New-look Holden Trax coming soon

Sporting a sophisticated new look and packed with loads of smartphone connectivity features, the facelifted Holden Trax has broken cover in the USA ahead of its Australian debut expected later in 2016 or early 2017.

Presented as an more mature, resolved vehicle than the current version, the updated Holden Trax – wearing Chevrolet badges at its Chicago motor show premiere this week – could see a subtle price bump from its current $23,990 entry-level price.

That's because the updated version will be offered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi hotspot functionality, 10 airbags, keyless entry/start, lane departure warning, blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring and forward collision detection. A reversing camera returns as standard too.

The interior has been tizzied up with a new-look instrument panel, which ditches the previous digital speedometer for analogue gauges, while a 7.0-inch touch-screen is the centrepiece of the upgraded infotainment system.

First seen as the Opel Mokka X, as it's badged in Europe, the 2017 Holden Trax will also bring a more resolute face, with a bolder overall frontal design that incorporates slimmer headlights complete with LED running lights.

New-look tail-lights and minor changes to the rear bumper round out the exterior changes.

"It's a more sculptural, sophisticated design," says Chevrolet Trax designer, Steve Kim. "There's also a sporty streak in the new styling that speaks to the Trax's agile, fun-to-drive personality."

Propulsion for the revised Trax will likely come from a new 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine worth 112kW, which can be paired to an updated six-speed auto delivering average fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km, according to European figures.

There's also the option of on-demand AWD for European customers. It's not clear if this will be offered in Australia.

Sales of the Holden Trax rose by 6.2 per cent in 2015 over the year prior, up to 6350 from 5979. That's a solid uptick for the baby SUV but it's still a long way from the compact SUV segment leaders, including the Mitsubishi ASX (13,557) and now-replaced Hyundai ix35 (15,227).

GM Holden today confirmed the updated Trax will be coming to Australia, and will be offered here with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, joining Holdens such as Captiva and Insignia that already have the simplified smartphone integration.

"The updated Trax blends fresh, contemporary styling with premium interior enhancements and an expanded range of customer-focused technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto," said Holden in a statement.

Although GM Holden wouldn't reveal the exact timing of the affordable SUV for Australia, it says it's committed to swelling its SUV ranks.

"Holden will continue to focus on growth segments and further develop its SUV range, with Trax being the latest vehicle to be confirmed as part of the 2015 commitment to deliver 24 models over the next five years."