Mar 19

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 

Tagged with:
Feb 08

Are you in the market for a new or used vehicle, but aren’t quite sure which one to choose?  With thousands of different vehicles available, deciding which type of car would be best for you may become frustrating.  You want to make a wise investment, and purchase the best car possible.  Here are a few areas that may help you decide whether a used car in Peterborough or an SUV would be more beneficial to your lifestyle.

You first want to determine the primary function of the vehicle.  Will it be transporting the entire boys’ soccer team to practice?  Will it be taking you to work and around town on errands?  If you have a large family that you drive around on a regular basis, you may want to consider a SUV.  A SUV allows everyone to have their own space, making for a comfortable drive.  You won’t have to worry about fitting everyone in the car, and you have plenty of storage space for groceries, strollers, and other supplies.  You can even have a media center installed for added kid entertainment.

If you are single or have a small family, a car might be a better option for you.  You may not need the extra space that the SUV provides, and you will enjoy getting better gas mileage in your car.  Used cars in Bancroft are also great for road trips consisting of 4 people or less.  The adding savings in gas money can go a long way.

Safety issues are another consideration when purchasing a vehicle.  If you live in a snowy climate or enjoy going up in the mountains for recreational purposes, a SUV may be a safer choice.  While some cars are good in the snow, they may not be as reliable as a SUV with 4-wheel drive options.

Choosing between a car or an used SUV in Bancroft is simply a matter of functionality and personal style for your family.  After factoring in the cost of gas, the amount of miles you drive regularly, who will be riding in the car, and the amount of space that is available, you can make an educated decision on which vehicle to choose.

Tagged with:
Jan 07

Buying a car can be intimidating. Even at the best price, buying a car is a large financial commitment and you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. You may be wondering what to look for in a quality car dealer in Bancroft, how you can go about getting financed, and what sorts of makes and models are the most reliable. These questions can seem overwhelming, but purchasing a car can be a genuinely fun experience. With a little time, a little know how, and an internet connection, you are going to be able to learn exactly what to look for in a quality car dealer, how to go about purchasing your car and what sort of car financing in Bancroft that are available to you. Financing can be a tricky part of buying a used car. Life comes at you fast and sometimes as a result the quality of your credit score can be negatively affected. Many car dealers understand this and offer a wide range of financing options to their customers, both those with good credit and those whose credit has been injured because of the nature of life.  These types of dealers are willing to work with their customers as best they can, and it is a good thing to look for, although not required.

As you look for places to purchase your car from, try to find a company that has several reviews that you can read. If you are able to read reviews about the company before you even enter into a business transaction with them, you can safely get an idea of who they are and how they operate.  Good reviews are just one example of what to look for in a quality car dealer, but it can be a big one. Reviews can also be obtained in person. Try asking you family and friends who they went with when they needed to buy a car. Often times they will have advice to give you and you will be well on your way towards obtaining a quality new or used car in Bancroft and the freedom it affords you.

Tagged with:
Dec 03

By. NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Chevrolet will become the first US carmaker to integrate Apple’s Siri virtual assistant technology into its cars with the launch of its 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Sonic models.

 

Siri is a voice-activated feature on Apple iPhones and iPads that can perform internet searches, answer questions and even receive email and text message dictation. The special in-car version, called Siri Eyes Free, that Chevrolet is to deploy, was unveiled in June at the World Wide Developers Conference and is designed to give drivers access to smartphone features, via a dedicated dashboard-mounted button, without having to take their eyes off the road.

Chevrolet made the announcement Tuesday at the Los Angles International Auto Show where its marketing director for small cars, Cristi Landy, explained the feature would be compatible with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 and would work via the cars’ existing Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. By pushing the steering-wheel-mounted voice activation button, users can make hands-free calls, access their iTunes music library, listen to and compose messages, and even keep up to date with big game scores or the local weather.

