2015 Chevrolet Trax - Time To Crossover?

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.

2015 Chevy Colorado - Build The Truck You Want

After an absence of a couple of years, Chevrolet are back in the medium-sized truck market with the all-new Chevy Colorado - and judging by the flexibility and performance it delivers, a lot of people are going to think it was well worth the wait.

Real Truck Values Tailored For Modern Owners

Let's be fair, the old Colorado, good as it was, was getting a bit long in the tooth. Rather than go for another minor update, Chevrolet took the brave decision to retire the previous model and come back with something that ticks all the boxes that a modern truck driver wants.

The 2015 Chevy Colorado may not be the big beast the Silverado is, but make no mistake, it's a proper truck. This thing will go to work for you, day after day, no problem. Depending on model, you've got a payload of up to 1590 pounds and towing capacity of 7000 pounds. It's built tough too, starting with a chassis that features fully boxed frame rails for tremendous rigidity.

Where it differs from some of the competition is in attention to passenger comfort. Both bed and cab are supported by rubber mounts, so you're more comfortable and your stuff doesn't get thrown around so much. The engine has hydraulic mounts. A lot of attention has been paid to weight saving, but using the best composites and aluminum alloys so you're not giving up reliability. There's noise-reduction technology too. You might be putting the engine through its paces outside, but you can still have a normal conversation on the inside (which, incidentally, is also much improved).

Precisely What Fits Your Lifestyle

For some people, a station wagon or SUV just aren't enough - they need a truck, and Chevrolet have put a lot of effort into giving them exactly the truck they need. You may not want a full-size pickup, with all that bulk, but that doesn't mean you have to be short on choices. Depending on model, there are various combinations of extended or crew cab, five or six foot boxes, 2.5 liter four cylinder or 3.6 liter V6 gas engines (diesels coming soon), plus 2 or 4-wheel drive. Gearboxes are six-speed manual or automatic, the latter praised for how well it makes its selections. There are three trim levels, WT, LT and the more off-road oriented Z71. There's traction and stability control, and, because communications are increasingly important, there's satellite radio, Bluetooth and integration for your smartphone. There's even an option to have WiFi installed! Prices start at just $20,120.

Taking on such a serious redesign of something that's been popular for so long is a risk. What comes back has to be not just a little better, but a whole new ball game. With the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado you get everything you want from a mid-sized truck, plus enough options to build a vehicle that has all the extra features you'd like too. It's the best of both worlds, and it's available now.

2015 GM Models & 4G LTE Wi-Fi: Greater Connectivity, Wider Choice

When you read about General Motors offering 4G LTE Wi-Fi on select 2015 Models, you might expect it to be restricted to one or two executive sedans or range-topping SUVs. That might be the approach that other manufacturers take, but not GM. Their definition of "select" is quite a bit broader than the competition!

The mid-size Chevrolet Malibu is already wired and ready to go, as well as the Impala. 4G LTE will also be available on 2015 vehicles as diverse as the Chevrolet Spark, Buick Regal, and Chevrolet Tahoe.

So whatever your tastes, whatever your budget, GM will soon offer an affordable option that can be hooked up to a virtually limitless choice of internet and online services - right across the country.

GM Models for 2015: Device Management Built In

General Motor's 4G LTE offering is provided by market leaders AT&T. The service already covers 290 million Americans and expansion continues.

This isn't the same as mobile phone technology (although your smartphone will be able to take advantage of the improved reception) this is more powerful and more flexible: almost like home cable speeds in your car!

What does 4G LTE Wi-Fi mean? In a nutshell, any of the enabled 2015 GM vehicles will become mobile communications centers. Where reception is available you'll have access to download speeds up to ten times faster than 3G. You'll be able to receive calls, download movies, and play games all from your favorite automobile. You don't even have to be inside it. The advanced technology means that each vehicle becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot - like your local shopping mall or favorite café.

Connecting the Family

Imagine taking the kids camping for the weekend. Throw everything in your 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and head for the hills. Pitch the tents, cook dinner... and when you tire of the old campfire songs you can settle down in front of your laptop to watch your favorite movie.

Sounds a bit far-fetched? With the right 2015 GM model and AT&T's ever-wider coverage, it's not only possible, but the kids will probably be playing online games in their tents after lights out!

Truly Mobile Business

Finally, with vehicles like the 2015 Buick Lacrosse (or your preferred GM model), business is truly mobile. You can drive across state - or across country - and get emails and other important communications, download documents, receive a Skype call, even take part in a video conference - all thanks to the 4G LTE built into your car.

In fact, given the right proximity to your vehicle, it's possible you could do all those things while sat on the beach (although you might want to turn the video function off if the boss is online).

GM & 4G LTE Wi-Fi: Delivering Technology That Benefits You

General Motor's OnStar system was already a technological marvel, offering vehicle owners a tremendous range of benefits. Now it's growing, bringing drivers all the internet and connectivity services they demand.

Yet it remains surprisingly affordable. After an initial free period so you can get used to all the functionality, prices start from just $5 a month. There's even a "one day pass", so you can use it for a single trip (if they're watching a movie or playing games in the back, they won't keep asking you "are we nearly there yet?").

GM's initial program means not just a one or two, but thirty of their 2015 models will be 4G LTE and Wi-Fi enabled. The powerful antenna each vehicle carries should allow you to connect up to seven different laptops, game consoles, tablets, phones at the same time.