Chevrolet is launching its first entry into the small SUV segment, the Trax.
According to the firm, Chevrolet invented the SUV with the introduction of the Carryall Suburban – with the Suburban eventually holding the record for the longest-running vehicle nameplate.
Now the Chevrolet Trax is ready to embrace the group of car buyers that has been fuelling the significant growth in the SUV-B segment in recent years (sales in the segment have increased from130,214 cars in 2008 to around 264,000 last year).
The Chevrolet Trax has many of the benefits of a full-blooded SUV while combining the driving dynamics and fuel economy of a smaller car.
Above all, the Chevrolet Trax offers versatility, from its flexible modern passenger cabin to all-wheel-drive to Chevrolet MyLink enhanced connectivity.
There’s even a 230V socket in the rear which can be used for recharging laptops and other devices without the need for an adapter.
There’s also lots of storage on board the Chevrolet Trax and the loading space can be extended to accommodate a maximum of 1,370 litres with further space available under the cargo floor.
The Chevrolet Trax features standard roof rails, which have a load capacity of 75 kg, and the vehicle can tow trailers weighing up to 1,200kg.
The Chevrolet MyLink connected radio, a standard feature on upper trims of the Trax, will see drivers having a system at their fingertips that is easy to use and allows access media including specialist apps from compatible portable devices.
That means easy access to phone books, personal playlists, photo galleries (through USB key or iPhone) and videos (through USB key or aux-in), and other stored media.
The engine line-up for the Chevrolet Trax comprises of a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol unit, a 1.6 litre petrol engine and 1.7 litre turbo-diesel engine.
The 1.7 litre turbo-diesel engine is the most frugal of the three and will return 62.7 mpg when mated to a manual transmission while fuel consumption for the 1.4 litre turbo with the manual transmission will average 44.1 mpg. CO2 emissions are 120 and 149 g/km, respectively.
Prices start at £15,495 for what is an impressive package – potential buyers may be surprised at how low the leasing costs could be for the Chevrolet Trax since the firm is keen to grow its share of the market and good deals are to be had.