Chevrolet has announced plans to introduce a compact crossover model to its line-up, which will be sold in more than 140 countries, and there’s a strong possibility that South Africa could be one of them.
The Trax will share much of its bodywork and underpinnings with the Opel Mokka, but will feature a model-specific front facia.
Although Chevrolet has not yet divulged any details regarding engine and transmission details for the Trax, it’s fair to assume that it will largely be carried over from the Mokka. That would imply a choice of front- and all-wheel drivetrains coupled with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Two likely petrol powerplants are a naturally aspirated 1,6-litre unit developing 85 kW and a turbocharged 1,4 making 103 kW and 200 N.m of torque, both of which will feature stop/start technology. A 1,7-litre CDTI engine developing 96 kW and 300 N.m of torque could also be offered.
Being based on the Mokka, the Trax should measure around 4,28 metres, provide comfortable seating for five adults and be able to accommodate up 1 372 dm3 worth of luggage. It could also offer such driver and safety systems as hill descent control (on all-wheel drive models), hill start, traction control, and stability control as well as optional forward collision warning and lane departure alert systems.
Despite wearing the famed bowtie, the Trax will not be offered in the United States. We do, however, believe that that the Trax is a very likely South African arrival, possibly as early as next year.
