Top 5: Bare Bones Wagons - Holden Trailblazer LT
When Basic is Best. Words Dean Mellor
Holden Trailblazer LT ($47,990)
It’s no secret that the Trailblazer shares its underpinnings with the MU-X, and it was tempting to list the ever-popular Isuzu wagon in this list instead of the Holden, but the latter’s keen pricing and more potent turbo-diesel engine push the Trailblazer LT over the line.
Like all of the ute-based wagons, the Holden Trailblazer LT has a separate chassis with independent front suspension and a live-axle rear with coil springs. It’s powered by a potent 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that punches out an impressive 147kW of power at 3600rpm and 500Nm of torque at 2000rpm. The engine is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed auto and the Trailblazer has a part-time 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case.
As you’d expect, on-road performance is strong, with an abundance of torque low in the rev range. While the Trailblazer offers good low-range reduction (37:1 in first), off-road capability is let down by limited ground clearance and a traction control system that’s not as effective as some competitors. The standard limited-slip rear differential is also not as effective as a rear locker. But these minor quibbles are nothing that can’t be resolved by fitting an aftermarket suspension kit and a rear diff lock.
The seven-seat Trailblazer LT offers a generous interior and a 626kg payload capacity, along with the class standard 3000kg maximum braked towing capacity. The 76L fuel tank isn’t huge so, with a real-world fuel consumption figure of around 11L/100km, you can expect a safe touring range of around 700km.
In base-spec LT trim, the Trailblazer is equipped 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65R17 tyres, roof rails, cloth trim and carpet, a 7-inch colour touchscreen with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, multi-function display with trip computer, keyless entry and fog lights.
There’s plenty of standard safety equipment on the bare-bones Trailblazer LT, including rear park assist and reverse camera, electronic stability control, hill descent control, hill start assist, trailer sway control and a full complement of airbags.
At just $47,990, with an automatic transmission, the Holden Trailblazer LT is currently one of the all-time bargain 4x4 wagons. And despite its base-spec status, it has enough on- and off-road performance and enough standard equipment to make you feel like you’re not driving a poverty-pack special.
