The EFTM Garage – Holden Trax LTX

What would be the world’s fastest road trip I Spy match? One that starts with the question “I spy with my little eye something beginning with S” SUV!, I hear you chorus. They are bloody everywhere, in fact the lines are now completely blurred when it even comes to defining what an SUV is. Holden has entered the fray with the small Chevrolet sourced Trax.

Make: Holden

Model: Trax

Variant: LTZ

Engine / Transmission: 1.8-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder petrol engine. 6-speed automatic.

Drivetrain: FWD

Vital Stats: 103kW @ 6300rpm 175Nm @ 3000rpm

Holden Claimed Fuel Economy: 7.0L/100km petrol

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 7.9L/100km (Used as a daily commuter with long stretches of 80 km/h & 100 km/h speed zones with occasional heavy acceleration)

RRP Price: From $23,490 up to $27,990 (LTZ as tested)

Standard Features: 18″ x 7″ alloy wheels, Tyre inflater kit, Daytime running lights, Body coloured door handles with chrome inserts, Front fog lights, Dusk-sensing headlamps, Cruise control, Rear parking sensors, Leather wrap steering wheel, Rear view camera, Trip computer, 6-speaker MyLink infotainment system, 7″ colour touch-screen, Embedded smartphone apps, Siri eyes free mode, Full Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, Electrical power socket (230V), Leather-look “Sportec” seat trim, Heated front seats, Manual seat adjustment (6-way driver, 4-way passenger), 60/40 folding rear seats, Air conditioning, Power windows (drivers auto up & down) and Illuminated vanity mirrors.

Nooks and Crannies: Sunglasses holder, Rear cargo blind, Storage tray under front passenger seat, Driver and passenger back pockets, 4 cup holders in centre console and 2 in the rear, Dual glove box, Three-tiered door pockets, Storage box near headlamp controls and pop-up centre console storage area.

Safety highlights: Airbags: front (driver and passenger), side impact (front) and full length curtain (front and rear), Electronic Stability Control (ECS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Decent Control System (DCS), Front seatbelt pretentioners with load limiters and three rear child restraint anchor points.

Wow Factor: MyLink and smartphone integration.

Most Impressive: Tall ceiling, sense of space. Driving manners are unexpectedly sharp and interior quality is a notch above what we were predicting.

Not so impressive: Engine needs some serious revs before momentum becomes adequate. Outside world noises seep into the cabin at higher speeds. One engine option, no AWD option.

Early verdict: A Holden Barina that’s overdosed on protein shakes. What’s the point of a mini SUV? Doesn’t matter, buyers are lapping them up so Holden has simply joined the fray.