Finding traction in the crossover segment

Test drive: Chevrolet Trax

MANILA, Philippines – The sub-P1 million subcompact crossover segment, virtually non-existent just a few years ago, is the hot ticket now—what with the emergence of the Nissan Juke, the Hyundai i20 Cross Sport, the Honda HR-V, and this month’s Chevrolet Trax tester within a span of just a few months of each other. Size-wise, they join the Mitsubishi ASX and the Subaru XV in this suddenly burgeoning segment.

Chevrolet’s new subcompact SUV (the Captiva remains its contender in the bigger compact category) comes in two variants—the P998,888 Trax LS and top-of-the-line P1,218,888 Trax LT.

The Trax combines SUV style and versatility with car-like maneuverability. Its chunky styling, with its powerful bodylines and bold fender flares, plus that bold Chevy dual-port grille and tall ride height, is youthful and dynamic. Handsome17-inch alloy wheels and a muscular domed hood that cleverly hides the wipers create that active look that’s enhanced by roof rails, big alloy wheels and all-terrain tires. Bright new colors, highlighted by a brilliant Boracay Blue (an international color name for the Trax), adorn Chevy’s baby SUV. 

Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.4-liter, Euro 4-compliant petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic with manumatic mode. The addition of a turbo to a relatively small-displacement engine results in impressive power and torque while achieving high fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

It develops best-in-class numbers of 140 hp and 200 Nm of torque (at a very accessible 1,850 rpm) and is expected to post the best performance figures in the local subcompact SUV segment.

Safety-wise, the Trax boasts a surprising boatload: six airbags (dual front, side and curtains) and a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Parking safety and ease are both achieved through the reversing camera and sensors. Both Trax variants’ safety features are enhanced by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Panic Brake Assist (PBA). In addition, the range-topping LT will have Rear Wheel Boost (RWB), Roll Over Mitigation (ROM), Straight Line Stability (SLS), Engine Drag Control (EDC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). You’d previously find these features only in high-end SUV’s like Range Rovers and BMW X5’s.

I didn’t need any of those active and passive safety features during my week-long drive on mostly traffic-strewn metro streets, but I did get to experience the vehicle’s dynamic performance on the occasional clear back roads. It feels closest to the bigger-engined (1.8-liter) Honda HR-V in its balance between a comfy ride and responsive handling as well as in the response from its turbo 1.4 motor.

The Trax raises local segment standards in touch and feel while maintaining functionality. Chevrolet decked-out the Trax with leather seats, steering-mounted audio switches and a 7-inch full-color Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity. Build quality and overall fit and finish is right up there with the best from Japan and Europe. 

It can seat five adults and will include a fold-flat, 60/40 split rear seats. The Trax boasts 15 storage locations and up to 1,370 liters of storage space. Head- and legroom for front and rear passengers are generous given its compact size.

All things considered, the new Trax is a must-see if you’re in the market for a capable, well-priced subcompact crossover. You won’t regret it.