2017 4X4 Of The Year finalist: Holden Trailblazer

TRAILBLAZER is a new name for what was previously called the Colorado 7; a seven-seat wagon based on the Colorado ute, in this case the much-revised MY17 Colorado.

All the detail changes of the ute have been made with the wagon; although, with the suspension, only the dampers on the wagon have been changed whereas the ute gets new springs, dampers and front swaybar.

As with the ute the vast majority of the changes are aimed at addressing refinement issues found in the previous model. Over Colorado 7 the Trailblazer also gets a new dash and more tech kit such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, as well as embedded sat-nav in the top-spec model.

We tested the Trailblazer LTZ. The cheaper LT gets 17s but loses tyre-pressure monitoring, embedded sat-nav, heated leather seats, driver’s electric adjustment, premium audio, auto wipers, climate control and all the high-end safety features such as the forward collision, lane-departure, rear cross-traffic and blind-spot incursion warnings.

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The winner of the coveted 4X4 of the Year award will be announced at the Australian Motoring Awards (AMAs) on February 1.

The AMAs, to be held at Crown Casino in Melbourne, will also present the WhichCar Style award, the MOTOR Performance Car of the Year and the Wheels Car of the Year awards.

Keep an eye on 4X4 Of The Year throughout the night on February 1 to be the first to find out which vehicle has been awarded the 2017 4X4OTY award. Or tune in to our Facebook page!

2017’s strong field of 4X4OTY contenders includes: Haval H9, Holden Colorado, Holden Trailblazer, Mercedes-Benz G300, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series and the Volkswagen Amarok V6.

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