2013 Chevrolet Trax

CHANGES FOR 2013:

- New model.

Chevrolet extends its crossover reach with the Trax, a compact crossover that slots in below the Equinox. It's a good-looking little thing that Chevy says was conceived to compete, most specifically, with the Hyundai Tucson. The Trax's engaging drive reflects its European heritage, and a turbocharged engine, shared with the Cruze and Sonic, provides generous torque and good driveability. As is often the case, a manual transmission is only offered with front-wheel drive. Value for the dollar is not quite as good here as in the Tucson or the more stylish Kia Sportage.

The Trax is available in LS, 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ trims, with front- or all-wheel drive, and can only be had with one engine - a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

In LS trim, features include 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, airbags (front, front seat, side curtain, driver/front passenger knee, rear seat-mounted outboard), power locks, OnStar, electronic immobilizer, front disc/rear drum brakes with ABS, hill start assist, body-colour door handles, automatic headlights, body-colour power mirrors with spotter mirror, 16-inch steel wheels, two piece storage tray under cargo load floor, air filtration system, floor mats, driver information centre, keyless entry system, power locks, tilt/telescopic steering with Bluetooth and audio controls, power windows with driver auto-up/down, 60/40 flip and fold rear seat, 4-way manual driver seat, fold flat front seats, 2-way manual passenger seat, cloth seating surfaces, four-speaker AM/FM audio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and USB port.

1LT trim adds six-speed automatic transmission, content theft alarm, four-wheel disc brakes (AWD models only), deep-tint rear windows, heated mirrors, 16-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, 110V AC 3-prong outlet, leather-wrapped steering wheel, storage tray under front passenger seat, deluxe cloth seating surfaces, and six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with Bluetooth streaming.

2LT trim adds remote starter, backup camera, Ultrasonic rear parking assist, 6-way power driver seat, cloth/leatherette seating surfaces, seven-speaker Bose premium audio with amplifier, Chevrolet MyLink, and satellite radio.

LTZ trim adds chrome accented liftgate handle, fog lights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated front seats, and leatherette seating surfaces.