GM CROSSOVER MAKING TRAX

GM feels the B-segment Trax as an
unlikely fit in the States, but will cater to Canucks.

By Glen Woodcock, Autonet - One of the worst kept secrets in advance of the Paris Motor Show was that it would be the venue for the launch of the 2013 Chevrolet Trax -- a combination of city car and small crossover utility vehicle.

Trax was the subject of much internet buzz -- much of it created by General Motors -- long before the wraps came off on the Paris show floor.

As previously announced, Trax will be a worldwide brand for Chevrolet -- but not in the United States.  The sub-compact crossover will go on sale in Canada and Mexico later this year, but right now there are no plans to market it to Americans.

That, of course, could change if petroleum prices continue to rise unchecked.

The Trax unveiled in Paris was decked out in Manchester United colours and logos -- a not-so-subtle reminder that Chevrolet has now become a major sponsor of the English soccer team with its faithful worldwide following.

Chevrolet's first B-segment crossover will be powered by several engines around the world, but only by a turbocharged 1.4-litre gasoline engine in the Canadian market.  That's the same inline-four that powers the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze and the new Buick Encore, making 138 hp at 4,900 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 1,850 rpm.  A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic will be available.

The five-passenger Trax is built in Korea on the Sonic platform.  Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional for Trax, which GM says has "the flexibility of a small car, perfect for the city, with the practicality of an SUV that's versatile enough for the cottage."

Fuel economy in all-wheel drive is rated at 8.1L/100 knm city and 5.9L/100 km highway using regular gas.