First-time automobile consumers have had it tough because the carpocalypse has seen plenty of inexpensive sedans fall by the wayside. Nevertheless, it’s not all unhealthy information as Chevrolet has unveiled the redesigned Trax.

Set to turn out to be the model’s entry-level mannequin, following the demise of the Spark, Sonic, and Cruze, the 2024 Trax begins at $21,495 and can arrive at dealerships subsequent spring. That’s $205 lower than the present crossover, regardless of being an enormous enchancment.

Type Meets Affordability

Whereas the outgoing Trax was additionally inexpensive, that was the one factor going for it. The crossover screamed low-cost and felt misplaced anyplace aside from a rental automobile parking zone.

Fortunately, the outdated mannequin will quickly be a distant reminiscence because the 2024 Trax adopts a sportier and extra upscale design that attracts inspiration from the larger Blazer. The similarities are instantly obvious as each fashions have a distinguished grille that’s flanked by high-mounted LED daytime operating lights, which reside above minimalist headlights.

Additional again, we are able to see sculpted bodywork with flowing traces and curvaceous surfaces. They’re joined by a sloping roof and a dynamic beltline that kicks up at an angle.

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Different highlights embrace plastic physique cladding, a hidden exhaust, and C-shaped taillights. The mannequin additionally sports activities an angular rear window and distinctive styling particulars throughout every of its 5 trims.

The entry-level LS rides on 17-inch metal wheels, whereas the $23,395 LT adopts a extra upscale design with vivid trim and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Patrons in search of a sportier look can go for one of many two RS trims. The $23,195 RS1 sports activities a singular grille and bigger 18-inch wheels. The $24,995 RS2 has an analogous look, nevertheless it rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Final however not least, there’s the rugged-looking Trax ACTIV which begins at $24,995. It options titanium chrome accents, an “aggressive-looking rear skid plate motif,” and 18-inch wheels with a black end.

The improved appears to be like are due partially to the Trax’s bigger dimensions because the mannequin is 11 inches (279 mm) longer, 4 inches decrease (101 mm), and a couple of inches (51 mm) wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase additionally grows by almost six inches (152 mm) and this leads to an extra 3 inches (76 mm) of much-needed rear seat legroom.

An Inside That Doesn’t Scream Low cost

Whereas entry-level has usually meant uninteresting and plasticky interiors, the Trax’s cabin is a breath of contemporary air because it encompasses a trendy and upscale design. As Chevrolet defined, the inside has a “light-weight really feel, achieved with sweeping traces and light-weight, technical cues that emphasize the car’s width and create a way of airiness.”

There’s nonetheless loads of plastic, however consumers will discover a sweeping dashboard with spherical air vents which are rapidly turning into a Chevrolet signature. Elsewhere, we are able to see gloss black trim and metallic accents, which assist to offer the cabin a extra premium really feel. Patrons may even discover a handful of options that usually aren’t discovered on budget-friendly fashions together with normal privateness glass and energetic noise cancellation know-how.

When it comes to gear, the inexpensive LS and 1RS trims have analog gauges which are separated by a 3.5-inch show. They’re joined by an 8-inch infotainment system that boasts wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The LT, 2RS, and ACTIV are extra superior as they’ve an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11-inch infotainment system. The fashions even have an automated local weather management system, a push-button ignition, and distant begin – amongst different issues. Moreover, the 1RS, 2RS, and ACTIV trims have heated entrance seats and a heated steering wheel, whereas the ACTIV additionally boasts an influence driver’s seat.

Moreover the gear variations, the RS2 has a flat-bottom steering wheel and crimson distinction stitching. The ACTIV, alternatively, has Evotex seats with yellow accents. Patrons may even discover a handful of choices together with a sunroof and a newly accessible wi-fi smartphone charger on the LT, 2RS, and ACTIV.

New Security Options Together with Out there Adaptive Cruise Management  

To maintain drivers secure, there’s a normal Chevy Security Help suite of driver help techniques. It contains Computerized Emergency Braking, Entrance Pedestrian Braking, and Ahead Collision Alert. They’re joined by a Rear Imaginative and prescient Digital camera, a Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam headlights, and Lane Preserve Help with Lane Departure Warning.

Cruise management comes normal, whereas Adaptive Cruise Management is on the market on higher-end trims. Clients can even get extra superior security options reminiscent of Lane Change Alert with Facet Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Visitors Alert, and Rear Park Help.

A Turbocharged Three-Cylinder With 137 HP

Energy comes from a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 137 hp (102 kW / 139 PS) and 162 lb-ft (219 Nm) of torque. That’s 18 hp (13 kW / 18 PS) and 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) lower than its predecessor, which used a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder.

Regardless of sounding like a downgrade, the brand new mannequin guarantees improved efficiency and elevated gas effectivity. Specifically, the 2024 Trax will speed up from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and that’s roughly one second quicker than the outgoing mannequin.

The engine is linked to a six-speed automated gearbox, as an alternative of the repeatedly variable transmission that’s used within the Trailblazer. Officers acknowledged this was a cost-saving transfer, however famous the gearbox has extra advantages together with being comparatively light-weight.

Whereas the powertrain sounds cheap sufficient, the 2024 Trax can be provided solely with front-wheel drive. The transfer will possible show controversial, however Chevrolet famous greater than 70% of Trax consumers selected front-wheel drive prior to now.

Chevrolet didn’t go into many different specifics however confirmed the crossover rides on the identical platform that underpins the Chinese language Seeker. In fact, that isn’t a lot of a shock because the fashions look nearly equivalent – though they use totally different powertrains. It’s additionally value noting the Trax can be inbuilt South Korea and share plenty of parts with the Trailblazer.