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.
World debut of the Chevrolet Trax small SUV
Chevrolet Spark features new styling and comfort upgrades
Orlando to be offered with 1.4L turbo gasoline engine
Cruze station wagon and diesel-powered Malibu now available
Youth Concepts Code 130R and Tru 140S on stand
An exciting world premiere, the all-new Chevrolet Trax, a freshly styled edition of the popular Spark mini-car, and a unique ambiance characterize Chevrolet's presence at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
The main attraction is the Chevrolet Trax, which makes its world debut. As of spring 2013, Chevrolet's first entry to the fast-growing small SUV segment will round out Chevrolet's offer of capable SUVs alongside the seven-seater Captiva. Visitors also get to see the newly styled 2013 model year Spark and Chevrolet's two Youth Concepts, Code 130R and Tru140S.
Located in Hall 5.2 and covering an area of 2014 square meters, the Chevrolet stand is bound to captivate football enthusiasts in particular at this year's edition of the Paris Motor Show. In the Manchester United Fan Zone, they can have their photo taken sitting in one of Manchester United's Old Trafford dugout seats with the Chevrolet bowtie logo. On top of that, a Manchester United-themed edition of the Trax delivers a powerful interpretation of Chevrolet's recently launched football sponsoring initiatives.
Chevrolet Trax
Trax is a modern, highly versatile yet fuel-efficient small SUV, offering car-like handling and all-wheel drive. It will energize the segment with its inspired styling, a choice of three fuel-efficient engines and sporty, responsive ride characteristics.
The engine line-up will include a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline unit, a 1.6L gasoline engine as well as a 1.7L turbo-diesel engine. The 1.4L turbo gasoline engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, cranks out 140 hp (103 kW) and produces a maximum torque of 200 Nm. The AWD system is available on variants that come with the 1.4L turbo gasoline or the 1.7L diesel engine.
The 1.7L diesel engine will deliver a power output of 130 hp (96 kW) and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. All powertrains with manual transmission come with Start/Stop functionality. Both the 1.7L diesel and the 1.4L turbo gasoline engine will also be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Trax' loading space can accommodate a maximum of 1370L. In addition to a 60/40 split rear seat, Trax boasts a front passenger seat which can be folded flat, offering additional flexibility in the segment. A total of eight seating combinations can be selected.
Upper trims will be equipped with Chevrolet MyLink as standard. Chevrolet MyLink is an infotainment system that aggregates content from smartphones onto a seven-inch, high resolution, full color touch-screen display. A dedicated navigation app which can be downloaded onto compatible smartphones will become available early next year. It will project the route from the smartphone onto the system's touch-screen*.
A fresh spark of inspiration
A redesigned dual-port grille and front bumper as well as reshaped head lamp covers and fog lamps combine to give Chevrolet's popular mini-car a fresh new face. Spark also features restyled 14 and 15-inch alloy wheels that accentuate its sportier, more grown-up stance.
At the rear, the center high-mounted LED stop lamp has been integrated into the spoiler above the window, resulting in improved rear visibility for the driver. Modifications carried out inside include new decor elements as well as a remodeled center console with enhanced storage.
Orlando goes turbo
Buyers of the Orlando will appreciate the punch of a 1.4L turbo gasoline engine which will complement the 1.8L gasoline and 2.0L diesel engines already on offer. This new unit has a power output of 140 hp (103 kW) and delivers a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 1,850~4,900 rpm.
It comes with standard Start/Stop functionality and a six-speed manual transmission. Average fuel consumption is 6.2L /100 km on a combined cycle. Thanks to the incorporation of Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Start/Stop functionality, the two proven variants of Orlando's 2.0L diesel engine will become more fuel-efficient in a number of markets, with fuel savings of up to 11 percent on a combined cycle*.
Further features that are a novelty on the model year 2013 Orlando include an available rear view camera and a front passenger seat that can be folded flat.
Cruze station wagon and Malibu diesel now available
With the arrival of the Cruze station wagon at dealer showrooms across Europe, Chevrolet is offering a compact car that will particularly appeal to families and individuals with an active lifestyle. The station wagon, which complements the popular sedan and hatchback variants, is capable of accommodating up to 1,478 liters in its load space.
The powertrain offer comprises a 1.4L turbo gasoline and a 1.7L diesel as well as an upgraded 2.0L diesel engine, in addition to the nameplate's proven 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines. The 1.7L diesel is the most frugal of Cruze's engines, requiring just 4.5L/100 km.
Malibu is Chevrolet's new flagship in Europe and stands out through its American style, roominess and five-star EuroNCAP safety. A diesel-powered variant of this midsized sedan can now be purchased at European dealerships.
This reliable and powerful engine delivers a maximum output of 160 hp at 4,000 rpm, and 350 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm. Zero to 100 km/h is 9.75 s for the manual transmission variant, with a top speed of 213 km/h.
Chevrolet Youth Concepts
Since their world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chevrolet's two Youth Concepts, Code 130R and Tru 140S, have graced several major shows with their stylish presence, including Washington, Chicago, Geneva, New York and Beijing. The 2012 Paris Motor Show offers another opportunity for car fans to view these two remarkable concepts.
Code 130R and Tru 140S were designed by Nicholas David and Joe Baker from the GM North Hollywood Design Center, based on input from young people below the age of 30 across the United States. The two vehicles explore the styling and functionality this group of buyers indicated they would like to see in a new car.
A host of enthusiastic feedback on the two vehicles has been obtained from visitors to previous auto shows. In total, close to 16,000 interested individuals responded to a variety of survey questions.
Chevrolet Information
Featured Gallery 2013 Chevrolet Trax: Paris 2012
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