Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax from General Motors will be placed in the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, which is to be held in the month of September, the car maker will pull the cover from this new project. Delivering the flexibility, better mileage and manoeuvring capability suiting the urban needs, this model will be the brand's gateway into the segment of small SUV.

Chevrolet Trax will hit the shores of European continent and will be available at the dealerships by March-May 2013. Soon after the début of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu and the anticipated Cruze station Wagon in the year 2012, Trax will make its entry. The company has a better prospect of growth in near future considering its new and exciting line-up available across its European dealerships.

Chevrolet Trax with it’s buffed up looks on the exterior front and broad athletic stance, displays the toughness and capability of a SUV in a small package. The car's interiors will match that of the more expensive vehicles in the market. However, its modern styling and design has evolved from the global design culture of the Chevrolet. After being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the model will be made available in over 140 markets worldwide with the exception of the United States of America (USA). The first countries to receive the much anticipated small SUV will be Mexico and Canada where it will reach before the year end. Chevrolet does not intend to launch it in the US market, owing to the fact that its Equinox variant holds a strong market position in the country. On the other hand, it will be the first ever small crossover SUV from the Chevrolet's stables in Canada.

Chevrolet Trax is eponymous with a concept car exhibited by the car maker way back in 2007. The concept car which was exhibited during that time featured a 1-litre powertrain. It was part of a series of three small concept cars designed by a design unit of General Motors based in Korea.

Chevrolet Trax is built on the same platform as that of the Mokka and Buick Encore, which is the 'GM Gamma II' platform. It will be positioned just below the mid-size SUV, Equinox available in US market. The new car is touted to be the badge engineered variant of the Opel Mokka, by the industry analysts. Mokka will also be launched towards the end of this year by the Chevrolet. This model comes in both petrol and diesel options and is 4.2 metres in length. The petrol variant of the Mokka features a 1.4 litre powertrain while the diesel variant packs a 1.7 litre unit offering both manual and automatic gear box.

Chevrolet Trax will pose head on competition with the recently released Subaru XV and the much awaited Ford EcoSport. Other contenders in this segment are the outgoing and established Mitsubishi ASX and Nissan Dualis. In India, the latest offering from the GM owned brand will come with a starting price tag of Rs. 9,50,000.

Chevrolet Trax is bound to face stiff competition in the country since the latest trend in domestic car market is Multi Utility Vehicles (MUVs) and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Automotive giants like Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Suzuki, Tata and Mahindra are also gearing up to launch new vehicles in this segment.

Engines & Specifications of Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax, sharing the same platform as that of the Opel Mokka, may also share the powertrain line-up, a 1.4-litre petrol unit and 1.7-litre turbo diesel powertrain. While the petrol powertrain is capable of delivering output of 138 bhp, diesel unit, on the other hand, can produce 128 bhp of power. The base petrol variant delivers a torque of 178 Nm at 5000 rpm and features a 5 speed manual transmission. The powertrain line up of the SUV boasts of cutting edge technology, which ensures top- class fuel efficiency, driving experience and performance.

Performance of Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax, with aforementioned powertrain duo, is capable of clocking a top speed of 150 kmph with fuel efficiency in between 11 kmpl to 13 kmpl. Apart from this, the aerodynamic design of the compact SUV provides a distinction to it against other cars. The unique design with the aid of advanced suspension system enables the car to remain stable higher speed thereby accidents.

Chevrolet Trax with its compact build is capable of handling heavy traffic, narrow roads. It is also much easier to park. The SUV also offers a much better mileage while treading the asphalt in the urban conditions. It comes with an all new All Wheel Drive (AWD), four wheel drive concept and an electric limited-slip differential, which is a type of automotive differential gear alignment. Promising handling and performance at the economy of a mini car, it comes with an independent battery pack and an electric motor to propel the wheels at the rear.

Exterior, Interior & Safety Features of Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax looks like a small version of Captiva in terms of the design. While on the interior front, the company promises premium luxury car like design. Even though, the vehicle shares the same platform with the Mokka, it has more rough and robust appearance. Adding to its muscular looks are the beefed up wheel arches, and the grille which is typical Chevrolet. Moreover, enhancing its X-factor, the SUV features styled sweptback head lights, small built and high loading lips. Glancing at the first look of the model released by the company, the vehicle features a sporty bumper and streamlined shoulders running along the body from bonnet to the boot. The looks of the car is further enhanced by a spoiler mounted on the tailgate, lots of chrome trim and plastic claddings on the body. Company has customised its traditional design model to add to the looks of the Trax, so as to display power, still keeping it as compact as possible.

Chevrolet Trax, with its single piece bumpers, roof rail and a spare tyre mounted on the back projects a perfect off-road image. With length of over 4,530 mm and 1,800 mm width and height of 1,655 mm, it is a true blue cross over SUV. A 5 passenger seating accommodation and best in class cargo space is provided in this bulkier and sporty vehicle. Based on the same platform, Trax is speculated to offer same amount of space as offered by the Mokka and its sibling, Buick Encore. The encore provides the buyer with 533 litres of boot space and peak space of 1,374 litres when the back row is folded.

Chevrolet Trax is expected to borrow almost all of the lucrative features provided by the Opel Mokka, besides the space specs and platform model. These features include start/stop system (Only for manual transmission), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems.