Chevrolet will debut a new compact SUV at the Paris Motor Show in September called the Trax. The new model is actually redesigned and rebadged Buick Encore/Opel Mokka, as GM tries to capitalise on the growing compact SUV market.
The Trax measures 4.2 meters in length, which is more than the Ford EcoSport and marginally less than the Renault Duster. The crossover will be available with two petrol engine options – 1.4-litre turbocharged and 1.6-litre naturally aspirated; and a diesel mill mainly for the European market with 1.7-litre displacement. The company will also offer all-wheel drive option for the 1.4 petrol and the 1.7 diesel. All models will get manual gearboxes, with the automatic option only available for the 1.7 litre diesel.
On the inside, there will seating for five persons. Chevrolet has also placed many small cubby holes across the interiors, greatly increasing utilitarian value of the vehicle. The top end variants are expected to come with many safety features including electronic stability control and Hill Descent Control.
The Trax has a very typical Chevy styling with looks similar to the Captiva. The massively flared wheels arches, typical Chevrolet bow-tie and butch stance gives the compact SUV aggressive look. GM has plans to introduce the Trax in over 140 countries around the world and we hope India is one of them.
However, GM India has its hands full at the moment. The company will soon launch the Sail sedan and hatchback, and also the new MPV called the Enjoy. The Spark and Beat are also expected to be refreshed by the end of this year, so another product in near future is unrealistic. It is still likely that Chevrolet will hasten launching the Trax in India to take on the Renault Duster and the Ford Ecosport and cut itself a slice of the SUV market.
