Chevrolet Trax to make its public debut at Paris Motor Show

While the world is going gaga over the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport, a new contender is taking shape at the skunk works of Chevrolet.

Called the Chevrolet Trax (bares no relation to the Trax produced by Force Motors), the mini SUV is GM's response to the growing compact SUV market.

And it is bound to be a cracking one because it was Chevrolet that invented the SUV segment in 1935 by launching the Chevrolet Suburban. The Chevrolet Trax will make its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September.

As you might already know, that the Trax is a redesigned Buick Encore/Opel Mokka. It is a four-door compact SUV whose dimensions are 4,248 mm in length, 1,776 mm in width and a wheelbase of 2,555 mm. It has been comprehensively redesigned to make sure it becomes a part of the bow-tie family.

It has some really clever bits in the interiors as well such as 60/40 split rear bench, 358L of luggage space, MyLink infotainment system with a navigation app, 7-inch touch screen, Start/Stop functionality, etc.

Safety equipments are plenty - six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), uphill/downhill assist (HSA), traction control (TC), ABS with electronic brake force distribution, Support trailer stability control, etc.

To keep costs low, the Chevrolet Trax will be available in FWD configuration, but you can also fit the car with an on-demand AWD. Engine options include:

• 1.6-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 115 hp
• 1.4 turbo petrol rated at 140 hp
• 1.7-liter unit turbo diesel unit with 130 hp

All engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual. The 1.4-liter turbo petrol and 1.7-liter diesel can be availed in six-speed automatic transmission as well.

The Chevrolet Trax will be on sale in 140 countries worldwide. We are not sure whether India has made it to the list till now.

Of course, if you look at the demand for compact SUVs, it is only going to rise in the future. But GM India does not have any immediate plans to introduce the Trax. It is focusing on filling up the hatch, sedan and MPV segments with vehicles from its Chinese partner SAIC's stable.

However, we are pretty sure that by looking at the Renault Duster’s success, GM India is envious by now. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this baby.