Chevrolet has come a long way since inventing the SUV segment with the Suburban Carryall over 79 years ago. Today, the 2014 Chevrolet Trax leads a new path in the brand’s line-up by being the first modern, versatile and fuel efficient B-segment SUV to wear the golden bowtie.
A large grille upfront, pronounced wheel arches and muscular rear haunches that combine neatly with a fast sloping roofline are just some of the key elements that make the Trax a little unique when compared to its rivals. At 4.2-meters long, 1.7-meters wide and 1.6-meters high, the brand’s latest entry into the B-segment radiates a well-planted and confident stance.
Inside, a sharp looking dashboard that flows neatly into the door panels is not just good looking but highly practical with numerous storage compartments as well. In addition to two glove boxes, there is an available under-seat storage tray that can come in handy to stash away various paraphernalia.
Safety hasn’t been skimped on either, the Trax is one of the safest small SUV’s in the segment with the ability to carry over four times its own weight in the unfortunate occurrence of a roll over. Standard safety features range from six airbags to three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, to Electronic Brake Force Distribution and a collapsible pedal.
Don’t be fooled by its size though, because the little Trax effortlessly crams in 1,370 litres of cargo into its boot. And that’s not all, because space continues under the cargo floor and a flat folding front passenger seat opens up space to accommodate items nearly 2.3 meters in length.
A front/rear track width of 1,540 mm and a wheelbase of 2,555 mm ensure well-planted stability. The Trax’ tight body-frame-integral structure, a McPherson strut-type front suspension and a rear compound crank suspension all aid in proving great handling characteristics.