 

“It says a lot about our commitment to small-car customers that Chevrolet has announced that Siri Eyes Free capability will be available in the Spark and Sonic well before the luxury brands,” said Cristi Landy, “Safe, easy, reliable and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri complements MyLink’s existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience.”

 

In bringing Siri to its small cars first, Chevrolet is taking the same path as Mercedes-Benz, which became the first car company to integrate the technology into its models when it launched its new A-Class in September.

Providing increasing levels of in-car entertainment and connectivity while reducing distractions is becoming a major challenge for carmakers around the world. As the use of smartphones continues to grow, so do the risks they pose to safe driving. New federal guidelines, published in February by US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, seek to limit in-car distractions caused by communications, entertainment, information gathering and navigation devices; and, in particular, any device that requires use of the hands and/or diversion of the eyes from the primary task of driving.

 

“Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America’s roadways – that’s why I’ve made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel. These guidelines are a major step forward in identifying real solutions to tackle the issue of distracted driving for drivers of all ages,” said LaHood.

Meanwhile, State Farm’s annual Distracted Driving survey, published earlier this month, found that almost half (48%) of 18-29-year-old drivers surf the net via their handset while driving, while more than one in three said they checked social media sites and 30 percent admitted to updating their status while behind the wheel.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking for a Chevrolet Spark in Peterborough, Bancroft Motors has them, plus a full line-up of new Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. Brancroft Motors has been serving Bancroft and surrounding communities for over 25 years. Let our friendly experienced staff help you with your next vehicle purchase. We offer both new and quality used cars in Bancroft, along with state of the art service, and car financing! Visit us today at www.bancroftmotors.ca

Tagged with:
Aug 03

 

If you are in the market for a used car in Peterborough and are looking for more information about used cars, buying policies, or dealerships, then we invite you to take a closer look at our Web site. Our Web site is loaded with information that can help you find the right used car for your needs, find the best prices for used cars, and start the process of getting a used car loan in Bancroft.

Here are just a few ways that you can use our Web site to learn more about getting a used car:

Inventory

Whenever you buy a large item, such as a used car, it is important to be sure that you know as much as possible about that purchase before you buy. In order to help you get as much information as possible about our huge inventory of used cars, we have a Web site that is loaded with photographs and information for each of the used cars in the lot. This online inventory includes specific information about our used cars, including information about mileage, accessories, year of the car, and more.

Trade-in

Many of our customers trade in their existing cars for a percentage off of the cost of the new used cars that they buy from us. If you think that you will be trading in the car that you currently own when you buy your new used car, then take a look at our online trade-in evaluator in order to get a general idea of how much money you could save by trading your used car in. We have a link to the Canadian Black Book, which provides approximate values for used cars. Of course, we’ll be able to tell you more information after as inspect your used car!

Credit application

Many of our customers also take out loans in order to buy their used cars in Bancoft. If you think that you will be taking out a used car loan, then start the process from the comfort of your home or office by completing our online credit application. The online credit application will help us to learn more about your financial history and specific financial situation. We can then use this information to develop the right loan for your needs.

We look forward to helping you get the best used car for your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today for more information or to get started!

Tagged with:
Mar 30

Whether you have a used car or a new car, proper car maintenance can reduce your service bills, keep your car running smoothly, and extend the life of your car and its engine. Here are some of the things you need to look for when caring for your used car in Belleville:

Belts

Belts help to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and that you stay safe while driving. In order to check your belts for durability and quality, simply push on the belt with one finger. The belt should only move by about half of an inch. If it moves more, you may want to have it checked by a professional. Also, make sure that the belt does not have any cracks or worn places.

Hoses

It’s important to check the hoses in your used car in Limerick regularly to ensure that they do not crack, tear, or leak. To check your hose, simply pinch the hose in between your fingers. If the hose feels spongy or sticky, then it’s time to replace it.

Tires

The tires should be one of the easiest things for you to check on your car because they require very little expertise in order to see if they are worn. When inspecting your tires, check to see how thick the treads are. If they look worn down or smooth, then you are experiencing balding, which could reduce your traction and increase the risks of driving. If your tires are balding, it’s time to replace them.

