Yamaha Motor Corporation

Despite having a plethora of auto shows to choose where they were going to unveil the new Trailblazer, Chevrolet decided on doing it at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show as a way of effectively sucking up to the Middle East. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, because if you really think about it, the Trailblazer is built for a region like the Middle East.

In any case, the 2013 Traiblazer did in fact make an appearance in Dubai and it came with plenty of new features that could potentially shoot it up the always-competitive mid-size SUV market.

The new Trailblazer was designed to combine the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover. Its no coincidence that the new Trailblazer, which was built in Brazil, epitomizes these qualities.

For all intents and purposes, the model that was shown at the Dubai Motor Show was merely a show vehicle, but according to Chevrolet, it’s as close to the real thing as it can possibly get.

The show vehicle features, among other things, a refreshed design, an all-wheel-drive system, and GM’s new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, providing all of us as good a look at the company’s new mid-sized SUV before the production version enters the market next year.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer was created by the GM South America Design Center in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil, and if you’re wondering whether the design’s familiar, you’ve probably seen it in its sister model, the Chevrolet Colorado.

The imposing profile of the Trailblazer lends itself to what Chevy calls a "body in-wheels out" design. The hood of the SUV offers a dramatic power dome and, when combined with a raised cowl, gives a strong and intimidating look for the Trailblazer. The dual projector LED headlamps on the Trailblazer also adds a powerful look to the car and features Chevrolet’s signature lighting. Likewise, the dual-port grille and the three-dimensional grille mesh is another prominent feature of the Trailblazer’s overall front profile, exuding the kind of confidence reserved for an SUV like this. Other prominent details of the Trailblazer’s exterior include polished aluminium decor trims in the fascias, rockers, belt line, tailgate and roof rack, a tri-coat Pearlescent White exterior paint, integrated LED front and rear fog lamps, and a new set of custom dual-finish 20" aluminum wheels wrapped in Cooper Zeon LTZ tires.

Taking a page from the bold features of the Trailblazer’s exterior, the interior design of the Chevy SUV is a picture of boldness befitting of a true SUV. The contrasting trim used with the light-colored leather seating, mat dark wood trim accented with chrome, and dual-grained surfaces provide a premium feel to the Traiblazer. The flowing instrument panel and the integrated center stack combine seamlessly with one another and features an overhead console that integrates the HVAC system with onboard infotainment.

The Trailblazer is also a picture of clever spaciousness, offering intuitive three-row tumble and/or fold-flat seat versatility, complete with a second and third row seat versatility that can be used upright to accommodate more passengers and folded to carry more storage space. Speaking of storage, the Trailblazer also offers a number of storage compartments are located throughout the interior, including a covered center bin for concealment of valuable items, and a large, dual glovebox.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is powered by a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine. Output figures of the mid-size SUV have not been disclosed.

The model that was shown at the Dubai Motor Show was, for all intents and purposes, a show piece. Nevertheless, we expect the production version to be similar to, if not identical, with what was shown in Dubai. Unfortunately, pricing details for the Trailblazer have yet to be announced.

While we still don’t have the full figures of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, it’s still important to remind everyone that when it does go on sale next year, it’s going to be entering a competitive market that already has the Ford Explorerand the Dodge Durango in its fleet. It’s only appropriate that all three models belong to the three biggest US automakers so it should be very interesting which of these mid-sized SUVs will be more successful than its rivals.