Very
soon now the eagerly awaited Chevrolet Trax will hit US streets for the
first time. It's an automobile that's certainly going to turn heads,
and it will probably change a few minds too.
The Stylish Sub-Compact SUV
If you've been one of the many people looking forward to Chevrolet's entry into the small SUV sector, you won't be disappointed - and it's nice to see that the manufacturer has resisted the temptation to build something as brash as its competitors, and has instead focused on modern, sophisticated styling with an attractive balance of street chic and purposeful stance.
There are a total of six variations available, with either front- or all-wheel drive models wearing your preference from Chevrolet's popular LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. These are largely cosmetic changes, allowing you to choose wheels, seat fabrics, dash and door finishes to suit your taste and budget. Prices start at a surprisingly modest $20,995 for the front-wheel drive LS, rising to $27,405 for the top of the range all wheel drive LTZ.
Much of this affordability comes from using the same spacious 4-door body for the whole range, plus the same 4-cylinder, 1.4 liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic gearbox. That engine produces a healthy 138 bhp and 148 lb-ft of torque, so it's no slow-coach. Gears can be selected manually, but ratios seem well chosen and the majority of reviewers suggest leaving the auto to get on with it. Fuel consumption for the front-wheel drive is rated at 26 mpg for city driving and 34mpg highway, while figures for the all-wheel drive are 24 mpg city, 31 highway.
Smart in the City, Happy in the Outdoors
The Chevrolet Trax is clearly aimed at town and city dwellers, with exterior dimensions of just 168.5 inches long and 69.9 inches wide that make parking a breeze. That's helped further by a rear-view camera as standard, and even optional park assist. Chevrolet have also taken into account that many owners are likely to have young families and active lifestyles. It's tall, so there's lots of space inside (cargo volume is 48.4 cubic feet), and thoughtful features like the 60/40 split rear seat and fold-flat passenger seat mean you can throw in things you'd never get in a sedan - like bikes, or even a kayak. Maximum load length is a remarkable 8 feet.
It's also fully-loaded with modern tech. There's a big, clear, 7-inch touch screen giving access to a multitude of functions. Onstar's 4G LTE connectivity means the Trax is it's own Wifi hotspot that can service up to seven different portable devices, and for iPhone users there's also Apple's Siri Eyes-Free voice-activated command system. Safety is enhanced by traction and stability control, and there's a class-leading ten airbags as standard.
Crossovers are sometimes criticized for poor handling, often their height detracts from road holding. In test, the Chevrolet Trax has proved to be an exception to that rule, frequently complimented for it's on-road capabilities. The front-wheel drive is responsive and predictable, with good overall balance. The all-wheel drive version favors power delivery to the front wheels, but will distribute extra to the rear as needed and splits torque 50/50 when starting, to cancel wheel spin and improve launch. So is the Chevrolet Trax the perfect combination of fun and function? Very soon, we'll get to find out.
The Stylish Sub-Compact SUV
If you've been one of the many people looking forward to Chevrolet's entry into the small SUV sector, you won't be disappointed - and it's nice to see that the manufacturer has resisted the temptation to build something as brash as its competitors, and has instead focused on modern, sophisticated styling with an attractive balance of street chic and purposeful stance.
There are a total of six variations available, with either front- or all-wheel drive models wearing your preference from Chevrolet's popular LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. These are largely cosmetic changes, allowing you to choose wheels, seat fabrics, dash and door finishes to suit your taste and budget. Prices start at a surprisingly modest $20,995 for the front-wheel drive LS, rising to $27,405 for the top of the range all wheel drive LTZ.
Much of this affordability comes from using the same spacious 4-door body for the whole range, plus the same 4-cylinder, 1.4 liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic gearbox. That engine produces a healthy 138 bhp and 148 lb-ft of torque, so it's no slow-coach. Gears can be selected manually, but ratios seem well chosen and the majority of reviewers suggest leaving the auto to get on with it. Fuel consumption for the front-wheel drive is rated at 26 mpg for city driving and 34mpg highway, while figures for the all-wheel drive are 24 mpg city, 31 highway.
Smart in the City, Happy in the Outdoors
The Chevrolet Trax is clearly aimed at town and city dwellers, with exterior dimensions of just 168.5 inches long and 69.9 inches wide that make parking a breeze. That's helped further by a rear-view camera as standard, and even optional park assist. Chevrolet have also taken into account that many owners are likely to have young families and active lifestyles. It's tall, so there's lots of space inside (cargo volume is 48.4 cubic feet), and thoughtful features like the 60/40 split rear seat and fold-flat passenger seat mean you can throw in things you'd never get in a sedan - like bikes, or even a kayak. Maximum load length is a remarkable 8 feet.
It's also fully-loaded with modern tech. There's a big, clear, 7-inch touch screen giving access to a multitude of functions. Onstar's 4G LTE connectivity means the Trax is it's own Wifi hotspot that can service up to seven different portable devices, and for iPhone users there's also Apple's Siri Eyes-Free voice-activated command system. Safety is enhanced by traction and stability control, and there's a class-leading ten airbags as standard.
Crossovers are sometimes criticized for poor handling, often their height detracts from road holding. In test, the Chevrolet Trax has proved to be an exception to that rule, frequently complimented for it's on-road capabilities. The front-wheel drive is responsive and predictable, with good overall balance. The all-wheel drive version favors power delivery to the front wheels, but will distribute extra to the rear as needed and splits torque 50/50 when starting, to cancel wheel spin and improve launch. So is the Chevrolet Trax the perfect combination of fun and function? Very soon, we'll get to find out.