Windshield Wipers

It’s important to remember that on a used car in Bancroft, windshield wipers are not just there for convenience; they are also critical safety mechanisms that will help to keep your line of vision clear in rainy weather. Check to make sure that the rubber blade of the windshield wiper is in good condition, that it is not cracked, and that it is attached to the metal or plastic part of the wiper securely from end to end.

Keep in mind that if you used your windshield wipers to help remove ice from your windshield in the winter, then the wiper may become more easily cracked or damaged. Therefore, you may have to replace your wiper more frequently in the winter.

Contact Bancroft Motors for more questions about how to maintain or service your car in Bancroft. We’re always helpful to provide tips or schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics.

Tagged with:
Oct 10

If you are like many of our customers, money is at the top of your mind when it comes time to buy a used car. Regardless of how much money you are able to spend on your used car, it is always a wise idea to look for ways to increase your savings and decrease your expenses. Here are a couple of ways that you can save money by buying a Bancroft used car:

Look for Specials

Many dealers, like us, run special programs throughout the year in order to provide our customers with opportunities to save even more money than before. Many of these specials are seasonal or announced when the next year’s models hit the market. These specials may allow customers to buy a car with no down payment, they may provide extra savings off of the cost of the car, and they may even provide a special low interest rate. Contact us or look online to find out what specials are currently going on or to learn about upcoming specials that may suit your needs.

Trade in Your Car

We have a trade-in program that allows our customers to trade in their cars for a price off of the cost of a new or used car. Our trade-in values are based on the Canadian Blue Book values for cars. To get started learning more about our trade-in program, fill out an online trade-in informational sheet or contact a dealer to learn about the value of your car.

Financing

We offer a wide range of options for vehicle financing. These options often include loan programs. In order to get a loan for a car, our customers are welcome to fill out a convenient online credit application. They can also come into the store to fill out the application in person. We will review the credit application and discuss all lending options with our customers.

The greatest part about our loan program is that each loan is customized to meet the needs of our customers. When you apply for a car loan, we will develop a number of different loan options that may suit your lifestyle and preferences. You select the option that you like the most!

Contact us today  to learn more about the loan programs that may be right for you. We can get you approved for your car loan, and driving a car or truck today that suits your lifestyle and your budget.

Tagged with:
Jan 04

If you are in the market for a used car in Bancroft, then you’re in luck: we have a huge inventory of used cars that are sure to suit your specific used car buying needs. Our used car inventory is filled with used cars of all sizes and types, ensuring that you have access to the right used car for your needs.

Here are a few ways that we can make it easier for you to buy a used car in Bancroft when you use our services:

Selection

One of the most difficult things about buying a used car in Limerick for many people is trying to find the right used car. With so many models and options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect used car for you. Plus, because you will probably have the used car for years to come, finding the right used car for all of your needs is rather essential, right?

 Bancroft Motors are experts in the used cars they sell. We are also experts in placing our customers in the right used car for their needs. We know what questions to ask you in order to determine what your unique needs are for your used car. For example, if you are on a budget, we might suggest a less-expensive used car that has excellent gas mileage and few needs for service.

Warranty

Servicing your used car is an important part of ensuring that your used car lasts for years to come. In order to make servicing your used car affordable and convenient, we offer a warranty on each used car that we sell. This warranty covers many major issues that may occur with your used car so that you can be sure to save money while getting the right used car for your needs.

Inspection

We know how important it is to be able to rely on the used car that you buy. For that reason, we inspect every used car that we sell. This used car inspection is designed to ensure that the engine is in optimal working condition, the body of the used car is stable, and you can feel comfortable with the condition of the interior. Contact us today to learn more about what things we inspect on the used car that you buy from us.

We look forward to helping you find the best used car in Bancroft for your needs. Contact Bancroft Motors today at www.bancroftmotors.ca  not only for a great selection of used cars, but car loans too.  

Tagged with:
preload preload preload