Holden Trax LTZ 2017 new car review
The Holden Trax has received a facelift that makes it more modern and appealing inside and out.
The Holden Trax has received a facelift that makes it more modern and appealing inside and out. The new interior is stylish and roomy, with features that will suit the tech savvy. It will appeal to the young looking for a city-ready small SUV, and older buyers looking for a hatch with an access-friendly high hip point.
The Holden Trax was launched in 2013 as Holden's first small SUV, the fastest growing part of the whole car market. Initially let down by a weak 1.8-litre engine, it soon received the option of an excellent 1.4-litre turbocharged engine also seen in Holden’s Astra, Cruze and Barina, that shares the Trax’s platform and suspension.
Inside and out
Gone is the awkward, frumpy look of the first generation Trax, replaced with a slicker, more refined look. The rear styling is an odd combination of hatchback and SUV, with pronounced wheel arches. The new interior draws some of its look from the upcoming Astra hatchback.
The instrument cluster is easier to read, and interior material quality is far better - particularly the Sportec synthetic leather upholstery on the seats. The driver's seat is six-way electrically adjustable, the passenger seat four way. The rear seats fold forward to increase luggage capacity and have two sets of ISOFIX child seat mounts and top-tether points.
The boot has a capacity of 354 litres, about the same as a conventional small hatch. It is big enough, although its narrow, deep shape meant we found squeezing a child stroller in a struggle.
The 2017 Holden Trax carries a healthy amount of technology. There is a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB drive that allows you to view images and movies on the screen - when not driving - and steering wheel controls.
In front of the rear seats is a 240-volt household outlet, allowing the kids to charge all their devices when on the go, or for some appliances to be run when camping.
Other nice touches include a large sunroof, bottle holders in the doors and six cup holders. Despite being the top model, the air-conditioning is a manual system.
On the road
Holden has dropped the old 1.8-litre petrol engine from the Trax range, making the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine standard. It was an excellent decision, as this is a smooth, responsive and efficient engine, producing 103kW and 200Nm, with fuel consumption of 6.9-litres per 100km. The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly.
The Trax is not the best handling small SUV – that title goes to the Mazda CX-3 – but it handles well enough. The steering is a little vague but ride comfort is excellent, even on the 18-inch wheels the LTZ is fitted with. Despite being an SUV, there is no all-wheel drive option, but there is a hill-descent system, really only useful off-road.
Parking is a cinch in the Trax - a short, low bonnet and big windows are great for visibility and a reversing camera and parking sensors are standard. The rear parking sensors also provide a cross-traffic alert feature. When reversing out of a carpark the system will alert you to traffic coming from either direction, helping you know when to pull out.
Safety
The Holden Trax has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with front, side and full-length curtain airbags as standard. Electronic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist are also part of the safety package.
The blind-spot detection system, with cross-traffic alert, is an excellent addition to the Trax’s safety list and is standard on the LTZ. Autonomous emergency braking is not available.
Cost of ownership
The Holden Trax range begins with an LS variant for $32,990 and there is an LT variant for $35,490. The LTZ reviewed presents good value compared to the others for the extra specification it offers at $36,990.
Holden suggests a service frequency of 15,000km or every 12-months, against 10,000km for some competitors. This could save buyers who cover big distances up to 50% on their servicing costs.
Rightcar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Holden Trax will cost $1,620 a year to fuel, which is about average for the small car class. Holden claims the Trax will use 6.9-litres per 100km in a mix of urban and open road conditions.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for the Holden Trax LTZ will cost $52.83 per month.
Details
$36,990
1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged, 103kW/200Nm
Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Five-star ANCAP
15,000km or 12 months
Full size
6.9-litres per 100km
Premium
3257mm
1776mm
1674mm
1200kg (braked)
10.9m
Three years, 10,000km
Note: This vehicle was reviewed as a new car.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km-20,000km a year. We estimate with no optional add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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Peter Louisson 
Kyle Cassidy 