2016 Chevrolet Trax LTZ
The Chevrolet Trax came as a very pleasant surprise over Christmas last, and I now know why it, and its Buick Encore sibling, have done so well in the market. The Trax has a chunky stance and good proportions; in this regard it is a true cute ‘ute like the new Jeep Renegade. Inside the seating position is very upright and visibility to the front excellent, both good for urban driving, at which the Chevy excels.
The control layout is amicable and the chairs comfortable for and aft for those of normal build. Cargo room is fine (comparable to a smaller hatchback car) and of course easily expanded with the seats folded. Many materials are entry level in the Trax. The infotainment systems is basic and functional, the instruments look like they were taken from a motorcycle.
The Trax’s 138hp engine, at 1.4 liters displacement, is certainly of the size to power a big bike; enhanced by turbocharging it has good midrange muscle (148lb-ft) and does great duty in town. It runs out of puff at higher speeds but remains quiet and refined and makes a great choice for those of us who reside at altitude. Paired to a smooth six-speed automatic, it is a much more engaging companion than the powertrains in the Honda HR-V, Jeep and Subaru XV—even the Mazda CX-3 sounds strained and harsh in comparison, even if it might be slightly faster against the clock.
The Trax rides better than everything but the Honda as well, absorbing urban road acne very well, though it does some of that “hobby horse’ thing on concrete highways. Steering is accurate enough (though nothing like as communicative as the Mazda’s), brake modulation fine and its ride/handling balance is pretty much spot-on for its target use. The Chevrolet (even in front wheel drive form, as tested) ends up being that present left under the tree that was completely unexpected yet incredibly useful and welcome.
More info: http://www.chevrolet.com/trax-small-suv.html
Isaac Bouchard is owner of Bespoke Autos, an auto brokerage that helps people save time, money and hassle when buying or leasing vehicles. Since 1991 he has helped his clients save over $1 million dollars. He has written extensively about getting the best deal possible when buying or leasing a vehicle, arranging financing or trading in a car. Isaac has been a professional automotive journalist as well for over 12 years, having reviewed most all types of car, truck and SUV.
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