Though the runabout-crossover known as the Chevrolet Trax debuted in the interwebs in May, Paris was our first opportunity to see for ourselves the CUV that the U.S. will not get. Riding on the same platform that underpins the Buick Encore and derived from the Sonic subcompact, the Trax is just the latest entrant to join the cute-ute craze currently going on in Europe.

The Trax is available with one of three engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline four cylinder delivering 140 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a 1.6-liter gas engine and a 1.7-liter turbodiesel inline four. Though little information is given on the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter mill, the turbodiesel is rated at a "that's-more-like-it" 130 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.

Both the 1.4-liter turbo and the 1.7-liter diesel are available with a six-speed manual transmission that comes with stop-start. All-wheel drive is optional, though it isn't immediately clear if it's available in all engine and transmission configurations.

Uprated trims will get Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, operable through a seven-inch color touchscreen. A navigation app will be available for this setup in early 2013, much like the system that will be available on the Spark. With rear seats folded flat, the Trax provides 48 cubic feet of cargo space.

No word yet on pricing or availability from Chevrolet. All we know is, it won't be sold in the States, and that strikes us as something of a missed opportunity. After all, there would appear to be a lot of space under the larger Equinox CUV at Chevy dealers, and the vehicle's dimensions and humble powerplants seem a lot more in-tune with the Bowtie brand than the Encore does with Buick's upwardly mobile intentions.

Scroll down to watch a video of the Trax in motion and to view the official press release.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Trax still won't cross over to U.S. [w/video]

2013 Chevrolet Trax still won't cross over to U.S. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.