We rather liked the Holden Trax when it was launched late last year, but we weren’t exactly in love with the venerable 1.8-litre petrol engine that did reluctant, noisy duty under the stubby bonnet. But now Holden has stuck a modern engine in the cutesy Trax – the 103kW/200Nm 1.4-litre iTi turbo four-cylinder petrol that transformed the Cruze sedan. We head across to Melbourne to try it out.
What is it?
Holden’s entrant into the burgeoning baby SUV segment has been a successful little car for the Aussie company, holding as it does a strong third in the sales numbers for the segment.
The Trax will continue to be available in New Zealand in two spec levels – LS and LTZ – with the 1.8-litre engine continuing to do duty in both, while the new entry into the range is the 1.4-litre version of the LTZ.
The LS carries on as before with a six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear view camera and parking sensors, Holden’s brilliant MyLink touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights and daytime running lights as standard for $32,990.
The LTZ adds heated front seats, “Sportec” seat trim, front fog lamps and a trip computer on top of the LS spec, while also gaining a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel, rain sensing wipers and a driver’s armrest for the new model year. The 1.8 LTZ costs $35,990.
The new 1.4-litre turbo LTZ is the same spec as the 1.8, but gains a sunroof as well as the new engine. It retails for $36,990.
What is it like?
The biggest gripe we had with the Trax previously was the 1.8-litre engines serious lack of grunt and enthusiasm, particularly out on the open road, and the fact that it was nowhere near as economical as Holden claimed in the real world because of the need to thrash it everywhere, just to get ordinary performance to of it.
The addition of the 1.4-litre turbo engine solves all these problems and transforms the Trax into the lively, characterful car it always almost was.
Holden claims an average combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km for the 103kW/200Nm 1.4 turbo Trax, and given the engine’s ability to surf its solid wave of torque in a remarkably relaxed fashion, that is a number we would imagine is easily achievable (although we will have to wait for a local road test to be sure).
Opening it up a bit, the 1.4 is a strong and torquey little performer and the six-speed automatic transmission is well matched to it, if a wee bit languid in its shifts. The laid back transmission does work in nicely with the engines generous torque spread, however, so it is never really an issue.
Surprisingly the 1.4 turbo produces the same power (103kW) and only 25Nm more torque (200Nm versus 175Nm) as the 1.8, but the difference the smoothness and flexibility of the smaller engine makes to the Trax is staggering. Not to mention the fact that maximum torque is available close to 2,000rpm lower (1,850rpm versus 3,800rpm), unsurprisingly this is rather noticeable…
Impressive improvements to the powertrain aside, the Trax is still the same nicely balanced, comfortable small SUV it always was, with the localised suspension and steering providing a nice blend of handling and ride quality, even over the pretty average roads surrounding Melbourne.
What’s good about it?
The addition of an engine that provides the Trax with the urge, flexibility and fuel economy it was always crying out for is the most obvious thing. Little else has changed, meaning that the things we liked about it in the first place still apply – the comfortable ride, surprisingly capable and eager handling and the added practicality of the taller SUV body style over the platform-donor Barina.
What’s not so good?
Well, the 1.8 hasn’t gone away entirely and the 1.4 is only available in top LTZ spec.
There is still a large quota of hard plastics in the Trax’s interior, although it is nicely designed…
First impressions?
The new engine transforms the Trax into a very likeable little car indeed. It’s good qualities still shine through and the new engine just adds the polish it has always deserved.
Powerful, quiet and surprisingly smooth, the 1.4-litre turbo four is impressive in every Holden it has appeared in so far and the Trax is certainly no exception. Open road cruising is now a pleasant experience, while attacking a winding road is even more satisfying.
Around town is the single area that the 1.8 coped with relatively well, but the 1.4 even makes a remarkable improvement here too, thanks to its much, much lower torque peak.
While the 1.8-litre Trax is still available, the case the 1.4 makes for itself is so strong that finding the slight amount extra to stretch to get to it is more than worth it.
Models/prices
LS 1.8 – $32,990
LTZ 1.8 – $35,990
LTZ 1.4 – $36,990
Powertrain
1.8-litre inline 4-cylinder petrol producing 103kW/175Nm; 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive (LS and LTZ 1.8), 1.4-litre inline 4-cylinder petrol turbo producing 103kW/200Nm; 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive (LTZ 1.4)
Fuel consumption: 7.6L/100km (1.8), 6.9L/100km (1.4)
CO2 emissions: 174g/km (1.8), 158g/km
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: Five stars
Air bags: 6
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
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