2015 Holden Trax Review: LTZ 1.4 iTi Turbo
August 14, 2014
What’s Hot: Improved driveability, more equipment, quality ride
What’s Not: Price, 1.4 turbo not available in LS grade.
X-FACTOR: At last, the Trax gets the engine it deserves and adds mountains to its appeal
Vehicle Style: Compact SUV
Price: $29,990
Engine/trans: 103kW/200Nm 1.4 turbo petrol 4cyl | 6sp auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.9 l/100km | tested: 7.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Holden has given the Trax a freshen-up... and it's more than just a skin-deep nip and tuck.
There are subtle changes to the standard equipment list for the range-topping LTZ model, but it’s the addition of a 1.4 litre turbo engine that’s the biggest news of all.
Available exclusively with a six-speed automatic, it’s the same engine/gearbox combo that sees service in the Cruze Equipe, but with a shorter final drive ratio in the Trax to give it more go.
The naturally-aspirated 1.8 litre which soldiers on alongside the new (for the Trax) 1.4 turbo is not one of the better ones out there, so the introduction of the torquier turbo engine is a welcome one.
However, it’s only available at the top-end of the Trax range, and at $29,990 it’s not cheap for a compact SUV.
But this is a good engine and it transforms the Trax on road.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 3/5
- Standard features on LTZ 1.4 iTi: Sunroof, manual air conditioning, power windows, front foglamps, trip computer, reversing camera, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, driver’s fold-down centre arm rest, cruise control, 18-inch alloys.
- Infotainment: Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, MyLink connectivity suite with 7-inch colour touchscreen, internet streaming apps including Pandora, Stitcher and BringGo sat-nav, Siri Eyes-free compatibility.
- Cargo capacity: 356 litres minimum, 1370 litres maximum.
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