Chevrolet Trax (2013 – 2015) Review

August 2012

Chevrolet Trax World premiere at the Paris motor show representing Chevrolet’s first entry to the fast growing small SUV segment. Same vehicle as Vauxhall Mokka with Chevrolet badging, helping to pave the way for GM's European range to become Chevrolets.

Measuring 4,248 mm in length, and featuring a width of 1,776 mm and a wheelbase of 2,555 mm,Chevrolet’s new small SUV sports powerful body lines that convey agility and movement. With the golden bowtie separating the upper from the lower part of its prominent front grille, Trax can immediately be identified as a member of the Chevrolet family.

Trax has sufficient space to accommodate five people in a comfortable high seating position. It will deliver car-like handling while also enabling off-road capability when needed.

The European engine line-up will include a 1.4L turbocharged petrol unit, a 1.6L petrol engine as well as a 1.7L turbo-diesel engine. The 1.4L turbo petrol engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, cranks out 140 hp (103 kW) and produces a maximum torque of 200 Nm. The AWD system is available on variants that come with the 1.4L turbo petrol or the 1.7L diesel engine.

The 1.7L diesel engine will deliver a power output of 130 hp (96 kW) and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. All powertrains with manual transmission come with Start/Stop functionality. Both the 1.7L diesel and the 1.4L turbo petrol engine (due later in 2013) will also be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, Trax delivers a message of clean sophistication that is complemented by useful convenience features such as an instrument cluster combining digital readouts with analogue displays.

Storage amenities in the new Trax are plentiful. Besides a 358-litre boot, they include various bins above and on both sides of the centre stack, as well as a tray under the passenger seat. Further stowage can be made available under the cargo floor.

In addition to a 60/40 split rear seat, Trax boasts a front passenger seat which can be folded flat, offering additional flexibility in the segment. A total of eight seating combinations can be selected.

Upper trims will be equipped with Chevrolet MyLink as standard. Chevrolet MyLink is an infotainment system that aggregates content from smartphones onto a seven-inch, high resolution, full colour touch-screen display. As of this winter, MyLink will feature a navigation app which can be downloaded onto compatible smartphones. It will project the route calculated by the smartphone onto the system’s touch-screen.

An array of standard passive and active safety systems will ensure that occupants are effectively protected in the event of an accident. Trax will be equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control (TC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution. Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are standard on LT trim vehicles.

September 2012

All engines are combined with manual transmissions and are fitted with stop/start to save fuel and reduce emissions – which start at 120g/km for the diesel.

All wheel drive version offered with 140PS chain cam turbo petrol engine. Practicality is rerasonable with load capacity of 358 litres, 60/40 folding rear seats and the front seat can be folded flat to carry long items like planks of wood. Folding the seats increases maximum load space to 1,370 litres.

Two trim levels offered – LS and LT – but even LS models get a decent level of kit, including alloy wheels , air con, parking sensors, automatic headlamps and Bluetooth. Higher spec LT versions get larger wheels, a parking camera, auto-dimming rear view mirror and MyLink infotainment, which aggregates data from your smartphone onto the in-car screen.

March 2013

As shown at Geneva, the Trax is powered by a range of engines made up of the 140PS 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 115PS 1.6-litre petrol unit as well as a 130PS 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine. All manual transmission variants come with stop-start technology.

UK cars will be available in LS and LT-spec, and flagship cars will have electric and heated memory seats. A host of driver assistance technology is available, including stability control, Hill Start Assist and a reversing camera. There’s even hill-descent control for those urbanites who fancy a bit of weekend outdoor recreation.

Starting price for the Trax is £15,495 and for that price, you get 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps, cruise control, Bluetooth, remote central locking, and CD/Radio with MP3, USB and AUX in.