THUNDER BAY – Northwestern Ontario is likely home to more trucks, sport utility vehicles and four wheel drive vehicles than cars. Winter driving conditions, plus the utility of a truck are a part of the region. For many fuel economy on a full-sized SUV or truck is a concern. That is where the smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles come into play.
The all-new Chevrolet Trax small sport utility vehicle made its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012. Trax will meet the needs of customers in over 140 markets and will arrive in Canadian Chevrolet dealerships this winter with a starting MSRP of $18,495.
Trax delivers excellent fuel efficiency, flexibility and car-like handling that urban explorers demand in this ever growing and popular small SUV segment.
“Trax is an important addition to the Chevrolet portfolio in Canada,” said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing for Chevrolet in Canada. “We believe Trax will be a popular choice with Canadians looking for the convenience and utility offered by a small SUV, which will be ideal to drive in urban centres and cities across Canada.”
Trax Design and Exterior: With room for five passengers and generous cargo space, Trax exhibits its SUV toughness and capability in a small package through a muscular exterior design and a wide athletic stance. Its contemporary form evolves the global Chevrolet design aesthetic.
Measuring 4,280 mm in length, 1,776 mm in width and 1,674 mm in height, Trax sports a subtle centreline crease on the hood surface, detailed halogen headlamps and a rearward swept roofline, all of which contribute to the vehicle’s dynamic appearance.
Trax Powertrain: Trax comes equipped with Chevrolet’s proven 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. FWD models are available with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission, delivering fuel consumption ratings of 7.8 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway (manual) and 8.1 L/100 km city and 5.9 L/100 km highway (automatic). The AWD is available with a 6-speed automatic transmission only, and delivers a fuel consumption rating of 8.7 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway.
Trax Interior: Storage amenities in the new Trax are plentiful. They include various compartments above and on both sides of the centre stack as well as an available under-seat storage tray. Trax’ loading space can accommodate a maximum of 1371L; with further space that can be made available under the cargo floor.
In addition to a 60/40 split rear seat, Trax boasts a front passenger seat that can be folded flat, offering additional flexibility in the segment. Up to eight seating configurations are possible.
Upper trims of the Chevrolet Trax will feature Chevrolet MyLink as standard. Chevrolet MyLink is an infotainment system that aggregates content from smartphones onto the seven-inch, high resolution, full-color touchscreen display. A dedicated navigation app called Engis Bringo will become available early next year. It will project the route from the smartphone onto the system’s touch-screen. A rearview camera is part of the MyLink infotainment package and provides assistance during parking maneuvers.