What does it matter if the Chevrolet Trax doesn’t re-enchant the world of urban vehicles? None. However, we will be grateful to him for allowing families who do not spend without counting to finally afford a new car, with more than decent benefits to connect points A and B. And even more.
A pleasant face, an easy-to-live-in interior, a slightly elevated driving position and space to let our feet dance. Sitting firmly on its wheels, the Trax is pleasant to look at and more comfortable than the previous version, but it is above all the progress in soundproofing that we notice.
Versatile and without extravagance, the Trax is not a 20th century vehicle. Its silhouette is most contemporary. The sides are more ornate with pretty folds sculpted into the sheet metal and the inevitable LED lights give it a modern look.
In the cabin, there are hard plastics and a few foamed sections, but automatic air conditioning (with the exception of the entry model) and a steering wheel adjustable in depth and height. The front seats are sufficiently soft over short and medium distances. What about on long runs? The lack of support and the short seats invite you to take breaks to stretch out a little. The bench seat is hardly more comfortable, but no one will feel cramped. The tailgate, without electrical assistance, opens onto a trunk with a practical volume that can easily be adjusted by folding down, in whole or in part, the backrests.
The central screen has been placed at a good height for readability. This also has the function of integrating only the essentials to limit distractions. Connectivity is never a problem and all keys and buttons are easily accessible.
In terms of accessories, the Trax refuses nothing, as long as the customer abandons the spartan entry-level model (LS) which hides its steel rims with hubcaps. Furthermore, the LS, like the more well-equipped versions, only offers two exterior colors… All others entail an additional outlay of $495. The same amount is required from buyers of the least expensive liveries to obtain certain active safety features, such as parking assistance and blind spot sensors.
Regardless of the version chosen, all Traxes share the same engine, the same gearbox and the same drive mode (traction). It is only the size of the tires that differs. These allow you to slightly color the dynamics of this utility.
The suspension appears hectic on poorly surfaced roads, with body movements not always perfectly contained, but overall, this car is anything but unpleasant to drive. The power steering filters vibrations adequately, but the feeling lacks regularity, particularly in rapid sequences. As for braking, it requires a small learning period to modulate it correctly.
The 1.2L supercharged three-cylinder engine is more “round” than volcanic, but the lightness of the chassis helps make the most of its 137 hp. On the other hand, this engine, which constantly evolves in intermediate speeds, is very noisy and as its sound is not the most charming, it ends up annoying us a little. However, the Trax responds when called upon. The torque available is enough that it is not necessary to stand on the accelerator pedal. On the other hand, reducing the level of consumption would not have been too much. Considering the engine capacity and weight of the vehicle, we expected better. But it would probably have cost more.
From $21,699 to $28,199
8.1 L/100 km (Manufacturer data)
Attractive prices Interior clearance Adequate power
Unremarkable road behavior Sad interior presentation Disappointing consumption compared to the displacement
For the price, the LT version ($26,099) represents the opportunity to be seized.
La Presse will soon publish the test of the following vehicles: Cadillac Lyriq, Ford Mustang, GMC Sierra, Hyundai Kona, Lucid Air, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Atlas. If you own one of these vehicles or are awaiting delivery, we would love to hear from you.
