Chicago show: Facelifted Holden Trax coming

GM HOLDEN has confirmed that its updated Trax crossover will share the United States market facelift and not the European-sourced Opel Mokka look that will debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

The Euro version had previously looked like the most likely candidate to replace the current Trax, which was introduced in 2013, but Holden has now confirmed in a statement that it is the Chevrolet version that will come Down Under.

“Holden can confirm that the exciting updated Trax will be sold in Australia in the future,” said Holden product communications manager Mark Flintoft.

As previously reported, the Opel Mokka received drivetrain work at Holden's local development centre, but it is unclear if the US version will also benefit from the attention of Australian engineers.

The Chevrolet Trax carries over the 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, whereas the European-spec Opel Mokka gains a new 1.4-litre turbo delivering 112kW.

Chevrolet released the first images of the revised front and rear end as well as an updated interior ahead of its debut at the Chicago motor show, revealing a more aggressively styled nose and lightly reworked tail.

Standard equipment including safety system have also been given a boost in the 2016 update.

“The updated Trax blends fresh, contemporary styling with premium interior enhancements and an expanded range of customer-focused technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” the car-maker said.

When it arrives, the new Trax will be the fifth model in the Holden portfolio to be equipped with the smartphone connectivity system, joining the current Captiva and Insignia, as well as the Spark that arrives in April and the Astra that is due to arrive later this year.

Holden was unable to confirm an arrival date for the refreshed Trax, but Mr Flintoft said it would not be here before the new Astra, which is due towards the end of 2016. That timing could push the little SUV's arrival out to the early part of 2017.

In the US, the new Trax is will be available in three variants starting with LS, a mid-range LT and Premier top spec, but Australia is yet to detail local specifications.

The current model is offered in base LS giose matched with the 1.8-litre four-pot and the flagship LTZ that uses the 1.4-litre turbo.

A 7.0-inch MyLink touchscreen provides access to various infotainment systems, and has 4G internet connectivity with the option of acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning are all included depending on the variant, while reversing camera and a whopping 10 airbags are provided as standard across the board.

The new Trax also features keyless entry and engine start and a digital driver's information display, while exterior LED lighting and 18-inch wheels set the most generously equipped Premier apart from lesser variants.

In Australia, the Trax continues to attract a loyal following with 6350 sales in 2015 and a 6.4 per cent share of the sub-$40,000 small SUV segment. It trailed the big hitters in the segment last year such as the Mitsubishi ASX (13,557), Mazda CX-3 (12,656) and Honda HR-V (10,899).