areas, but remains just as capable for weekend adventures,” said Davys.

Holden’s Executive Director – Sales, Peter Keley, said that whilst the redesigned Trailblazer shares capable 4×4 DNA with the Colorado truck, it caters to a very different customer with premium styling and comfort for all the family.

“Colorado has always been associated with exceptional off-road performance and Trailblazer shares that 4×4 heritage, however we expect it will be used in a very different way,” said Mr Keley.

“Trailblazer is a 4×4, seven-seat, family adventure vehicle that is refined and smooth on the road during the school run, but still able to head off the beaten track while searching for that perfect camping spot or hidden fishing hole.

“Trailblazer also delivers on customer expectations of comfort, luxury and advanced technology, with the use of premium cabin materials and new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection technology,” said Mr Keley.

Holden is keeping key details under wraps for now, but it has hinted that a lot of work has gone into ensuring the ride is “comfortable”, but it remains to be seen whether Holden will ensure the Trailblazer is both comfortable on-road and capable off-road. Currently, the Trailblazer offers around 218mm of ground clearance in 4×4 guise, and that’s a long way off the segment norm of around 225mm. Stay tuned.