Paris – It is fair to say that Chevrolet knows a little about SUVs, having invented the class over

75 years ago with the introduction of the Suburban Carryall in 1935. At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the all-new Chevrolet Trax celebrates its world premiere, representing Chevrolet’s first entry to the fast-growing small SUV segment. Trax will round out Chevrolet’s offer of stylish SUVs alongside Captiva.

 

“Chevrolet has been known for its dependable and capable SUVs for many decades. Trax will deliver on all of the traditional Chevrolet values and more. It is a modern, highly versatile yet fuel-efficient small SUV, offering car-like handling and all-wheel drive,” said Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. “Trax is the modern expression of one of Chevrolet’s core competencies, which is building and selling great SUVs,” Docherty said.

 

Athletic stance, powerful body lines

 

Measuring 4,248 mm in length, 1,776 mm in width and 1,674 mm in height, Chevrolet’s new small SUV will energize the segment with its inspired styling, a choice of three fuel-efficient engines and sporty, responsive ride characteristics.

 

From all angles, Trax conveys athletic agility and movement. With the golden bowtie separating the upper from the lower port of its prominent front grille, the small SUV can immediately be identified as a member of the Chevrolet family. The subtle centerline crease on the hood surface and the detailed halogen headlamps add to the vehicle’s dynamic appearance.

 

While Trax’ exterior is characterized by powerful body lines and a planted stance, engineers and designers have made sure the SUV is also aerodynamically refined. Its rearward swept roofline, a fascia-mounted air dam and an integrated roof spoiler contribute to the Trax’ aerodynamic efficiency. Wheel offerings are 16 or 18-inches in size.

 

Three fuel-efficient engines and on-demand AWD system

 

With sufficient space to accommodate five persons in a comfortable high seating position, Trax will deliver car-like handling while also enabling true off-road capability when needed.

 

The engine line-up will comprise a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline unit, a 1.6L gasoline engine as well as a 1.7L diesel engine. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.4L cranks out 140 hp (103 kW) and produces a maximum torque of 200 Nm while the 1.7L diesel engine will deliver a power output of 130 hp (96 kW), and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. All manual transmission variants come with Start/Stop functionality. Both the 1.7L diesel and the 1.4L* turbo gasoline engine will also be offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

 

Whereas the 1.7L diesel engine will require 4.5L/100 km when mated to a manual transmission, fuel consumption of the 1.4L turbo with the manual transmission will average 6.5 liters. CO₂ emissions are 120 and 149 g/km, respectively.

 

An AWD system will be available on variants equipped with the 1.4L turbo gasoline or the 1.7L diesel engine. The system automatically adapts to the prevalent road conditions and significantly improves traction on slippery or graveled roads.

 

Rock-solid safety

 

An array of passive and active safety systems ensures that unexpected developments result in as little damage to the car’s occupants as possible. Apart from a unibody structure consisting of high-strength steels, Trax will boast six standard airbags, a releasable pedal assembly and three-point seatbelts on all seats.

 

The vehicle will come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control (TC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution. Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on LT trim vehicles.

 

Unique storage flexibility and connectivity

 

Inside, Trax delivers a message of clean sophistication that is complemented by useful convenience features such as an cluster combining digital readouts with analog displays. Chevrolet ice blue backlighting is incorporated on control interfaces as well as the instrument cluster.

 

Storage amenities in the new Trax are plentiful. They include various compartments above and on both sides of the center stack as well as an available under-seat storage tray. Trax’ loading space can accommodate a maximum of 1370L; further space can be made available under the cargo floor.

 

In addition to a 60/40 split rear seat, Trax boasts a front passenger seat that can be folded flat, offering additional flexibility in the segment. Up to eight seating combinations are possible.

Upper trims of the Chevrolet Trax will feature Chevrolet MyLink as standard. Chevrolet MyLink is an infotainment system that aggregates content from smartphones onto the seven-inch, high resolution, full-color touchscreen display. A dedicated navigation app called Engis Bringo will become available early next year. It will project the route from the smartphone onto the system’s touch-screen (see below).

 

With Chevrolet MyLink, phone calls can be conveniently placed by selecting a name from a stored directory and then touching the call function. The system provides easy access to personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books, other stored media and data. As long as the car remains stationary, occupants may also view videos or personalized slide shows. A rearview camera is part of the MyLink infotainment package and provides assistance during parking maneuvers.

 

Intuitive navigation with smartphone app

 

The Engis BringGo navigation app will be offered through online app stores, for download onto compatible smartphones (both IOS and Android). Its use is as straightforward as that of any integrated navigation system. Once the driver has connected the smartphone to Chevrolet MyLink and tapped the navigation icon, the main menu will appear on the seven-inch full color touchscreen. It offers a selection of easy-to-navigate submenus.

 

The smartphone app features Lane guidance which will help drivers by displaying the correct lane(s) to stay in. Live traffic will provide real-time traffic information, such as detailed incident reports and the ability to reroute to avoid traffic jams. The traffic service requires an active network connection through the smartphone.

 

An eco icon at the bottom of the BringGo main menu will enable drivers to estimate how far they can continue until their fuel is exhausted. An average and minimum eco-driving efficiency rating can be calculated for the past day, week or month.

 

*to be introduced later in 2013

Technical data preliminary

 

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About Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Limited

Chevrolet Sales Thailand (Chevrolet) Limited was established on January 1, 2000, as a subsidiary of General Motors, one of the largest automakers in the world. The first vehicle introduced was the Chevrolet Zafira, the first multipurpose vehicle (MPV) launched in the Thai market. Today, Chevrolet has a comprehensive range of vehicles, including the Sonic, Aveo CNG, Cruze, Captiva, Colorado and Trailblazer. Chevrolet is committed to offering the best cars and trucks to its customers in terms of quality, performance and fuel economy. The company is equally committed to ensuring second-to-none aftersales service for its customers, backed by a growing dealer network in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

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About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.