Price ain't right: 2024 Chevrolet Trax 1.2T begins at PHP 1,793,888
All-new Chevrolet Trax officially revealed for PH market
Something strange seems to be happening with the product planning and pricing at Chevrolet's Philippine distributor: The Covenant Car Company, Inc. or TCCCI.
We're seeing it with the prices in their current lineup wherein the small Tracker made by SAIC-GM is one of the priciest in the segment starting at PHP 1,218,888 while the Korean-made Trailblazer is also quite pricey at PHP 1,518,888 starting price.
Now they've got a new compact crossover, and the pricing is also quite high for the class: the Trax. And it starts at PHP 1,793,888. That's a hefty price tag to start on, but did they get the spec right?
The all-new Trax is now on its second generation, but it's no longer the subcompact like before because it's the biggest of Chevrolet’s compact crossover lineup which includes the Tracker and the Trailblazer (the crossover, not the frame-based SUV). Measuring 4537mm long, 2035mm wide (including side mirrors), and 1567mm tall, it’s actually bigger than the Trailblazer. It also has a longer wheelbase which comes in at 2700mm. Last but not least, its ground clearance is rated at 186mm.
Like what the US and Korean markets get, the 2024 Trax comes with a more aggressive and stylish exterior that’s a far cry from the first generation. The front features a two-tier headlight where the top portion houses the LED daytime running lights while the bottom section gets automatic LED headlights. There’s also the massive grille at the front which features an “RS” badge and an electric sunroof, both of which are reserved for the top-of-the-line RS version.
Around the back, the crossover comes with a distinct pair of boomerang-like LED taillights, muscular wheel arches, an angular tailgate, black body cladding, and a tailgate spoiler. Exclusive to the Redline and RS variants are the stylish 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 tires. On the other hand, the entry-level LT only gets 17-inch alloys with 225/60 tires.
Hop inside and a sporty cabin greets the occupants of the 2024 Trax. At the center of the dashboard is a touchscreen infotainment system that measures 11 inches on the Redline and RS models. The LT only comes with a smaller 8-inch display. Despite the difference in size, both touchscreens come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, the Redline and RS come with 6 speakers while the LT only gets 4 speakers.
Also available is an 8-inch digital instrument cluster for higher-grade models. Not only does it show the gauges, but it also displays the trip meter, average fuel consumption, and the tire pressure monitoring system. Lesser variants, however, only get analog gauges and a 3.5-inch multi-info display.
Other available features in the 2024 Trax include; a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, a wireless charging pad, automatic climate control with rear vents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, USB charging ports for the front and rear, a push-button start, and power tailgate.
Under the hood, the 2024 Trax is powered by a 1.2-liter all-aluminum three-cylinder turbo. It benefits from direct injection and makes 137 PS at 5000 rpm with 220 Nm of torque between 2500 - 4000 rpm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is also a strange choice given that rivals in the class have more power and torque.
All variants are equipped with an extensive list of passive and active safety features; anti-lock brakes, brake assist, cornering brake control, electronic stability control, traction control, panic brake assist, hill-start assist, torque vectoring (via brakes), and rollover mitigation.
For extra peace of mind, all Trax variants are equipped with advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). These include; forward collision alert, lane departure alert, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, front pedestrian detection, vehicle forward movement detection, and a following distance indicator.
So the Trax is interesting, but the 1.2L Turbo seems a bit small (and low-powered) for the compact class. As for the price, just see for yourself:
Trax 1.2 LT - PHP 1,793,888
Trax 1.2 Redline - PHP 1,866,888
Trax 1.2 RS - PHP 1,948,888
