Holden Trax 2017 Review

Holden Trax
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Holden is about to update its Trax SUV, introducing a light facelift shown here in American Chevrolet form. The facelifted model will land in Aussie showrooms in February.

Chief among the changes are a more matured look, enhanced smartphone connectivity features and some cosmetic upgrades in the interior.

We drove the updated Chevrolet version of the Trax briefly in the US this week. Like the incoming Australian car it features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and 10 airbags.

Depending on final Australian specification, you can also expect keyless entry/start, lane departure warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring and forward collision detection.

The car’s exterior has been tizzied up thanks to new front and rear styling treatments which lend a more cohesive look than before, thanks to the fitment of new styling elements including LED daytime running lights.

Inside, the Trax ditches the previous digital speedometer for analogue gauges, while a 7.0-inch touch-screen is the centrepiece of the upgraded infotainment system.

Propulsion for the revised Trax range comes from a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 112kW and 240Nm, paired to an updated six-speed auto delivering average fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km, according to European figures.

How much will it cost?
While Holden hasn’t provided detail pricing at this point, the Trax isn’t expected to stray too far from its current RRP – from $23,990 (plus on-road costs).

The pint-sized SUV is likely to be offered with a three-year, 100,000km warranty and capped priced servicing. Over the first three years’ of ownership, Holden’s website claims a combined servicing cost of $687 based on 12-month/15,000km intervals.

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
The Trax update lends new substance to Holden’s junior SUV offering and goes some way in masking some of the character traits of the original first generation model introduced in 2013.

Gone is the woozy old naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre engine, now replaced by the 1.4-litre turbo unit across the range. This factor is in itself a big drawcard.

The styling and tech improvements will likely boost the Trax’s appeal among younger buyers, with the car’s infotainment system enhancing the driving and comfort factor – even if the interior switchgear is showing its age.

The 1.4-litre engine feels coarse and raspy in comparison to newer GM-sourced powertrains, while the car’s handling is geared more toward comfort than sportiness, especially when compared with the likes of Mazda’s popular CX-3.

Punctuating this point is the steering, which is light and accurate but cannot match rivals in terms of weighting and feedback.

We’ll reserve final judgement on the Trax’s ride until afforded the Australian specification tune, and some local roads. The initial impression boded well, the circa 1400kg SUV handling a variety of roads with ease, isolating occupants from most imperfections but grumbling over harsher surfaces.

When is it available in Australia?
Holden has confirmed the updated Trax will come online from February.

Who will it appeal to?
Like the current Trax, which has accrued a healthy uptick in demand recently, the updated model will likely appeal to two key demographics: 20 somethings and retirees.

Key to this will be the updated infotainment system and tech. Apple Carplay functionality, for example, is functional and easy to use.

The Trax is fitted with a decent array of door pockets and centre storage, though there is no traditional centre console, and while the driver’s chair gets an armchair, the front passenger seat misses out.

So, what do we think?
While hardly a seismic change, the updated Trax hits the mark where it counts.

Newly-introduced tech, particularly the enhanced smartphone integration, lends new appeal to Holden’s diminutive offering.

Would we pick it against its competitors?
We’ll wait until a more comprehensive Australian drive before we make a full judgement.

2017 Holden Trax pricing and specifications:
On sale: February
Price: from $23,990 plus on-road costs (estimated)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 112kW/240Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: TBC
CO2: TBC
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Mazda CX-3 (from $19,990 plus ORCs)
>> Honda HR-V (from $24,990 plus ORCs)
>> Suzuki Vitara (from $21,990 plus ORCs)