Chevrolet Trax 2021

The Chevrolet Trax was launched in the Philippines on October 8, 2015. A facelift was later introduced to the market. In 2016, for the 2017 model year, the Trax received a facelift which replaced the front fascia and rear bumper. The facelifted model took design cues from its brothers like the Malibu and Spark. Fast-forward to October 2020 and the Trax received a minor update, with both the LS and LT variant featuring functional upgrades all thanks to the Premier package.

The platform of the Trax is based on the Chevrolet Aveo/Sonic, another subcompact car that preceded the brand's current subcompact offering. The subcompact crossover features a suspension setup that is similar to the model it is based on. A MacPherson strut is present at the front, and it is an independent pair. The rear features a torsion beam rear. Ground clearance is rated at 158 mm, which is made possible by the extra height in the suspension and the 18-inch alloy wheels that can be found on the top of the line variant. The base model gets a set of 16-inch alloys. In the wheels are a set of ventilated disc brakes for the front, and a set of solid discs for the rear. 

A turbocharged motor, with 1.4-liters of displacement, comes installed in the Chevrolet Trax. The output of this gasoline engine is rated at 140 hp and 200 Nm of torque. It is also Euro 6 compliant and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with active-select manual mode. The Trax is a front-engined, front-wheel-driven crossover with the engine positioned transversely to maximize space inside the cabin. 

The 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec motor found in the Trax is a stellar performer. Even with a bit of a delay from the throttle, the Trax accelerates hardily and gets up to speed with very reasonable haste. The Trax handles fairly, with sharp turns being its Achilles heel, but within the city, it remains a well-adorned city slicker with extra ground clearance to boot. 

Chevrolet outfitted its Trax with the MyLink system which has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connectivity options for this model include Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. The sound system in the Trax is a set of 6 speakers. The climate control system in the crossover is a manual dial-type system that only features airconditioning vents for the front passengers. Instead of rear air vents, the Trax features a regular 230V power outlet for any type of appliance or laptop or cellphone charger. A reversing camera is standard for the top of the line variant, together with rear parking sensors, the latter of which is standard throughout the lineup. 

Design-wise, the exterior of the Chevrolet Trax features muscular lines that betray the vehicle's actual size. In the top of the line variant, the headlights are a set of projector halogens, and thanks to the facelift, the housing is slim, making for a menacing appearance. LED daytime running lights are also present on the LT variant, as are a pair of fog lamps for all models. The base variant makes do with no fog lamps and a set of Halogen reflectors. The front grille still features the split design but is notably more trim than its prior incarnation. The side has black plastic body cladding as well as a host of curves that make it play safe. The rear features a set of taillights that swoop up slightly towards the rear glass. Top-spec trims feature a rear fog lamp for extra visibility as well as a rear wiper. 

Stepping inside the interior of the Trax makes for a familiar experience to those who've ever been in a Chevrolet vehicle. Styling across the dashboard is similar to other Chevrolet sedans, as are the materials used. Jet black is used all over the cabin as an accent for the interior panels and center console. Top trim units will feature a 4-way electronically adjusting driver's seat. The rest of the interior is clad in a leatherette material combined with cloth panels.