Chevrolet Philippines has launched the all-new Trax compact SUV, raising the levels of style, comfort and performance from its predecessor. The new Trax measures 4537mm long x 2035mm wide (including side mirrors) x 1567mm tall, giving it a lithe, lean appearance. The car is 279mm longer and 51mm wider than the outgoing model. Up front is the new Chevy fascia, with high-eye daytime running lights and headlamps. Higher variants feature piano black accents on the front and rear bumpers, and glossy black side mirrors with a red stripe.
The sporty design carries over to the inside. The dark instrument panel features splashes of red and silver accents. Behind the three-spoke steering wheel is an all-digital gauge panel. It displays an analog-style tachometer with digital speedometer in the center. Keen-eyed drivers will notice a couple of safety indicators: a yellow pedestrian symbol when it detects persons potentially in the path of the car, and a counter that scans distance to the car ahead, denoted in seconds. J.P. Tuason of Tuason Racing School would be glad to see this safety indicator finally given prominence. Secondary settings like audio and lights can be adjusted via the 11-inch touchscreen canted towards the driver.
The 2700-mm long wheelbase pays off in the interior, with a rear seat that has generous legroom. You can’t overstate the importance of a flat rear floor when it comes to roominess, and the Trax obliges here. There’s available wireless phone charging, electric sunroof, and eight-way power driver’s seat. The available power tailgate gives convenient access to a cargo area that can be expanded to 1,405 liters.
The Trax is a breeze to drive, thanks to its turbocharged gasoline engine. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with variable valve timing produce 137hp and a healthy 220N-m of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that feeds power to the front wheels. The Trax feels light on its wheels when maneuvering in tight spaces, and can easily spin up to highway speeds with a quick stab of the accelerator.
The Trax Redline and RS variants ride on 18-inch aluminum wheels, while the base LT uses 17-inch alloys. Disc brakes with ABS and EBD are at all four corners. Active safety features include cornering brake control, electronic stability control, traction control, and panic brake assist. The brakes also help stability via torque vectoring. Forward collision alert, lane departure warning and lane keep assist are also on board.
The Chevrolet Trax is covered by a five-year extended warranty, with automatic enrollment to the 24/7 Chevrolet Roadside Assistance for three years, and immediate access to the 24/7 Chevy Hotline for convenient vehicle service and ownership needs. Chevy express service is available at 19 dealers nationwide. Available variants are: LT – P 1,793,888.00 Redline – P 1,866,888.00 RS – P 1,948,888.00
