We review the Chevrolet Trax (2013) from price to economy and all its features
THERE’S yet another new crossover to add to the school-run chaos — the Chevrolet Trax.
With us all back in the swing of a new term, Chevy have unleashed the latest “fake 4x4” to join the growing band of crossovers that boast SUV looks but not genuine off-road ability.
It’s the biggest expanding market in motoring and now includes the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, Skoda Yeti and Vauxhall Mokka.
The Trax actually shares the same platform and some engines as the Mokka and faces a battle to make an impact against the more established car names.
But it’s biggest strength is looks. None of its rivals have the all-American truck styling of the Trax. It looks macho and mean.
Like most of its competition, the macho stuff is more bravado than real off-road bravery.
This is not a mini-SUV to compete with a Range Rover Evoque, put it that way.
In fact, only top-of-the-range versions of the 1.4litre turbo petrol and 1.7litre diesel have four-wheel-drive, and it comes at a premium of £19,795 and £20,495 respectively.
But that will still be handy when the weather turns white nasty come December. But crossovers are more about on-road capabilities and just looking the part on the drive.
The Trax looks a far better buy for the entry/mid-level versions which start at £15,495 for the 1.6 petrol. The 1.4 turbo is from £18,255, with the 1.7 diesel opening at £18,945. On the road, it does the job. The handling is decent and there’s not an awful lot to dislike. The high-seating position and strong stance are a must-have in this new wave of crossovers.
Fuel economy is good, from 44mpg to just over 60mpg for the diesel, and both engines get stop/start technology to boost economy and lower CO2 that goes from 153g/km for the petrol to 120 for the diesel.
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The interior is more utility than glitzy. There is good space in the cabin and the top-of-the-range model I drove had good fit and finish and plenty of kit. But boot space is only average at 356 — 1,372 litres with seats down.
However, the equipment levels are good with even the entry-level 1.6 petrol LS getting a lengthy list of standard kit including 16in alloys, air con, cruise control, electric windows, auto headlamps, reverse parking sensors and Bluetooth.
On the LT, you get My Link Connected radio/sat nav with 7in colour screen, steering wheel audio controls with Siri speech recognition and a driver’s information centre.
The Trax has all the kit and the price to compete. It just comes down to whether the American styling is a winner with UK buyers. If it’s cool for school, it will succeed.