2016 Chevy Trax Gets New Colors and Auto Gearbox
By Paulo Acoba
Subcompact crossovers are still very much a hot commodity for car companies. Chevrolet has the Chevy Trax and identical twin, the Buick Encore leading the vanguard for GM’s CUV sales.
Although more expensive, the Buick Encore is outselling the Chevy Trax quite handily. That doesn’t mean that GM won’t continue to update the Trax for 2016. According to GM Authority, next year the Chevy Trax loses some colors but gains a few others. In addition, GM is throwing a few equipment packages in the mix as well.
You can say goodbye to Victory Red, Ruby Red, Blue Topaz and Satin Steel. In its place are Crimson, Sable, Mosaic Black, Cyber Gray and Champagne Silver in various shades of metallic.
Chevy Trax also gains a set of 18″ aluminum wheels.
Inside, front and rear mats are now standard as well as an optional rear mat delete.
Most importantly, the existing 6-speed automatic gearbox is replaced with another one (also a six speed automatic.) Supposedly this was one has better gearing for merging and is easier on fuel.
When Car and Driver tested the Chevy Trax just a few weeks ago, they praised its quiet riding interior and similar levels of interior comfort when compared to its more expensive brother. And although the Trax was a bit hefty for its size, C&D liked the quick steering and sure-footedness of its handling.
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All Chevy Trax’s get a 1.4 Liter turbo four-cylinder making 138 HP and 148 lbs-ft of torque. 60 MPH comes and goes in 9.4 seconds so suffice to say, it’s pretty slow.
In my opinion, it’s a very affordable CUV for small families. With an MSRP just over $20,000, Trax’s are relatively inexpensive and full of utility. Families will love the headroom and will appreciate the 31 MPG you get on the highway.
Facing stiff competition from the Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3 and Honda’s HR-V all with similar starting MSRP’s, a couple of new colors and floor mats won’t be enough to sway buyers from more attractive offerings.