Paris 2012: Chevrolet Trax mini-SUV confirmed

Chevrolet has confirmed it will debut a brand new model called the Trax at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this September.

The Trax is the latest entrant to the small SUV class pioneered by the Nissan Juke. And if it looks a little familiar, that’s because it’s Chevrolet’s version of the Vauxhall Mokka.

2012 Vauxhall Mokka mini-SUV

New Vauxhall Mokka at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show

The vehicle’s upright stance certainly suits the Chevy styling, though, and given the likely attractive price it could create quite a stir amongst cost-conscious buyers seeking something just that little bit different.

There will be a choice of three engines: conventional 1.6-litre petrol, 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 1.7-litre turbodiesel. Stop-start is standard, and there will be a choice of manual and automatic transmissions.

Four-wheel drive will be offered as an option on the turbos, which produce 140hp and 130hp, respectively. Power output for the 1.6-litre petrol has not been confirmed, but expect it to deliver 115hp – as per its Vauxhall equivalent.

The Trax is just over 4.2m long and just under 1.8m, making it compact but not tiny. This results in 358 litres of conventional boot space, further enhanced by a wide selection of on-board storage solution.

The front passenger seat also folds flat, increasing load flexibility.

There are no pictures of the interior just yet nor any trim level details, but Chevrolet has announced that higher specification Trax models will include “Chevrolet MyLink”.

Seemingly similar to Ford Sync, which is about to get its European debut in the new B-Max, Chevrolet MyLink is a smartphone connectivity system.

However, it not only benefits from a seven-inch touch screen display, but also promises a navigation app that will transfer route information from the phone on to that display. Which sounds rather clever.

Amongst the usual stability control systems and airbags – six in this instance – the Trax is set to feature Hill Descent Control and Trailer Stability Assist on LT models.

Expect more information ahead of the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

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2012 Vauxhall Mokka mini-SUV

New Vauxhall Mokka at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show