Chevrolet Trailblazer seven-seat entry-level version configuration announced, how much should it cost?

After finishing the static experience of the Chevrolet Trailblazer last week, just this Monday, Chevrolet announced the configuration of its seven-seat entry-level version. After reading this, as those of us who have just completed the "comparative evaluation of multiple vehicles with a 300,000-class seven-seater SUV", we have something to say about this. Let's get straight to the point: those who expect the seven-seater entry version to be cheap, just sleep on it. Judging from the configuration information, the entry-level version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer will not be too cheap this time. If I had to give a specific number - I think it would probably start higher than 250,000 yuan, or even go above 260,000 yuan. Because we still compare the Highlander and Touron, the entry-level configuration of the Chevrolet Trailblazer is far better than the entry-level versions of the first two. The entry-level version of the Highlander is priced at 239,800 yuan for five seats, and the seven-seat entry-level version is priced at 248,800 yuan for the elite version. People across the country know that this car will not be reduced in price; the Touron's two-wheel drive comfort version is priced at 299,900 yuan. The dealer's quote on the Autohome product page is 269,900 yuan. So the question is, do you think, from a brand perspective, how much cheaper should the Chevrolet Trailblazer be than the pricing of these two cars? Another question is: Do you want the price to "look cheap", or do you want the price to be "cheap in terms of true value"? I don’t think anyone chooses the former. After all, there are fewer and fewer manufacturers on the market that offer Beggar’s Edition configurations (unless it is a customized version for online ride-hailing or bulk purchases). For private users, entry-level models are “right from the start.” In fact, "high configuration" did not only appear in the past two years. If I remember correctly, the first to fully implement this pricing principle was the new generation of C-class cars switched by Mercedes-Benz in 2014. The price is too expensive and the configuration is too high. As a result, when it was launched, those who said it was too expensive and those who said it was good value for money were divided into two distinct camps. Consumers are not fools. Whether the price is inflated or value for money, sales volume will tell. When actually buying, everyone will not only look at the price but not the configuration. After carefully reading the configuration list of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, I think that the Trailblazer's "mid-to-high configuration starting from the beginning" this time is not only very smart, but even reveals its ambition to a certain extent. There are two reasons: 1. A flagship model should have a flagship price. As the flagship product of the Chevrolet SUV series, the Trailblazer is also the most expensive domestic Chevrolet product in the Chinese market. The flagship product anchors the brand value. For a model positioned in this way, if a low-price entry strategy is adopted, it will not only enhance the brand image Disadvantageously, it will also make the gap between the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Equinox, which is positioned as a mid-level SUV, not clear enough. Judging from the configuration list, Chevrolet has given the Trailblazer almost the same configurations as its competitors’ mid- to high-end models. I even confirmed it several times – is this really the “entry version”? In particular, more than 30 safety configurations include dynamic braking, small spare tire detection, braking force attenuation prompts, etc. In terms of airbags, it is equipped with dual front airbags and front side airbags, as well as front and rear integrated air curtains. A rare "entry" standard configuration. In terms of appearance, it comes standard with full LED light sources at the front and rear, which is a lighting configuration that is only available in the top models of ordinary models. In our static evaluation, it was equipped with an impressive double-piece panoramic sunroof, and even ordinary high-end configurations are optional for extra money. The equipped shark fin antenna and aluminum alloy luggage rack were also given, as were the active air intake grille and dual exhaust tailpipes specially introduced by the 4S store clerk. In terms of comfort, the entry-level version of the Trailblazer is equipped with top-level in-car air management systems such as air temperature and humidity sensing, three-zone independent fully automatic air-conditioning system, and anti-PM2.5 air-conditioning filter elements. Keyless entry and one-button start, 8 There is also a 4.2-inch touch LCD screen, and even a 4.2-inch digital LCD instrument panel and ANC active noise reduction and mute system are also equipped. It is equivalent to what I consider the "top model" that we actually photographed in the store. All the comfortable configurations on it are basically available on the entry version. To sum up, in order to give the Trailblazer an entry-level price that matches its "flagship" status, Chevrolet did not hesitate to spend a lot of money to "decentralize" mid-to-high-end configurations priced at 300,000 yuan + by its competitors to "entry" models. Then the question arises. It starts with mid-to-high configurations. So how should the Chevrolet Trailblazer’s actual mid-to-high configurations be adjusted? Second, let the design distinguish price levels, not just configurations. The model we actually photographed in the 4S store was the RS version. The pre-sale information on March 20 also stated that the Chevrolet Trailblazer will also have a Redline version. From this, I judge that after the entry-level version "starts with mid-to-high configurations", As prices go up, what consumers choose is personalization. The addition of more official exterior and interior modifications, as well as some comfort configurations such as seat ventilation/heating, will divide the model levels in terms of appearance personalization. This is exactly the design capital Chevrolet has accumulated in the past two years. I learned in a previous interview that terminal sales data also show that there are not a few consumers who choose the top-of-the-line Equinox because of the RS version. Chevrolet is also rare on the market. , a brand that can have two official modified versions of styles at the same time and have the ability to use them in the entire series. In terms of design, Chevrolet does have a story to tell. However, with the Trailblazer, it seems that Chevrolet intends to tell this story to the extreme - the naked car product will start with other people's mid-to-high-end configurations, and then realize the internal level division of the product through design and further comfort configuration. To be honest: This is 10,000 times better than classifying price levels based on safety configurations - isn't the life of consumers who can't afford the money valuable? Driver's conclusion: Chevrolet has released the configuration list in advance this time, which must have its purpose. And those who have carefully read the configuration list and are familiar with the configuration prices of relevant models will not think that what I said "may start at 260,000" is an exaggeration. In addition to the above highlighted configurations, 2.0T+9AT, five-link independent suspension and multiple driving modes, as well as MyLink+intelligent vehicle interconnection system+new-generation OnStar intelligent vehicle interconnection system, are all the powerful system capabilities of SAIC-GM that empower trailblazers in The fundamental value of the product is irreplaceable, especially this powertrain, which has received very good reviews in many actual tests on other models. The rear suspension uses a five-link type that is mostly seen in luxury brand sports models. With independent suspension, we can expect that the Chevrolet Trailblazer should have a better level of dynamic performance than the Highlander and Touron. In addition, among the traditional giants, SAIC-GM is also the one that is most proficient in developing in-vehicle interconnection systems. And the "big car" is the real Chevrolet in my mind. In the Chinese market, it has finally come to the field where it is best at. Chevrolet has obviously revealed its ambitions from this configuration list. Can the strategy of "starting with high configuration and high price" open up a new market for Chevrolet's high-profile flagship model? I believe the answer will be revealed soon.Text | Zhao Xiaochatu | Internet