GM Korea Set for Trax Sales Launch; Exports to Follow in March

GM Korea rolls out its much-hyped Chevrolet Trax small cross/utility vehicle to the local market, with exports to Europe beginning next month.

Developed over a 5-year period at the GM Korea global small-vehicle development center in the Incheon suburb of Bupyeong, it goes on sale in Korea Feb. 25 and ultimately will be offered in more than 140 markets worldwide.

“Trax is the first small SUV from GM’s global vehicle development program,” notes GM Korea President and CEO Sergio Rocha, on hand for the unveiling this week at a resort on Korea’s distant, semi-tropical Jeju Island.

“With its dynamic design, great SUV power, spacious interior, practicality and stable sedan-like ride comfort, Trax is leading the domestic market into the new ULV – Urban Life Vehicle – segment.” he said.

The Trax is offered in Korea only with front-wheel drive. It is powered by a 1.4L, 16-valve, turbocharged 4-cyl. gasoline engine producing 140 hp and 147 lb.-ft. (199 Nm) of torque. The engine is mated with a Gen II 6-speed automatic transmission.

The package is rated by GM Korea at 26-33 mpg (9.0-7.1 L/100 km) city/highway.

Trax prices start at 19.4 million won ($17.900) and reach 22.9 million won ($21,200) for the top of the line LTZ package.

Standard equipment includes six airbags (driver, passenger and side curtains), electronic stability control, antilock brakes, traction control and hill-start assist.

The European version will be available with the 1.4L turbo, as well as a 1.6L naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 1.7L turbodiesel. It also will be offered with all-wheel drive.

The Trax is built at the GM Korea vehicle production complex in Bupyeong, in the same plant that produces the Opel Mokka for Europe and Buick Encore for the U.S. The three vehicles are produced from a common architecture.

The Encore also is being assembled in Guangzhou, China, using complete-knocked-down kits supplied from Bupyeong.

As with the Encore in the U.S., the Chevrolet Trax in Korea is targeted primarily at young urban buyers in their 20s and 30s.

While the Trax will not be sold in the U.S., it will be available in Canada.