When SUVs began to gain in popularity the larger ones were often seen as being 4WDs with rugged build and tough off-road ability.
Thankfully, the little Trax doesn’t even pretend it has a go-anywhere image rather it’s a little city slicker that’s easy to punt around the city and burbs.
Holden Trax has styling cues that break up the boxy design, with neat mudguards, bonnet and rear quarter panels. The swept down profile works nicely.
Based on the underpinnings of the Holden Barina hatch the Trax has a taller body than the Barina for added interior room.
Trax first arrived here in August 2013 and sold fairly well until the demise of Holden saw it drop off in June 2020.
It has a relatively high seating position, that makes it simple to drive and park, and also lets the littlies in the back seat have a good view out.
You can squeeze three adults in the back seats, but two makes more sense.
Rear legroom is pretty good for this class, though if tall adults are travelling in tandem, they’re likely to need some compromising on space.
The tall styling makes for a high boot and can handle a pair of medium sized suitcases with space for a few smallish items around them. A 60:40 split rear seat adds to the versatility.
The GM MyLink system that features high-res graphics and is easy to setup.
MyLink upgraded when new features were added and old ones improved.
Though it’s certainly not a sporty SUV, the Trax had suspension development done by Australian engineers to suit our local roads and drivers’ desires.
It sits well on the road, even dirt ones and the suspension soaks up the lumps and bumps surprisingly well.
A small car for the Aussie outback? Well, not quite.
Holden Trax is powered by a choice of two four-cylinder engines.
A 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol that provides enough performance – but only just.
If you’re carrying more than one or two people and/or live in a hilly location you may find it struggles.
Much better is the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit that arrived in October 2014.
With good low-down torque, it’s more pleasant to sit behind. Hunt one down if you think of yourself as a keen driver.
Drive is to the front wheels only as Holden made the decision not to import the AWD Trax model used in some countries (for better grip on icy and snowy roads, not to go off-road).
Holden Trax has a five-speed manual in a market segment where many use a six-speed unit.
The six-speed automatic has a rocker switch on the selector lever if you want to make your own decisions on ratios.
You can do a fair bit of your own servicing and minor repairs on a Trax, but it can be cramped and annoying working under a small bonnet.
Please don’t touch any safety items.
Obviously, there are Holden dealerships all over Australia, many of them with decades of operation in the one location.
While those in the bush can service and repair the Trax, they may have to call for spare parts that aren’t routinely in stock.
Insurance on the Trax is about average in price for this class.
Shop around, but be sure to get an accurate comparison.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Build quality, it’s made in South Korea, so is generally good, but there have been some problems in early build models. Check the service books,
Engine overheating in some high mileage Trax has been a problem. Look for warning light during your test drive and open the bonnet as soon as you stop from a run to see if it seems over hot.
If you’re going to be using the Trax for the MyLink system, try to set it up and sample all the choices, the latest system, from early 2017, is noticeably better than the original.
Some early cars were recalled to fix a problem with the front safety belts not locking correctly. Pull them quickly and see that they work.
With the engine off, the car stationary, the parking brake and a manual gearbox in neutral, wiggle the ignition key hard.
It has too much movement on a 2013 or 2014 model it should have been recalled.
During your test drive make sure the engine does not misfire, that gear changes are reasonably smooth and that the brakes work without pulling the car to one side.
Check the condition of the interior and boot, particularly if you feel the Trax has been used as a family car and the children have caused damage in the back seats.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $7000 to $11,000 for a 2013 Holden Trax LS; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2014 LTZ; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2015 LTZ; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2016 LTZ; $11,000 to $18,000 for a 2017 LT; $14,000 to $21,000 for a 2017 LTZ; $15,000 to $21,000 for a 2018 LTZ; and $17,000 to $24,000 for a 2020 LTZ.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages so hunt around for the best deal.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
These can mean a lot of traded-in cars are taking up too much space in the yards and will be discounted to get rid of them.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can give you an insight to the quality of vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to later discover a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them. The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/