City Smart: 2015 Chevrolet Trax crossover
Named after a 2007 concept vehicle, Chevrolet has introduced the Trax to its small vehicle lineup for 2015. The all-new Trax crossover offers versatility, connectivity and turbocharged performance in an efficient package. Sporty and modern, Trax blends small-car agility with the utility of an SUV, with impressive cargo space.
With its signature dual-port grille, prominent bowtie emblem and swept headlamps, the Trax is immediately identifiable as a contemporary Chevrolet. Its grille design – with chrome accents – emulates other Chevrolets and provides a more cohesive appearance across the brand’s lineup of crossovers and small cars. Available cues such as front fog lamps and simulated front and rear skid plates lend a sportier presence, while vertical tail lamps flank the tailgate, accenting taught body lines and pronounced wheel arches that give the Trax a confident stance.
Available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, power for the small Chevrolet crossover is generated by a Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine backed by a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps it deliver a more confident driving experience, with a strong feeling of power across the rpm band. The turbocharger’s on-demand performance also contributes to efficiency because it enables greater power when needed with the lower fuel consumption of a small-displacement engine when it’s not. All-wheel drive is an available option.
Control hardware consists of a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs, a large stabilizer bar and side-load-compensated front strut modules. The rear suspension incorporates a compound crank (torsion beam) design, with a double-wall, tubular V-shape beam profile with gas-charged twin-tube shocks. It combines all the advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle, including minimal space requirements, with low weight and consistent camber control. Noise-damping urethane spring isolators improve ride isolation and dampen noise.
Inside the passenger cabin, Trax’s distinctive styling carries over to a dual-cockpit instrument panel. The instrument cluster is inspired by the bold design in the Sonic, featuring a large, performance-style analog tachometer combined with a prominent digital display for the speedometer and other readouts. A small-diameter, thick-rimmed steering wheel enhances the sporty ambience. The wheel is leather-wrapped on LTZ and some LT models.
The 2015 Chevrolet Trax has been designed to accommodate customers’ increasingly connected lifestyles with available OnStar 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as MyLink technology featuring the segment’s only seven-inch color touch screen. Trax also will be the first in its class to offer Siri Eyes Free.
For versatility, the 60/40 flat-folding rear seat features a fold-down armrest with cup holders, storage in all four doors, four bins in the dash, pockets in the seatbacks and bins under the rear load floor and a hidden storage drawer under the front passenger seat. The front passenger seat also folds flat to extend the cargo length and accommodate items up to eight feet long.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 100.6; overall length: 168.5; width: 69.9; height: 65.9
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder – 138 hp at 4,900 rpm and 148 lbs-ft of torque at 1,850 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 26 city/34 hwy. (FWD); 24 city/31 hwy. (AWD)
Cargo capacity: 48.4 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual rear-outboard seat mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control with roll over mitigation, OnStar communications system, automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, rear vision camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry with panic alarm, and automatic power door locks. AWD adds four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. LT adds remote vehicle start. LTZ adds fog lamps and rear park assist.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Chevrolet Trax crossover starts from $20,120 for the LS FWD upto $26,530 for the LTZ AWD. Destination charges add $875.
