Power stems from a 1.2L turbo triple that generates a modest 137 horsepower but but a stout 162 lb-ft. of torque. Power reaches the wheels via a conventional six-speed automatic transmission in all cases. A small-capacity engine might be a solution where vehicles are taxed by engine size or C.O.2 output but makes no sense for Canada especially given the needless complexity of a turbocharger to produce a very modest output. Driven in the Trailblazer, the turbo triple sounds odd, is noisy when accelerating and is not quick enough or economical enough to justify the complexity. Forward collision warning, including for pedestrians, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and a lane departure warning, are standard. Blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane change alerts and active cruise control, are optional.

With nods to the TrailBlazer and Blazer, the new Trax displays contemporary Chevrolet styling cues and is quite attractive while displaying the big gashes at the lower extremities of the front fascia which are near universal in our era. Several different frontal treatments are available, depending on the trim selected. The cabin, with a large infotainment screen perched upon the top-centre of the dash, follows Chevrolet’s current styling themes. Like many contemporary Chevrolets, cabin materials are attractive but there are a lot of hard plastic pieces. The long wheelbase delivers very good rear seat legroom. Cargo volume increases from 530L (rear seat up) to 725L and from 1371L (rear seat down) to 1572L.

The new Trax has grown so much that it is about the same size as the pricier Trailblazer, but is exclusively front-wheel drive, removing most of the overlap between the two models.

The Trax model range is vast and could be culled by half without anybody noticing. A collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, a lane departure warning and a lane keep assist system are all standard.

Moving up from the base LS to the 1RS model includes alloy wheels, different fascias, heated mirrors, remote starting and a heated steering wheel, and is good value. The LT trims adds roof rails, a larger infotainment screen, active cruise control, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitor, a heated leather wrapped steering wheel, keyless go, and an additional USB port, at a favourable price. The 2RS and Active trims add little of value and have no discernible differences from one another.

Not rated due to the recent powertrains.