There is a lot of activity at the Chevrolet stand at this year’s Dubai Motorshow. Upfront they have a variety of metal - the Camaro, Corvette, Sonic sedan and hatchback plus a Chevrolet Spark have been lined up for the press. Even the Volt hybrid is present and a hatchback derivative of the Chevrolet Cruze, due for South Africa in second quarter 2012.

This is a big company, number four on the world stage and currently selling a new vehicle every 6.7 seconds globally. The Trailblazer SUV however is a very big car for them, in terms of size and importance. Bigger and tougher than the Captiva, the Trailblazer is a direct rival to the Fortuner, featuring a seven seater configuration and tough 4x4-friendly body-on-frame chassis and suspension. It will be pared with the Colorado, a Chevrolet bakkie we’ll unlikely see because of its similarities in function to the Isuzu KB, a South African staple.

The concept car unveiled today is very similar to the production vehicle with a very bold exterior design from their Brazilian design studio, coupled with a funky and practical interior. It’s a refined beast, with a double wishbone suspension at the front, five links at the rear. It looks proper tough and features some intricate lighting details and will be available internationally with a pair of 4 cylinder diesel engines, plus a 4 and 6 cylinder petrol engine. South African spec models are yet to be finalised but should become a firm favourite amongst SA’s outdoors loving types.