With an annual output of more than 1.5 million vehicles, Thailand has one of the largest automotive industries in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. So it's not exactly surprising that several important carmakers build vehicles over there. General Motors,->ke1024 for instance, has been doing it since 2000, especially under the Chevrolet->ke199 badge. But, on top of getting a number of affordable, locally produced cars, Thailand is also enjoying a few nameplates that GM isn't selling in the U.S. One of them is the Trailblazer.

While U.S. production of the said SUV->ke145 ended in 2008, the nameplate was revived in 2012 for markets in Southeast Asia and countries such as South Africa, Saudia Arabia, Brazil and Australia. It was developed on the same platform as the second-generation Chevrolet Colorado->ke1193 and offered with a pair of Duramax diesel engines in Thailand, where it became the largest SUV wearing a "bowtie" badge. The Trailblazer became an instant hit in Southeast Asia, and Chevy is now looking to build on its success with the Premier concept.->ke169

Unveiled at the 2016 Bangkok Motor Show, the Premier concept looks like a fancied up Trailblazer with new features inside and out, plus an exclusive, glossy paint. More importantly, the concept's front fascia is heavily based on Chevrolet's new design language, which means that this show truck could preview a facelift for the four-year-old, second-generation Trailblazer. Although GM didn't say whether all those fancy features will become available in dealerships or not, chances are that the Trailblazer Premier also previews a range-topping trim for the local market.

“This show car is a result of strong collaboration to ensure we understood the demands of each market. Our research told us that our customers, particularly in the Thai market, appreciate luxury, upmarket finishes and sophisticated detail. Therefore, our focus was on ensuring we enriched the driver and passenger experience," said GM International Vice President of Design, Michael Simcoe.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Chevrolet Trailblazer Premier Concept.

Exterior

The first thing that catches the eye is the revised front fascia. Worthy of being called a redesign, it brings Chevrolet's updated styling language to the Trailblazer, including new headlamps and engine hood, a revised bumper with larger foglamps, and a new grille. The latter ditches the Trailblazer's familiar mesh grille for horizontal bars and features significantly more chrome for a more upscale look. In many ways, the new fascia is identical to the U.S.-spec Colorado.

Onto the sides, the concept received fewer modifications compared to the standard model, but there a few details worth mentioning. First up, there's the 22-inch wheels wrapped in low profile tires, a feature Thai customers aren't yet able to order on the production model. Chevy also added an integrated, body-colored side step with bright chrome molding. Paired with the new wheels, the side step also gives the Trailblazer a more premium appearance, especially when compared to the more rugged entry-level version. A less noticeable touch is the new "Trailblazer" badge on the front doors. The new one is larger and sits closer to the side step, a position reminiscent of the first-generation, U.S.-built version.

While the front is all-new, the rear end is identical to the SUV found in Thai showrooms, save for a slightly larger spoiler atop the tailgate and a thicker chrome insert above the license plate recess.

The package is rounded off by the Velocity exterior paint, a silvery shade of blue finished in a high-gloss clear coat. Needless to say, the color works well with the bright chrome elements and has a rich finish that contributes to the SUV's premium appearance.

Interior

The concept's interior is a significant departure from the Trailblazer's current cabin. Just like the front fascia, the changes are worthy of a redesign, with the concept featuring a new dashboard, updated infotainment system, and a new instrument cluster. However, the layout is far from futuristic. The update simply puts the Trailblazer in line with newer Chevrolet products.

To stay true to the premium look of the SUV, the dashboard is finished in three different colors. The upper and lower sections are black, while the center fascia features cream and gray elements separated by double stitching. The A/C outlets are now larger, while the chrome is brighter for a stronger contrast with the overall black theme. The revised center stack has a cleaner layout and includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen equipped with Chevy's latest MyLink infotainment system. The steering wheel is the only element that's not new in this area.

Moving over to the seats, they are wrapped in premium brown leather with bespoke piping, white stitching, gray inserts on the front seating area, and handmade netting on the back. The redesigned door panels also feature premium appointments in the form of wooden appliques with steel inserts, the kind of details usually offered in significantly more expensive vehicles. Finally, the concept received floor mats with brown edges and stitching that matches those on the seats and dashboard.

Drivetrain

There's no word as to what's under the hood, so it's safe to assume that Chevy didn't prepare a special drivetrain for this concept. The standard Trailblazer can be ordered with one of two diesel, four-cylinder engines. The entry-level unit is a 2.5-liter, Duramax with direct injection rated at 163 PS (161 horsepower) and 380 Nm (280 pound-feet) of torque. The four-pot mates to a six-speed manual transmission.

The second choice is a 2.8-liter Duramax similar to the one offered in the U.S.-spec Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.->ke1781 This mill features variable-turbo direct injection and cranks out 200 PS (197 horsepower) and 500 Nm (369 pound-feet) of twist. Power travels to the wheels through a six-speed automatic.

While the 2.5-liter model can only be had with two-wheel drive, the 2.8-liter is also available with an AWD system in the range-topping LTZ1 trim.

Conclusion

Granted, the Trailblazer Premier isn't much of a concept. At least not in the true sense of the notion. A quick look at it is enough to notice that Chevy slapped the U.S.-spec Colorado's face to the SUV and sprinkled both the exterior and interior with a few premium features. But I'm not criticizing. Actually, I think that the Colorado design works well with the boxy lines of the Trailblazer and gives the SUV the facelift it duly deserves. And, in case you have doubts that this concept car will go into production with that front end, the fact that Chevy also showcased a Colorado concept with U.S.-spec styling at the Bangkok Motor Show is a clear signal that both vehicles are about to get a makeover. Hopefully, Chevy will also introduce a new, more expensive trim level inspired by the Premier show car for customers that want an SUV that's capable, stylish, and luxurious at the same time.