Holden makes fresh Trax

GM Holden has introduced an upgraded version of its Trax small SUV for no extra cost at base level.

Three specification grades (LS, LT and LTZ) are now available following the addition of a new mid-range LT variant, while two four-cylinder petrol powertrains (entry-level 1.8-litre manual and turbocharged 1.4-litre automatic) continue to be available.

But while pricing continues to start at $23,990 plus on-road costs for the LS manual, the LS auto now comes with the 1.4 turbo engine the new LT auto costs the same as the previous LTZ auto flagship, which now costs $1600 more at $30,490.

Based on the Chevrolet Trax we drove in the US last month, Holden claims the 2017 Trax brings class-leading connectivity along with fresh exterior styling.

Other new features for the base Trax LS include projection headlight with daytime running lights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone compatibility and rear disc brakes (auto only).

These are in addition to carryover features like a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, 7.0-inch colour touch-screen infotainment system, cloth interior trim, six-speaker audio, leather steering wheel trim and cruise control.

Mid-range LT models add 18-inch alloys, fog lights and a driver's armrest, but compared to the previous MY16 LTZ now add new interior trim, a sunroof, keyless entry and starting, and DAB digital radio.

In addition, the top-shelf LTX brings Sportec leather appointed seat trim, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and new LED tail-lights, new turn signals on the wing mirrors, new enhanced 3.5-inch TFT driver info display and new safety features in Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Only two solid paints colours — Absolute red and Summit white — are available, with Boracay blue, Burning hot, Mineral black, Nitrate silver and Sun of a Gun grey prestige paints costing $550 extra.

“With a 25 per cent increase in sales, Trax resonated well with customers in 2016, and now with a stylish new design and advanced technology, there’s even more to like,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley.

“We know that Trax customers live much of their lives through their smart phones, so it was important to us to ensure Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection was available in Trax – the only vehicle to offer it in the small SUV segment.”

The MY17 Trax is the second upgraded Holden SUV released since last year, when the Colorado was heavily facelifted and renamed the Trailblazer.

Two all-new SUVs – the five-seat Equinox due late this year and the seven-seat Acadia due in early 2018 – will together replace the Captiva in Holden's SUV range within 18 months.

Holden's SUV family will grow to five by 2020, when an all-new premium mid-sizer based on Opel's new Insignia, which forms the basis of the brand's first imported Commodore next year, arrives Down Under.

2017 Holden Trax pricing (plus ORCs):
LS 1.8 manual — $23,990
LS 1.4T auto — $26,490
LT 1.4T auto — $28,890
LTZ 1.4T auto — $30,490