Driving the small Holden Trax SUV today,  a compact two-wheel-drive five seater that first arrived in 2013, built in Korea and updated along the way, the 2019 model gaining a new nose with sleeker headlights and larger wheels. The latest Trax much improved – Holden adding a lot of specification. I tested the Trax LTZ, with 1.4-litre turbo engine and six-speed automatic – listed at 30,490 plus on road costs, on special at $28,990 drive-away. A spritely performer now with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, push-button start and leatherette sports orientated seats. Nicely equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio and with a five star crash safety rating although not yet fitted with autonomous emergency braking. The Trax LTZ features a rear view camera, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert – a nice upright seating position and compact dimensions make it a great city slicker, easy to drive with excellent visibility, ride a little harsh at times on low profile rubber but the handling and nimbleness excellent. Like all Holden’s it comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Holden may have fallen from favour particularly in Melbourne and Adelaide where it closed its assembly plants, but the latest Trax SUV shows the company has put a lot of effort into improving it’s standing in a very competitive compact SUV segment. Quite economical, although it does require 95 RON premium fuel.

I’m David Berthon

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