What’s a B-SUV I hear you ask…….well that's a Baby Sports Utility vehicle, a new breed of urban vehicle that is taking to the streets.
The Holden Trax is an interesting proposition. When we first set eyes on this little highrise I wasn't sure that there would be too much to talk about, but sometimes I am wrong and this appears to be one of these very rare occasions!
The first thing I noticed was just how easy this car is to get in and out of, because it's quite a bit higher that a normal car when you open the door you are almost at the seat height, this means if you have a few small ailments like I do, then you can slip in and out of the Trax faster than you can say RSA.
Sitting in the Trax you do feel like you are seeing a lot more of the world, the front visibility is really good, and the view out the back is awesome as well. Vision from the side mirrors is great also and being that little bit higher means you can see further down the road.
Now I have heard people say the interior looks a bit boring but I am actually a fan. All the dials are easy to operate and find. The best feature is the speedo……...There is nothing worse than zipping down to the Remuera shops and getting a speeding ticket because you didn't realise just how fast you are going. Well in the Trax you are going to have to be blind (in which case you shouldn't be driving) to miss the speedo as it is in bright large digital format, smack bang in the middle of the dash perfect for those of us with eyesight difficulties.
The next thing I love is all the storage, last count there were eight places to put your makeup, hair brush, pens, pencils, toothbrush, water bottles, cans of the now legendary SVG Red Bull and of course your all important Instagram device the mobile phone.
The stereo in our Trax was the standard one and was more than adequate with a good reverse camera and all the latest features like bluetooth and a USB in the glove box. I would say though if you were mad on music then we would suggest several upgrades to give you apple car play etc, this would be a super easy unit to replace later with one of these more advanced units.
On the exterior we fitted a new set of 19inch DTM wheels and Accelera tyres which makes this Trax stand out from the rest that you might see. This gives the car a much more defined look as well.
The other feature is the ability to easily add roof racks to the Trax. Because they are fitted with factory roof bars all you need to do is add the crossbars and you are ready to load up that surfboard or piece of furniture that your Mum wants you to take home.
Engine wise you aren't going to break the land speed record here but you also aren't going to break the bank at the fuel pump either. I found driving the car around for over a week that there was plenty of power from the 1.4L turbocharged engine for zipping around town and the odd motorway experience, although we all know what that's like in Auckland. I picked it up with a full tank and used hardly any fuel and did well over 200km in the car.
In summary these little used Holden Trax are great value for money. There are not many cars you can buy this late model with low KMs and all the extras you could need for around 20k.
Talk to the team at Turners Cars and go and take one for a test drive I am sure you will be surprised like I was.
