2017 Holden Trax LTZ Quick Review

The updated Holden Trax brings a fresh look and some minor updates in its tech department.

Tell me about this car

The Trax is Holden’s small SUV and its 2017 update brings enhanced phone connectivity, and some cosmetic changes to its face and interiors. It’s a good-looking compact crossover, that handles well, comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and performs well when driven hard thanks to its turbo-petrol engine.

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Strengths

• Given its high riding position, as an SUV, body roll is obvious, but the Trax steers and handles well through corners, and thanks to the firm ride, it sits flatter on turns.
• The turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine is our pick of the range because it performs and responds well. It uses the least fuel of the range, although it’s not as frugal compared to some of its competitors.
• The Holden Trax offers smartphone connectivity as standard across the range which means Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used to mirror some of your phone’s applications. This is used with the brand’s MyLink infotainment system which does take some getting used to.
• The facelift of the Trax does make it look fresher and sharper than before.

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Weaknesses

• While it handles well, the ride in the Trax is firm and it can feel unsettled.
• The design update does give it a fresher look, but the interior uses some low quality materials and gives it a plastic feel.
• Like above, the vinyl used for the seats are clammy and the fake-leather used doesn’t breath as well as some other options.
• A lot of road noise. The Trax may offer road manners, but it doesn’t do so quietly, with a lot of noise coming from all elements – tyre, wind and engine.

Any rivals I should consider?

Mazda CX-3, Subaru XV, Suzuki S-Cross, Peugeot 2008 or the Toyota CH-R.