Chevrolet to show new Trax SUV in Paris

Chevrolet will unveil the Trax SUV – its version of Vauxhall’s Mokka – at the Paris show next month.

While the brand claims to have invented the SUV class more than 75 years ago with the Suburban Carryall in 1935, the Trax will be its first entry to the fast-growing small SUV segment.

The newcomer is expected on sale in early 2013, and will sit in showrooms alongside the larger Captiva.

The Trax is 4,248mm long, 1,776mm wide and has a 2,555 mm wheelbase. Chevrolet says it will seat five people in a comfortable high seating position.

Engine options will include a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit of 140bhp, a 1.6 petrol and a 1.7 130bhp turbodiesel.

On-demand all-wheel drive will be offered with the 1.4 petrol or the diesel, as will a six-speed automatic transmission. Manual versions will come with Start/Stop.

According to Chevrolet Europe MD Susan Docherty, the Trax will live up to the brand’s reputation for dependable and capable SUVs.

“It is a modern, highly versatile yet fuel-efficient small SUV, offering car-like handling and all-wheel drive,” she says.

Words by: Andrew Charman