Chevrolet Trax: Features explained

The small Chevrolet Trax has been around since the Ford Ecosport came out. If we aren’t wrong, this was Chevrolet’s way of responding to the global acceptance of small SUVs. After all, SUVs rule the roost. Big or small. The Chevrolet Trax also got a facelift earlier this year. This has made the SUV seem sleeker than the round design theme that it followed earlier. The very fact that it had one of the first turbocharged engines in its category also helped with the sales numbers. Here are a few of the other features of the Trax which have been explained.

Outside

The Chevrolet Trax is offered in the LS and LT trims. While mechanically both are the same, the latter trim is the top spec one. It boasts LED DRLs, sleeker grille, as well as updated bumpers, both at the front and rear. The LS trim for that matter gets DRLs in the form of a bulb. Fog light and the bezels surrounding it too have been given an update. The 2018 Trax LT still comes with 18-inch alloys, but the pattern has been slightly altered. However, the LS is still being offered with 16-inch and smaller section wheels. Tailgate of the Chevrolet Trax has a small chrome strip now while the taillights have got a slight revamp as well. Luggage side rack mounts too are standard. A rear spoiler, front and back skid plates, as well as a black B-pillar, are also similar in both the models. The Chevrolet Trax dimensions are 4,248 x 1,766 x 1,674 mm in length, width, and height, respectively. Available color options of the Chevrolet Trax include switchblade Silver, Summit White, Boracay Blue, Velvet Red, Abalone White, Black Meet Kettle, and Sun of a Gun Gray.

Inside

The inside story of the Chevrolet Trax is no different than the outside. In this case, it is feature loaded too. This includes an auto-leveling function for the headlamps, seat belt warning for all the five passengers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, four-way electric seat adjustment for the driver, lumbar switch, jet black upholstery, push-button start, all four power windows, tyre pressure monitor system, as well as an entertainment system. The latter includes MYLINK, ETR, clock display as well as MP3 capability. There are multiple USB as well as AUX inputs. There is also Bluetooth handsfree operation and six speakers. One also gets heated auto folding mirrors as well as a 230V electric socket. However, these are limited to the LT trim. For the LS trim, one gets a urethane wrapped steering wheel, power folding mirrors, no MYLINK, key start, and premium cloth upholstery.

Safety

The good thing is that Chevrolet gets most of the safety features as standard on the Trax. The Chevrolet Trax specifications include six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, panic brake assist, rollover mitigation, cornering brake control, rear wheel boost, engine drag control, hill descent control, hill start assist, straight-line stability, traction control system, and park assist sensors at the back. Rear ISOFIX child seat anchorages, as well as retractable seat belts, for all the occupants too, are available.

Engine and transmission

A 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine is used in the Chevrolet Trax. This four-cylinder multiport injection DOHC engine makes 140 PS of power between 4,900 - 6,000 rpm while the torque generated is 200 Nm at 1,850 - 4,900 rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and power is transmitted to the front wheels. Unfortunately, there is no AWD option available with the Trax.

Price and final words

The Chevrolet Trax price in the Philippines starts from Php 1,185,888 for the LS trim while the LT is priced at Php 1,535,888. These prices are at par with the competition. We like the way the Trax is packaged, and the vehicle also comes with a 3-year warranty. Its competition includes the Ford EcoSport and the Mazda CX-3.