Glances of the brand new for 2019 Chevy Blazer have been circulating for the most part with photos that were retouched, and under very prominent and skillfully-placed stage lights, and the natural version has not been brought to light until now. Spy photos that all of us at Jim Butler recently got their hands on caught a few examples of the new crossover on public roads, and they include the top-end Premier model, as well as the entry-level LT version.
The Premier was shown in white, and did not look as bulky as it could have with body color cladding. So many customers are excited about next year's Blazer: there's the possibility of a low-end trim like the LT being available, and the standard engine is a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, creating 193 horsepower, and 188 lb-ft of torque. There is an optional V6 making 305 horsepower, and 269 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is also standard, with the option of all-wheel drive systems available as well. What the Blazer truly is is a cut-down full-size pickup, with a flimsy removable fiberglass shell covering the bed and cab.
Car and Driver lamented that the Blazer “is all Alan Jackson songs, T-shirts without sleeves, cutoff Lee Jeans, a cooler held together with duct tape, and inner-tubing on the Chattahoochee”, and this is a very good-looking, mainstream crossover, with the nose capped by a grille that looks a bit as if it came over from the likes of the Camaro ZL1. The basic structural elements are shared with the GMC Acadia, and the Cadillac XT5, and we believe that the five-passenger hauler with both rows offering decent room and well-shaped seats is going to immediately win you over after a test drive. The lower-spec models begin on 18-inch wheels, and go on up to 21.
Finding the right balance between a dignified day-to-day driver and aggressively styled and flashy weekend warrior should be a cinch: just look at the options sheet here at Jim Butler of St Louis, and we will guide you at every step of the way. The new Blazer is equipped with six USB ports, a glovebox that snaps open electronically, and all sorts of high-tech lane-keeping equipment dutifully on board. Any gadget-obsessed driver will immediately develop a solid love for the wireless charging pad, hands-free liftgate, and trailer-hookup guidance system, just in time for the 50th anniversary of this widely-loved vehicle. TopSpeed.com claimed earlier this year that “All of Chevy's Detroit rivals have something to worry about”, and its aggressive front fascia, honeycomb-style mesh, and numerous upholstery options will solidify its path to precision on-and-off-road handling for every excited new owner.Images courtesy of autoblog.com