2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

NEW FOR 2009:

- 5.3-litre V8 discontinued

- Bluetooth phone connectivity with new OnStar 8.0

- Exterior colours: Silver Ice Metallic, Silver Moss Metallic and Sand Beige Metallic added

For 2009, the Chevrolet Trailblazer tightens up its engine choices; the previous 5.3-litre V8 is discontinued. Other changes are minor: the addition of Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with the new 8.0 version of OnStar, and new exterior colours.

The Trailblazer comes with a 4.2-litre inline six-cylinder, or as the SS model with 6.0-litre V8. Both engines use a four-speed automatic transmission; the Trailblazer uses four-wheel drive, while the SS uses all-wheel drive. Trim lines are the LT1, LT3 and SS.

Features on the LT1 include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, fog lamps, privacy glass, heated mirrors, front recovery hooks, roof rack side rails and crossbars, variable intermittent wipers, variable delay rear wiper, cruise control, floor mats, tire pressure monitoring system, tilt wheel, power windows with front express-down, cloth seats with six-way power driver's adjustment, 65/35 split-folding rear seat, CD/MP3 stereo, locking rear differential, trailer equipment package, power locks with keyless entry, automatic headlamps, anti-theft alarm, and OnStar.

The LT3 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors with reverse tip-down and integrated turn signals, overhead console, garage door opener, driver information centre, front reading lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, illuminated vanity mirrors, heated leather seats, six-way power passenger seat, driver's side memory, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and rear-seat audio controls with headphone jacks.

The SS adds 20-inch alloy wheels, SS-specific black mesh grille, cargo net, cargo cover, six-way power heated leather seats with SS logo and suede inserts, XM satellite radio, Bose premium sound system, limited-slip rear differential, and sport suspension with automatic rear level.

The body-on-frame Trailblazer shares its platform with the GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X. With the mid-range V8 gone, buyers must now choose between the V6, which fits this model well, or the SS, which is rather over-the-top for an SUV, but which offers tighter steering and suspension, and of course much more power.