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HOLDEN Trax Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2013
Engines: Diesel, Gasoline
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
HOLDEN Trax photo gallery

GM introduced the Holden Trax in Australia in 2013, and just three years later, it refreshed the small-sized crossover to boost sales, trying to keep the brand alive.

By using the same underpinnings for the European Opel Mokka, the British Vauxhall Mokka, the American Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax, and the Australian Holden Trax, GM lowered development costs for this small-sized crossover. Moreover, it shared the platform with the Chevrolet Aveo and other similar cars from its lineup. That helped the automaker sell these related vehicles at lower prices. But still, that was not enough to keep the Holden brand, which in 2021 went dormant after 164 years of existence.

The automaker unveiled the refreshed version of the Holden Trax in September 2016 for the 2017 model year, and some of the most significant upgrades were made to the car’s front fascia. Its narrower headlights featured integrated LED daytime running lights on their lower side and projector beams. In addition, the upper grille was slimmer, while the one integrated into the bumper was broad and sported five horizontal slats. Holden also added a skid-plate-like trim on the lower side of the apron, trying to create an off-road look for the vehicle.

From its profile, the small-sized crossover GM installed flared front and rear fenders in an attempt to create a muscular look for the car. The sculptured door panels and the body-colored mirror caps that featured integrated turn signals made the Trax look bold and ready for adventure. On the other hand, the 6.2-inch (16 cm) ground clearance was good enough just for unpaved or damaged roads, not trails and real off-road situations. Finally, at the back, the corner-mounted LED taillights sported a clear area on their lower side for the reversing lights instead of smoked ones as on its predecessor.

Inside, the 2017 Trax featured a new dashboard with a redesigned instrument panel. Its instrument cluster featured analog dials for the tachometer and speedometer and a 3.5” display for the car’s onboard computer. Previously, the speedometer was digital and integrated into the LCD. Another improvement was on the center stack, where GM added a new infotainment system with a 7-inch color touchscreen, which supported wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Customers could have the car in three grades: LS, LT, and LTZ, with different interior features and amenities. At the front, customers could find a pair of bucket seats separated by a tall center console, while in the back, the split-folding bench provided room for up to three passengers.

Under the hood, the 2017 Trax received a new engine: a 1.4-liter turbocharged unit available for the entire range. The previously used 1.8-liter naturally aspirated powerplant was available only for the LS trim level.

full description and technical specifications
gasoline engines:

HOLDEN Trax 1.8L 5MT (140 HP)

HOLDEN Trax photo gallery

Chevrolet built the Trax under different names, depending on the market, and in Australia, it sold it under the local automaker Holden, which was owned by the bow-tie brand.

When the American carmaker developed the Gamma II platform for small-sized vehicles, it used it on four continents for various vehicles. Apart from the European/British Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, it was also used on the small-sized crossover Holden Trax in Australia. This vehicle came right on time when customers started to ask for more crossovers.

Despite its small size, the Trax proved to be very good for those who needed a vehicle with higher ground clearance. It featured big, rectangular headlights slightly swept on the sides, with a bold front fascia that sported the round Holden badge on the grille's upper chromed slat. The front bumper featured side trims that mimicked scoops. From its sides, the car sported an ascending line that was emphasized by the rear, enlarged quarter-panels.

Inside, there was hardly room for rear passengers. Still, those were fine for children. The problem was not for the headroom but for the legroom. At the front, on the other hand, two occupants could relax on the bucket seats, and there was a tall center console between them. Moreover, that was connected to the center stack, which supported the infotainment display. But the low-quality materials confirmed the budget-segment status of the car.

For the Australian market, the automaker offered the vehicle with a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter engine mated with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. As an option, the Trax could've been fitted with an all-wheel drive system.

full description and technical specifications