New lease of SUV life

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The Chevrolet Trailblazer has many goodies to boast over the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Published: 25 Jun 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Life

Fans of reasonably priced sport-utility vehicles should be delighted with the entry of Chevrolet's all-new Trailblazer in the Thai market. Here's why.

As the Trailblazer is based on the Colorado pickup truck, it manages to be categorised as a PPV (pickup passenger vehicle) which has a special 20% excise tax in Thailand.

And because of that unusually low rate (as opposed to 30-35% for SUVs like the car-based Captiva), the pickup-based Trailblazer has an advantage in price terms.

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bkposter
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Discussion 4 : 27 Jun 2012 at 08.334
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I think the writer makes a good point, that the Captiva is a compact model of the Trail blazer, so you are paying a higher tax because it is considered a car, otherwise the prices would be very similar and the difference is basically the size and maneuverability. If you live in the city where there is little room and you have no need for a larger vehicle then the more expensive Captiva may still be your choice. Actually I think GM has come a long way in Thailand in both cars and trucks and really do offer a very competitive product to the Japanese cars now. The general perception that the Japanese cars are better is being is still present, but little by little people are starting to realize that near parity is actually a fact.
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pointoffew
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Discussion 3 : 25 Jun 2012 at 15.563
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Why compare this Trailblazer with the range-topper Captiva?! Due to its 18 inch wheels and AWD, which hardly anyone ever needs, it's overly expensive. Less than 1.4 mln baht buys you a more comfy Captiva, with 17" rims, better that the more expensive and less frugal range-topper Trailblazer .
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pointoffew
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Discussion 2 : 25 Jun 2012 at 13.572
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"Just a warning, though: only the LTZ 1 range-topper gets you 18-inch wheels"

Well, although 18-inch wheels may look good, the ride becomes much less comfy.
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moody
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Discussion 1 : 25 Jun 2012 at 12.471
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Good the Captiva may be but I think Chevy will eventually phase it out in Thailand.
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New lease of SUV life | Bangkok Post: auto