GM Debuts Chevrolet Trax Mini-SUV

General Motors Co. will begin selling its subcompact SUV Chevrolet Trax in the U.S. and China in early 2015. The vehicle is being publicly unveiled today at the New York auto show.

The Trax is a variant of the Buick Encore crossover and is already marketed in dozens of countries as the Chevrolet Tracker. GM predicts the worldwide market for subcompact SUVs will grow 80% by 2016.

The Trax will compete in the U.S. with such mini-SUV/crossovers as the Kia Soul, Nissan Juke and upcoming Jeep Renegade.

The new Chevy will be come equipped with GM's 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Ecotec engine, delivering about 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional.

The Trax suspension uses MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam rear with gas-charged twin-tube shock absorbers in back. Fuel-saving electric power steering is standard.

Among other standard fitments are a rearview camera, keyless entry, 7-inch display touch screen, USB ports, two glove boxes, automatic cornering brake control and assist and a 10-airbag system that includes the mini-SUV segment's only rear-seat-mounted thorax airbags.

Optional features include remote start, OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with wi-fi hot spot capability, MyLink telematics, SiriusXM radio, BringGo navigation and Apple's Siri voice-activated Eyes Free control system for iPhone apps.

The little SUV offers 48 cu ft of cargo space and front and rear passenger seats that fold flat. GM says the configuration enables the Trax to hold objects as long as 8 feet.