BY ALAN MCPHEE, THE DAILY NEWS
If you count in all the model variables by brand, there are no less than 50 compact SUV/CUV choices on the Canadian market; all with a numbing sameness that makes it difficult to separate one from another.
They are all pretty much the same size, powered by similar base 4-cylinder engines mated to either 5-or 6-speed automatic transmissions; they all offer seats for five, roughly the same fuel economy and about the same cargo capacity. And they all include some variation of a FWD/AWD powertrain.
Chevrolet already has a player in this league with the Equinox and so one would wonder why the bow tie brand would want to add another to this crowded niche. On the other hand, they may have seen something the others have missed.
First of all, the new Chevrolet Trax is not like the others. It slots in just below those other compacts, in price and size, with a starting base of $18,495 (that’s about $2,000 -$5,000 less expensive). Built on the Chevrolet Sonic platform, it is also shorter in overall length (by about 300 mm/12.0-inches) with-out compromising 5-passenger comfort or competitive cargo space. To further emphasize the difference, Chevrolet describes the Trax as the ‘City SUV’, suggesting its agility and convenience have been designed for the family that lives in an urban landscape most of the time. The Trax is part of Chevrolet’s global marketing plan and will be sold in more than 140 markets worldwide. According to Marc Comeau, vice-president sales and marketing for Chevrolet Canada, “The Trax will be a popular choice with Canadians looking for the convenience and utility offered by a small SUV, ideal to drive in urban centres and cities across Canada.”
The Trax sports the characteristic Chevrolet bi-level grille found on the Cruze, Sonic and Malibu, flanked by nicely detailed Halogen headlights and fog lamps. With its shorter body and wide stance, it has a pugnacious look that suggests it’s ready to take on all-comers. Four models are offered starting with the LS/FWD ($18,495), 1LT/AWD, 2LT/AWD and LTZ/ AWD. Our tester was the LTZ/ AWD finished in Champagne Silver Metallic with two-tone Black and Light Titanium leatherette seating.
All models are equipped with Chevrolet’s proven Ecotec 1.4-litre, 138 horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, mated to either a 6-speed manual (FWD models only) or 6-speed automatic with manual mode.
The combination of a small displacement engine with a turbocharger is becoming the powertrain of choice for small and compact vehicles because it gives you the best of both worlds…excellent fuel economy in normal driving and lively performance when the turbocharger is engaged. Standard dynamic assists include Stabilitrak (electronic stability control system), Traction Control, four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS, BA (Brake Assist) and Hill Hold Assist (prevents rolling back when starting on a steep hill).
A 4-cylinder engine works harder than a V6 and so the 6speed automatic transmission is kept busy providing smooth, seamless shifts while the engine is commendably quiet, especially at cruising speeds. I particularly like the manual mode.
A thumb button on the inside of the gearshift lets you ‘toggle’ up and down to select the gear you want. Our Trax LTZ featured the upgraded ‘Touring Ride and Handling’ suspension that provides a firmer but supple ride with flatter cornering and sharper steering response.
The front bucket seats are nicely formed to hold you comfortably and are handsomely finished in two-tone leatherette with Jet Black side bolsters and Light Titanium seating surfaces. Both front seats are heated and the driver gets 6-way power and lumbar tensioner.
The unique instrument cluster consists of a conventional analog tachometer alongside a wide screen with a bold digital speed readout and other trip information including fuel, engine temperature, odometers, instant and average fuel economy, range, ambient temperature and compass. The tilt-telescoping steering wheel is leather covered and includes fingertip controls for audio, cruise and Bluetooth connectivity.
Our LTZ came with Chevrolet’s MyLink system featuring a large, 7.0-inch colour touch screen mounted in the centre dashboard. It’s the command centre for your Bluetooth audio streaming, Premium Bose AM/ FM and XM Satellite Radio (3 months free service) and also serves as your rear backup camera view.
The rear bench seat is split 60-40 and can be folded flat to increase interior cargo capacity to a very useful 1,375 litres (48.5 cu-ft.). The front passenger seatback also folds flat to allow for longer loads. There are lots of cubbies and cupholders plus a storage tray under the front seat. Standard features you won’t find on the competition include 6 months of GM’s OnStar ‘Directions & Connections’ with automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-turn Navigation and OnStar Remote Link.
All the usual power features are included plus power, remote heated side mirrors with inset ‘blind spot’ mirrors; automatic headlamps; rear ultrasonic parking assist; remote start; engine immobilizer; 18-inch, silver painted aluminum wheels; auto-dimming rear-view mirror; roof rails and solar ray, deep tinted rear glass. Our tester also included the optional, power glass sunroof.
The Trax is equipped with a unique set of 10 airbags that include dual-stage front airbags, front side seat airbags, front knee bolsters, rear seat side cushion airbags and front-to-rear side curtain airbags.
Chevrolet has squeezed an enormous amount of content into the Trax. They call it a small ‘City SUV,’ but it’s only small on the outside.
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The 2013 Chevrolet Trax for sale in Bancroft, at your local Chevrolet dealer, Bancroft Motors. You can book a test drive online, see what your trade is worth even apply for financing. Visit us today at www.bancroftmotors.ca
