The Toyota Auris was described as a practical and sensible choice by Autocar’s road test.
While this might not sound very exciting for a new car, it is actually a positive attribute for a used car. When faced with a multitude of questionable second-hand vehicles, prioritizing practicality over emotion makes sense for many car buyers.
The second-generation Auris was introduced in 2013, available as a five-door hatch and a Touring Sports estate. During the design, Toyota aimed to match the standards set by the Volkswagen Golf Mk6. Despite being durable, the Auris falls short in comparison to the old Golf in most areas, except for its hybrid technology.
The 134bhp 1.8-litre VVT-h engine boasts an impressive claimed fuel economy of 70mpg, although real-world figures are closer to 50mpg. Additionally, it can travel a little over a mile on battery power alone. Paired with a clever automatic gearbox, the VVT-h engine is a technical marvel that offers a quiet, smooth, and relaxing drive, albeit lacking in excitement.
Almost two-thirds of the hatchbacks for sale are equipped with the VVT-h engine, indicating its popularity. Other engine options include a few petrol variants, with the 114bhp 1.2T being the most favorable due to its smooth and powerful performance. However, the two diesel options, an 89bhp 1.4 D-4D and a 109bhp 1.6D, are considered sluggish and noisy, especially in their Euro 6 iterations.
For those deeply immersed in the world of electric vehicles, the current landscape is nothing short of a thrilling revelation. With major automotive players fully embracing the electric revolution, the future of transportation is being reshaped. They are unveiling a dazzling array of innovative models that cater to the desires of consumers, delivering a broader spectrum of choices, top-tier quality, impressive range, potent performance, and attractive price tags.
Take, for instance, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. This fresh addition to the world of electric mid-size SUVs is the eco-conscious counterpart to its gasoline-powered counterpart. It’s generating immense anticipation, alongside Chevrolet’s other eagerly awaited offerings: the 2024 Equinox EV and the Silverado EV pickup truck boasting an astounding 450-mile range. The forthcoming 2024 Chevy Blazer EV presents a compelling, well-rounded package, seamlessly blending style, performance, and impressive range. It’s the ideal electric vehicle for both urbanites and suburbanites, offering an attractive solution to their mobility needs.
We’re highly optimistic that this mid-size all-electric SUV from the iconic American automaker is on the cusp of creating waves in the industry. The proof lies in the pudding, as GM has escalated production of the Chevy Blazer EV to a staggering 65 examples per hour (that’s over one copy per minute) at the Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico, where 4,000 skilled workers are employed, half of whom are dedicated to crafting these remarkable EVs. With a starting price tag of $56,000, the Chevrolet Blazer EV emerges as a potential game-changer, promising to shake up the electric SUV market.
The information in this article was sourced from the manufacturer Chevrolet, CNBC, and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, among other credible sources.
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV boasts a distinct exterior, setting it apart from any other Chevrolet vehicle. Drawing inspiration from both its gasoline-powered sibling and Chevy’s high-performance cars, it makes a grand entrance. This isn’t a mere electric transformation of the ICE Blazer; it showcases an audacious silhouette, firmly establishing its presence in the world of electric crossovers. The exterior design appears subtly elongated, a result of sharing its platform with the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, a luxurious mid-size crossover SUV. This elongation provides it with a slight advantage in length over competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Furthermore, the Blazer EV’s exterior design prioritizes aerodynamics for maximum range, presenting a sleek, low, and wide posture that ensures exceptional stability.
In the 2LT trim, a sophisticated monochromatic look prevails, but it’s the RS and SS trims that truly command attention with their bold and captivating designs. The front fascia takes inspiration from the Chevrolet Camaro, exuding an unforgettable presence and unique personality. The use of continuous LED lighting extending across the front, complemented by projector-beam LED highlights, is striking. An illuminated bowtie at the center, along with a forward-facing camera below, adds to the vehicle’s appeal. Gloss black elements contribute a dynamic and lively vibe.
As you move to the sides, the 2LT trim features 19-inch wheels, while the RS and SS trims elevate the experience with impressive 21-inch and 22-inch wheels, respectively. Chevy’s meticulous styling around the fender openings creates a harmonious design. Turning to the rear, you’ll again be captivated by the remarkable use of lighting, a low and elongated roof spoiler, and the iconic Chevy bowtie emblem. The two-tone roof style of the SS trim enhances the overall aesthetic of this mid-size electric SUV. The 2024 Blazer EV offers a palette of bold color options, including Black, Summit White, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Sterling Gray Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Red Hot, Galaxy Gray Metallic, and Riptide Blue Metallic.
The Blazer EV’s Interior Is Nothing Short Of Spectacular Per The Segment Standards
Chevrolet
The interior of the Blazer EV is truly magnificent. When you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by a spacious cabin, which is quite remarkable for a two-row SUV. If you’re familiar with the conventional Blazer, you’ll notice some familiar design elements, such as the distinctive circular turbine-inspired climate vents. However, what truly catches your eye is the impressive 17.7-inch infotainment screen placed prominently in the center of the dashboard. This high-resolution display, accompanied by an 11-inch instrument cluster, brings a modern and sophisticated touch to the vehicle’s overall look. It’s worth noting that this screen is a standard feature in all Blazer EV trims.
