The new mini SUV Chevrolet Trax.Michel Euler/The Associated Press
GM has thrown its hat into the ever-growing fierce compact crossover segment where evidently every auto maker wishes to play these days. With fuel prices on the rise and the gargantuan SUV falling out of favour with the masses, the little SUV makes sense, particularly for city-dwellers seeking something affordable with all-wheel drive and more cargo than a sedan. For consumers shopping for a five-passenger compact utility at a compact price, the 2014 Chevrolet Trax makes sense.
Now in its second year, I had the opportunity to drive the all-new Chevrolet Trax in Ottawa for the national media release back in late 2012. The styling is progressive, the storage is decent, and the sub-$30k price-point makes it all work, starting at $18,695 .
Stout Yet Sharp and Muscular
The general problem with the compact utility vehicle is this: they're ugly. Well, they used to be when manufacturers collectively felt that bubbly and cute equated to small and affordable. Fortunately, auto makers veered away from this unpleasant trend, now reverting back to more linear exterior design cues passed down from the larger SUV siblings. The 2014 Trax is certainly small but still maintains a sharp presence.
Standard features including silver painted roof rails, halogen headlamps with automatic light control and deep tinted rear windows and liftgate glass lend the Trax character and style. 16-inch alloy wheels and a full-size are also standard.
Nimble Urban-Dweller
Powered by a 138-hp ECOTEC 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, the Trax is optimized for city driving, with adequate capability to pull out of tight corners quickly . Built on the Chevrolet Sonic platform, but around a foot longer and only a few inches taller and wider, the Trax's smaller footprint allows it to manouvere well.
Available in either a standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, fuel economy is rated at an impressive 5.7 litre highway, 7.8 litres city/100km for a front-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission model .
My recent experience with the all-wheel drive 2014 Chevrolet Trax occurred during the summer, predominantly on expansive, suburban Calgary roads. The 2014 model – virtually unchanged from the previous year – had superb handling. On a winter road test with the 2013 Trax through the slippery, tight downtown Ottawa roads, the on-demand all-wheel drive and electronic stability control system (StabiliTrak) made a positive impact.
Big on the Inside
The Chevrolet Trax offers a surprisingly spacious cabin. The overall layout and design is straightforward and clean; the gauge cluster combines digital readouts with analogue displays while an available MyLink connects to an integrated 7-inch colour touch-screen with access to media via connected smartphone.
My $25,845 base price all-wheel drive model was , well-equipped with a 6-speaker enhanced audio system including BlueTooth plus USB and audio jack ports for MP3 compatibility.
Other notable standard features include a fold flat passenger seat, a 60/40 flip and fold rear bench including outboard head restraints, a 110 volt outlet in the rear and illuminated vanity mirrors for driver and passenger.
Above all: storage. Chevrolet has done a good job offering ample cargo within a small footprint. There's a bin at the top of the centre stack, a covered storage area in the instrument panel, an oversized glovebox, dual-level door storage, plus six upholders found throughout the cabin. The flip and fold rear seats offer a level load floor for larger items. Additional below-floor cavities provide out-of-sight storage, great for the urban folk frolicking the high-traffic areas.
The Takeaway
Including the $1600 destination charge and before taxes, my 2014 Chevrolet Trax with all-wheel drive and the 1LT package rings in at $29,640. With no exterior upgrades necessary, an abundance of cabin upgrades including audio, and the confidence of an all-wheel drive system, this mid-level Chevrolet Trax is worth a look for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a boldly designed, well-equipped compact crossover offering maximum utility in a small, agile size.
If you have questions about driving or car maintenance, please contact our experts at globedrive@globeandmail.com.
Like" us on Facebook
Add us to your circles.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter.