Senin, 19 Mei 2014

Chevrolet Blazer Vs. Isuzu Trooper Vs. Land Rover Discovery

Chevrolet Blazer Vs. Isuzu Trooper Vs. Land Rover Discovery

Battle Of The Urban Off-Roaders


















It's no secret that America dominates the sport/utility segment in terms of sales. In fact, the Big Three accounted for almost 82 percent of all compact SUV sales in '93. Sales stats alone, though, are hardly a convincing reason when choosing a vehicle. Different buyers have different priorities: performance, roominess, cargo capacity, interior accommodations, ride and handling, and value assume disproportionate weights depending on your needs and demands. These three representatives from the U.S., Japan, and Europe illustrate the diverse selection that's now available. Each offers a generous helping of carlike amenities and ample cargo room, yet displays its own unique personality and strengths.The Chevrolet Blazer is thoroughly redesigned for the '95 model year and offers the most versatile lineup of the three. Its base price range extends from $18,145 to $21,953, with a loaded 4x4 LT coming in under $27,000. Its lineup includes two- and four-door models with either two- or four-wheel drive. Both imports in this comparison are available only in four-door, four-wheel-drive configurations (last year's two-door Trooper RS has been discontinued). In addition, the Chevy offers a unique selection of specially tuned suspension packages.The Isuzu Trooper is a solid contender in the inner-space crowd. Its tall stance and expansive cargo area provide generous acreage for handling everything from mountain bikes to weekend excursions to the home-improvement store. It's available in three trim levels (S, LS, and Limited) with base prices ranging from about $23,000 to around $34,000.The Land Rover Discovery is a trendy newcomer that retains the essence of the rugged individualist. It's clad in aluminum body panels and has a distinctive, stepped roofline that makes it easy to spot. The Discovery is the highest priced of the three, starting at $29,350 (around $35,000 for a well-equipped version). In return, it delivers a long list of standard features, the option to carry up to seven people, plus a hard-earned reputation for all-terrain prowess.All three offer welcoming environments that range from carlike comfort to downright luxury. The Chevy has the longest overall length, which translates into significantly more front and rear legroom than the others. Cargo capacity, though, is a "no contest," with the Trooper's voluminous 90.2 cubic feet (with the rear seat folded) dwarfing the Blazer's 74.1- and the Discovery's 69.8-cubic-foot stats.A look at engine performance shows another no contest, with the Blazer's 4.3-liter Vortec V-6 outmuscling the Discovery's 3.9-liter aluminum V-8 and the Trooper's 3.2-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum V-6. In terms of output, the Chevy's potent 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque edge out the 190 horses/195 pound-feet of the Isuzu's strongest offering, as well as the 182/232 of the Land Rover. Likewise, aided by a lighter curb weight, the Blazer cooks 0-60 in 9.4 seconds, significantly dusting the Discovery's 11.5 and the Trooper's 11.9. Plus, it does this while providing the best EPA-rated fuel economy: 17/22 city/highway, compared to the Trooper's 15/18 and the Discovery's 13/16.Even within the four-wheel-drive systems, there are key differences. The Land Rover is equipped with full-time all-wheel drive, while the Chevy and Isuzu include part-time systems (a full-time system will be available on the Blazer as a mid-year option). The Blazer offers a choice of either shifting between drive modes with a conventional console-mounted shift lever or a dash-mounted push-button.In terms of safety features, all three of these vehicles come standard with some combination of ABS and airbags. The Discovery, Blazer, and Trooper Limited models have four-wheel anti-lock brakes; the Trooper S and LS offer only rear-wheel ABS as standard, with a four-wheel system available as an $1100 option. Both imports come with dual airbags, while the Chevy has only a driver-side bag.Despite their reputations as off-road warriors, most SUVs live the bulk of their lives on pavement. Chevrolet has addressed this dual reality by offering five individually tuned suspension packages to help tailor the Blazer's ride and handling characteristics to match each driver's taste and lifestyle. Among the choices are a Premium package, which provides a plush, luxury-car-like ride; a Touring package, for those preferring a tauter feel and improved road handling abilities; and an off-road package.Choosing the right sport/utility vehicle, of course, depends a lot on how a vehicle's strengths align with your own needs and desires. When pressed to recommend one of these three over the others, however, our choice would be the Blazer. Although the imports may have an edge in specific areas, the Blazer offers a competitive balance in all aspects while dominating in such important ones as power output, fuel economy, ride and handling, passenger roominess, and lineup versatility. Chalk one up here for the 'Mericans.
HOW THEY STACK UP
0-60 mph, Quarter mile, Lateral Slalom, Braking,
sec sec/mph accel., g mph 60-0 mph, ft
Chevrolet Blazer LS 9.4 17.1/80.5 0.72 60.7 154
Isuzu Trooper Limited 11.9 18.5/74.7 0.73 55.8 142
Land Rover Discovery 11.5 18.4/75.4 0.73 56.8 132
Chevrolet Blazer LS Front engine/rear- or four-wheel drive4.3-liter V-6, OHV 4-speed automatic195 hp @ 4500 rpm260 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm107.0-in. wheelbase4014-lb curb weight17/22 city/hwy. EPA fuel economy$21,953 base price$26,113 price as testedOptions/ancillary charges:Locking rear differential, $252; 235/70SR15 W/L tires, $133; AM/FM radio with CD player, $329; tachometer, $59; LS decor package, $346; heavy-duty trailering equipment, $210; Preferred Equipment Group 1SDX, $2346; destination, $485 
Isuzu Trooper Limited Front engine/rear- or four-wheel drive3.2-liter V-6, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder4-speed automatic190 hp @ 5600 rpm195 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm108.7-in. wheelbase4210-lb curb weight15/18 city/hwy. EPA fuel economy$34,000 base price (est.)$34,420 price as tested (est.)Options/ancillary charges:Destination, $420  
Land Rover Discovery Front engine/all-wheel drive3.9-liter V-8, OHV4-speed automatic182 hp @ 4750 rpm232 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm100.0-in. wheelbase4379-lb curb weight13/16 city/hwy. EPA fuel economy$29,350 base price$34,850 price as testedOptions/ancillary charges:Automatic transmission, $1100; rear side-facing seats, $975; Connolly leather trim, $1200; Dual electric sunroofs, $1600; destination, $625

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