The design of the center screen is ergonomic, with a slight tilt towards the driver. As expected from GM, the infotainment system maintains its reputation for exceptional quality. One significant improvement is that GM has separated the climate controls from the touch screen, which will be a relief to many who find integrated controls frustrating. The Blazer EV, as a five-seater, ensures utmost comfort for passengers, offering heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and ample interior lighting. For those who prefer a more vibrant interior, the RS and SS trims from Chevrolet offer a dynamic black-and-red color scheme. However, there will be a more understated option available for those who appreciate a minimalist style.
Chevrolet has long been synonymous with robust power and unwavering reliability, crafting vehicles for those who demand nothing but the best. As such, when the Blazer EV made its debut in 2022, enthusiasts eagerly anticipated a performance that would leave them breathless. It’s noteworthy that Chevy has made a significant move, discontinuing the base 1LT trim and opting for three distinctive trims. While detailed power specifications for the 2LT and RS models remain undisclosed, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS trim promises astonishing figures. Chevrolet boldly claims that the Blazer EV SS will deliver an astounding 557 horsepower and an impressive 648 pound-feet of torque, all underpinned by standard AWD.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Specs
Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Chevy Blazer EV RS
Chevy Blazer EV SS
Motor Setup
Single-motor (Dual optional)
Single-motor (Dual optional)
Dual-motor
Drivetrain
FWD, AWD
FWD, RWD, AWD
AWD
Range
279 miles
320 miles
290 miles
Starting Price
$56,715
$60,215
$65,995 (est.)
(Specs sourced from Chevrolet)
Adding to the thrill, Chevrolet introduces the Wide Open Watt (WOW) mode, akin to the Hummer EV’s “Watt To Freedom” feature. This WOW mode propels the all-electric Blazer SS from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds, rivaling the Mustang Mach-E GT’s 3.8-second benchmark. As for the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV’s range, Chevrolet has been tight-lipped about specific battery pack sizes. What we do know is that the lineup offers a range of configurations, including FWD, RWD, and AWD. The single-motor FWD 2LT model impresses with a substantial 293-mile range.
Meanwhile, the RS trim, with standard RWD, boasts a GM-estimated range of 320 miles, positioning it among the upper echelon of long-range electric vehicles. However, when equipped with AWD, both the 2LT and RS models exhibit a slight drop in range, offering 279 miles on a full charge. The top-tier Blazer EV SS model, featuring standard AWD, delivers an invigorating 290-mile range, perfectly balancing raw power with exceptional efficiency. Notably, only RS and SS models offer an upgrade with optional DC fast charging capabilities, reaching up to 190 kW. This capability supercharges your journey, adding approximately 78 miles in just 10 minutes of charging.
Of special note, only the Blazer EV SS model boasts GM’s Super Cruise, an adaptive cruise control technology that enables hands-free driving on over 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the United States and Canada. One-pedal driving and regenerative braking are standard features across all trims, enhancing driving convenience and efficiency. Moreover, all Blazer EVs are equipped with Chevrolet Safety Assist, which provides advanced safety features including:
Chevrolet Addresses The Common Concern Of EV Buyers
Chevrolet
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV addresses a common concern shared by 80-percent of prospective EV buyers, not due to a lack of interest but a shortage of charging infrastructure, as per CNBC. The issue of extended charging times and limited range closely follows as barriers to EV adoption. Chevrolet’s Blazer EV seeks to alleviate these worries with its impressive 320-mile range, just shy of the top-tier electric vehicles. The 2023 BMW iX surpasses the Blazer EV by only four miles. Despite the booming market for mid-sized, mid-range, and mid-priced EVs in recent years, the Blazer EV outperforms its peers. While the Ioniq 5 offers a range between 220 and 266 miles, the Blazer EV goes further, topping out at 100 miles more.
This robust, all-electric SUV builds upon the popularity of its gas-powered counterpart, the Chevy Trailblazer, which holds the “Top Safety Pick+” accolade from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, the Blazer EV boasts six safety features, including automated braking, object detection, 24/7 roadside assistance, and parking aid. Safety measures extend to the availability of charging infrastructure, with Energy Assist ensuring drivers are always in proximity to one of the nearly 40,000 charging stations. The Blazer EV can replenish 78 miles in just 10 minutes at fast-charging stations.
In conclusion, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV is poised to make a significant impact in the electric SUV market. With the automotive industry embracing electrification, Chevrolet’s all-electric Blazer EV stands out as a compelling choice, offering style, performance, and an impressive 320-mile range. Its production surge underscores the anticipation for this remarkable vehicle, and it has the potential to disrupt the electric SUV landscape. By addressing common concerns of EV buyers, such as charging infrastructure and range, and by providing robust safety features and fast-charging capabilities, the Blazer EV positions itself as a game-changer. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation and quality shines through in the 2024 Blazer EV.
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