Holden Trax LS 2013 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $25,690
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Metallic Paint $550
Crash rating: Five-star ANCAP
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 7.6
CO2 emissions (g/km): 179
Also consider: Ford EcoSport ($TBA); Hyundai ix35 (from $26,990); Mitsubishi ASX (from $24,990); Peugeot 2008 (from $21,990); Renault Captur ($TBA)

Perhaps it was because my expectations were so low, or that most of the compact SUVs I've driven thus far have failed to excite, but whatever the case the Holden Trax put a smile on my dial.

It looks a bit like a wombat from some angles but the little Holden does a lot of things well, such as zipping around town effortlessly, providing excellent smart phone integration via one of the coolest touch-screen systems yet, and delivering decent boot space of 356 litres and seating for five.

Priced from $23,490 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level five-speed manual LS model, the vehicle tested here is optioned with a six-speed automatic transmission that adds $2200. But even at that price it delivers solid value.

It's fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights, cruise control, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and the aforementioned high-resolution 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The cabin has a fairly drab overall style – with lots of dark grey plastic -- but there are loads of handy storage cubbies, including two glove boxes and a third closable bin above the centre stack.

The interior's greyness is punctuated by two vibrant landmarks which help lift it above mediocre; a digital speedometer (with an analogue rev counter) which is reminiscent of a motorcycle display and arguably the coolest touchscreen infotainment system seen on a sub-$100,000 car.

Not unlike a large smartphone, the touchscreen features a high-resolution display with four flush-mounted touch buttons (home, power, volume -/+) and a simple, intuitive menu system that looks fantastic too, making use of plenty of colour and charm.

Holden has also ensured the system works with its MyLink smartphone app system, so you can use Pandora music streaming, TuneIn Radio, BringGo navigation and so forth. The car also has a USB port.

The seats are supportive and the raised ride-height provide an excellent view of the road ahead, and generally speaking it's an easy car to drive.

This is made easier thanks to the six-speed auto, which is a diligent cog-swapper, well-suited to the stop-start traffic-light waltz of the urban environment. Charging down freeway on-ramps under full throttle and when giving it the beans the transmission doesn't feel quite as snappy but considering the price of admission it's pretty handy.

There's also a manual override button on the side of the gearshifter but it’s awkward to use. It might become easier to use with more practice...

Mated to a spritely 1.8-litre petrol engine that bangs out a handy 103kW/175Nm, it has little trouble shifting the car's 1371kg kerb weight. Despite what appears to be a fairly puny power output, the car feels quite punchy and with a responsive suspension tune the Trax can dart through roundabouts dextrously.

The light but direct steering is well-suited to everyday driving duties but is also good on the open road. The car feels confident through corners too. At the other end of the scale ride comfort doesn't suffer despite the car's sporty undertones.

Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6L/100km but I struggled to keep it below 10, as the car seemed to encourage enthusiastic driving.

Measuring just 4278mm the compact Trax is a doddle to park and manoeuvre through tight spots, aided by the standard fitment of a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Ultimately the baby SUV is not as cost effective as a small hatchback, but in its class it represents good value for money. That it's got six airbags, stability control, and a five-star ANCAP safety rating is the icing on the cake for this pint-sized proposition.

Spending a week with the Holden Trax was far more enjoyable than I had anticipated. It's fun to drive, has decent practicality for a car of this size and one of the coolest and most functional infotainment touchscreens available today.

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