Chevrolet Trax ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

Just when you thought you had seen enough small crossovers another one arrives. This time it's Chevrolet's turn to have a go. Cousin to the Vauxhall Mokka the Trax is based on the same platform as the Aveo and is aimed squarely at the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot's 2008 (reviewed last week). We got the keys to a top spec LT manual 2WD fitted with GM's trusty 1.7-litre VCDi diesel lump to see what it brings to the party.

Chevrolet is keen to emphasise that although there are obvious similarities between the Mokka and Trax - sharing the same chassis, engines and basic architecture - they actually don't share any body panels inside or out. They are however both available with either two or four-wheel-drive.

To these eyes the design team behind the Trax have done a great job. It has a blocky, butch look to it proudly wearing Chevrolet's large, split grill and bow-tie emblem. Chiseled surfaces and squared off, bulging arches make it appear larger than it really is when in reality it's footprint is smaller than a VW Golf. Its plastic body cladding and slightly raised ride height enforce its crossover aspirations.

Inside the Trax is unmistakably a Chevrolet with its flawless ergonomics, clear layout and appealing design. Just like the Aveo there's a motorcycle inspired instrument cluster with large rev counter and digital speedo but this time its more successfully integrated within a traditional binnacle. 

The choice of materials used are pretty workmanlike but at least they don't look it - in fact they appear quite the opposite. Build quality is up to GM's usual high standards with everything feeling really substantial.

Practicality is one of the Trax's biggest assets. Inside it feels much larger than it is with excellent levels of passenger space both front and rear - headroom is particularly generous. The boot is as spacious as any of its rivals but none can match the amount of neat storage areas dotted around the cabin - we counted 12 in the front alone. We were really surprised to find a 230v 3-pin plug socket in the rear - genius!

There are three powerplants to choose from - two petrols including a normally aspirated 1.6-litre and a turbocharged 1.4-litre. Fitted to our car is the only diesel engine offered - a 1.7-litre kicking out 128 bhp and 221 lb ft of torque from 2000 rpm mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox - an auto is also available.

One thing's certain - there's plenty of power on offer despite the units narrow powerband requiring frequent gearchanges to keep it on the boil - 0-62 mph is dispatched in a brisk 9.6 seconds. 

What's really disappointing is how noisy it is. At idle, under acceleration and when cruising it constantly chatters away just like a diesel engine from a decade ago. Adding high levels of tyre roar into the mix makes for tiring journeys. 

Crossovers aren't expected to offer an exhilarating driving experience but they do need to be comfortable as after all they are designed with families in mind. Disappointingly the Trax falls short. 

An overly firm ride means that the Trax struggles to deal with uneven surfaces which occasionally crash through the cabin. Only the smoothest surfaces give the suspension a chance to settle down. The suspension is also quite bouncy which is particularly noticeable over sleeping policeman.

Thankfully the firm suspension does enhance the handling. The Trax has lots of grip and is reasonably neutral with well contained bodyroll. The firmness of the ride does however cause the rear to shimmy out of line when encountering mid-corner bumps. 

The steering is also over assisted and has an unpleasantly elastic feel making it difficult to judge exactly what the front wheels are doing which doesn't inspire confidence. 

At £18,945 the Trax LT is keenly priced against the competition and comes with a good tally of equipment. Automatic lights, air conditioning, rear parking sensors and camera, 18" alloy wheels, cruise control with speed limiter and four electric windows are all standard. As is Chevrolet's MyLink 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system that is a doddle to use and looks thoroughly modern. Linking up all manner of devices via Bluetooth or USB is very straightforward. It can even work in conjunction with your phones sat nav app displaying directions on the screen.

Running costs won't break the bank either as 55 miles-per-gallon is achievable and with emissions of just 120 g/km VED will set you back just £30 per annum (Band C). Furthermore all Chevrolets come with a 5-year warranty and should prove to be reliable.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £19,915 (18,945 excl options)
Engine: 1.7 16v 128 bhp - 0-62mph: 9.6 secs - Maximum Speed: 116 mph -
Economy: 52.3 mpg (urban) - 70.6 mpg (extra-urban), 62.7 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 120 g/km (Band C) - VED (12 months): £30
Dimensions: Length: 4248 mm - Width: 1797 mm - Height: 1674 mm - Wheelbase: 2555 mm
*data from Chevrolet UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

The Trax has a lot to offer buyers in search of a compact crossover. 

It looks great, has a well designed and highly practical interior and is generously equipped. It also handles reasonably well and its diesel engine is punchy and economical. 

Unfortunately it has a few dynamic shortcomings. The ride is a little on the firm side for British roads and the unrefined, boomy nature of the engine and high levels of road noise make the Trax an arduous car to drive on long journeys. 

It's a real shame as the little Chevrolet has all the ingredients of a really great car. If Chevrolet could get the ride sorted and improve engine refinement the Trax could rival the very best - let's hope they do.

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