Auto-biographies Chevrolet Trax
NEW feature by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at
www.carwriteups.co.uk
The Trax went on sale at the end of 2013 and can be yours for as little as £15,495. It’s the newest addition to the Chevrolet family and is available with a diesel or petrol engine. You can also choose to have two-wheel or all- wheel-drive (AWD).
I decided to get behind the wheel of the 1.4T AWD LT. At £19,795 this variant is straying away from the ‘aff ordable’ price-tag, but with 138 horses and a turbocharger under the bonnet, it’s one of best in the Trax line-up.
So what is it? Well, it’s cast in the style of a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) but without the archetypal running costs. It all sounds a bit ‘Mickey Mouse’, but you’re in good hands if you buy a Trax. You see, Chevrolet lays claim to inventing the fi rst ever SUV with the introduction of the Carryall Suburban in 1935. Today, nearly 80 years later, the Trax is the modern expression of the company. Yes, it’s got SUV in its DNA, but with a big twist of funkiness to boot.
Conveying brawniness, and agility, the Trax looks good. A grille featuring the iconic Chevrolet bowtie logo, prominent wheel arches, powerfully built rear haunches, and a fast, rearward-swept roofl ine are key elements that defi ne the car’s exterior.
The cabin is also well turned-out. It’s practical, well-organised and characterised by sinuous lines. The rear seat row even boasts an electrical socket that can be used for recharging laptops and other electronic devices without the need for an adapter. Storage facilities are abundant too. Compartments include an under-seat storage tray and two glove boxes, one of which contains a USB outlet that enables connectivity for your iPod or smart phone.
The Trax’s boot space isn’t massive because, let’s face it, this car is a compact vehicle. That
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said, it does a lot with what it’s got. Without a spare tyre, there’s more room available under the cargo fl oor. It comes in handy for storing items securely – but not so convenient if you get a puncture and have to use the do-it- yourself repair kit, which comes in lieu of the emergency wheel.
Driving the Trax is a pleasure. It’s been tuned to deliver European driving dynamics and the car fl ies its own kite when it comes to sophisticated electronic aid systems. The car I drove came fi tted with a six speed manual gearbox and petrol saving Stop/ Start functionality. 0-62mph is achieved in 9.8 seconds and the top speed is 121mph.
The AWD system adapts to the road conditions and notably improves traction on slippery or gravelled roads. That’s a big bonus if you live in the countryside or you want a car that won’t give up the moment winter kicks in.
The strength of its structural design makes the Trax very safe. Should the worst happen and the car rolls over, it’s been engineered to carry more than four times its own weight. What’s more, the Chevy is equipped with Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Customary kit also includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and Anti- Lock Brakes. Six airbags and ISOFX anchoring systems for children’s safety seats are equally part of the standard safety features onboard the Chevrolet Trax.
FAST FACTS • Max speed: 121mph, 0-62 mph: 9.8secs • Combined mpg: 44.1 •
• CO2: 94 g/km •
Price: £19,795 on the road To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
Engine: 1364 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo petrol. Max. power (bhp): 138 at 6000 rpm. Max. torque (Ib/ft): 147 at 1850 rpm
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