Chevrolet announces its compact Trax SUV: Updated!

It might look like a beefed up Beat from afar, but the only thing similar between the two is the familiar family face with the bow tie. What you see here is the all new Trax, a compact SUV that is soon to hit international and the Indian market soon.

"Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers require," claimed Chevrolet Europe's president and managing director Susan Docherty at the teaser announcement.

Externally, Chevrolet is keeping within its traditional design aesthetic, albeit tailored for a more muscular appearance which the company hopes evokes power while keeping the overall dimensions as compact as possible. Inside, Trax delivers a message of clean sophistication that is complemented by useful convenience features such as an instrument cluster combining digital readouts with analogue displays. Storage amenities in the new Trax are plentiful. Besides a 358-litre boot, they include various bins above and on both sides of the centre stack, as well as a tray under the passenger seat. Further stowage can be made available under the cargo floor.

(Update: 16/08/2012): The European engine line-up will include a 1.4L turbocharged petrol unit, a 1.6L petrol engine as well as a 1.7L turbo-diesel engine. The AWD system is available on variants that come with the 1.4L turbo petrol or the 1.7L diesel engine. The 1.7L diesel engine will deliver a power output of 130 PS and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. This is the most likely unit that could be selected for the Indian version.

There is also an array of standard passive and active safety systems will ensure that occupants are effectively protected in the event of an accident. Trax will be equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control (TC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution.

With stern competition expected from the likes of the Ford Ecosport which is due pretty soon as well, the compact SUV segment looks all ready to roll. The Trax will debut at the Paris Motor Show and will be sold in more than 140 countries.