Making tracks on the road

As the New Year rolled around, a new scare haunted our country with bullet-like speed — the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It was as if all of a sudden, because of the huge spike in numbers, the traffic that had started to become a cause for concern during the holidays came to a halt as more people opted to stay indoors.

So it was a good time to drive around the city streets (staying inside the vehicle) and experiencing how well the Chevrolet Tracker took to the roads ahead.

“We are excited to introduce the all-new Chevrolet Tracker to the Philippine market,” said Atty. Albert B. Arcilla, president and CEO of Chevrolet Philippines-TCCCI. “This highly acclaimed crossover is a welcome addition to our refreshed model portfolio. The Tracker will appeal to Filipino customers who want more from their crossover SUV. Available in two feature-packed variants, the Tracker offers fuel efficiency, safety, comfort, convenience, and connectivity packaged in a practical and capable SUV.”

With these words in mind, I took the Tracker for a drive on the North Expressway, starting off at the entrance of Plaza Azul Nagtahan to the NLEX entrance.

It was a smooth ride in the Chevrolet Tracker as the Expressway was relatively empty. During the times that I overlook a vehicle moving too slow for comfort, I found the Tracker had all the oomph to get the job done.

Crossover and more

The Tracker is the latest model in Chevy’s new-generation, global SUV lineup and it is a fun-to-drive and easy-to-control SUV. It combines practical functionality, modern athletic design, intelligent connectivity features, refined engine technology, advanced safety features and smart cargo space.

The Chevrolet Tracker LT Redline has a keyless entry, which makes it a safe drive when one is entering from a distance. A modern keyless ignition also makes starting and stopping the car a thing of ease.

As I sit in the driver’s seat, I begin to notice how comfy in the hands the steering wheel is as the Tracker sports a flat-bottom, leather-wrapped, Bosch Electric Power Steering wheel with audio controls.

My gaze moves on the dashboard as I familiarize myself with the functional, floating 8-inch colored touchscreen that features the latest generation Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System. I notice that it lets me use my smartphone with Apple CarPlay compatibility that allows users to safely plot navigation, play music, read and send messages, and make phone calls using the vehicle’s controls or Siri.

Although I am pleasantly surprised by all the functions, I am not the type to fiddle with too many controls as I drive. What I enjoy more is feeling the vehicle move when I drive, so I limit any music in the car to a minimum — that is, none.

Having said that, let me just share with you that the MyLink Infotainment System also offers Bluetooth connectivity, four USB ports, and one SD card-reader slot.

As I fiddle with my seat comfort, I notice that the Tracker provides more than 20 smart storage solutions to keep things organized inside the car. And with multiple seating configurations, including 60/40 split folding rear seats; the new-generation crossover SUV offers additional room for more essential cargo.

Seat in good position, eyes on the road, I begin to put my rubber to the metal and feel the Tracker move.

Powerful drive, confident rides

The Chevrolet Tracker is powered by a lightweight, new-generation 1.0-liter 3-cylinder DOHC Ecotec Turbo engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-new engine is packed with smart technologies, resulting in excellent performance and better fuel economy.

The Tracker is equipped with an Active Thermal Management System with Electric Water Pump, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, and Variable Displacement Oil Pump that make use of otherwise wasted energy to optimize engine performance and maintain engine temperature while expending lower battery power and fuel consumption. The Water-Cooled Turbo Intercooler helps improve mechanical durability and lengthens the turbocharger’s life.

At this point, the Tracker is driving smoothly through the NLEX roads and is moving so well. I am amazed at how comfortable I feel in the arms of this SUV.

As I experiment with overtaking I am happy that the range of active and passive safety technologies, including front and rear disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Emergency Brake Warning, Rollover Mitigation and Enhanced Understeer Control are working like clockwork. It’s oh, so efficient. There was no feeling of the Tracker losing grip of the road as I moved along.

I am able to keep my thoughts on my driving as I keep a comfortable speed. As I drive my thoughts return to the fact that the Tracker’s exterior and interior style draws from Chevrolet’s sporty DNA while also adopting the brand’s new and dynamic design philosophy. So that explains why I feel so safe and comfortable inside the SUV.

Eyes on the road

I notice another Tracker on the NLEX and am able to get a good look at the vehicle from the outside. The sharp, angular lines across its profile give the tracker a youthful look, while a U-shaped surface on the hood is a bold touch that lends well to the front’s overall design. Squared-off LED daytime running lights, which double as turn signals, further enhance the Tracker’s striking fascia.

Of course there are the design elements that celebrate the crossover SUV’s athletic demeanor, like the strong black and red accents on the familiar front double grille, which is enhanced by distinct horizontal red trim and a black Chevy bowtie emblem. This design element continues on the car’s black heated side mirrors, which have a bright L-shaped red trim, and its 17-inch black alloy rims feature eye-catching red accents.

As I look up I remember that there is a large, sliding panoramic sunroof that allows drivers and passengers to enjoy natural light while in the comforts of a modern and well-appointed cabin, or fresh air when the weather outside is nice simply by flicking a switch. And, as we all know by now, fresh air is life for all of us.

I continue the drive until I reach the entrance to the North, the NLEX at Balintawak. I follow the signs and am led back to C5, where I take the Tracker back to Pasig, where I plan to get a meal.

I am so happy at how the Tracker performed in this over-two-hour drive — and that goes for with the AC on and off (for some fresh air).

The Chevrolet Tracker is available at all Chevrolet dealerships nationwide. For information, visit www.chevrolet.com.ph, follow Chevrolet Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, or subscribe to Chevrolet Philippines’ YouTube channel. For a convenient and contactless Chevy vehicle shopping experience, visit www.shopclickdrive.com.ph.