What is it?

The Trax is Holden’s smallest SUV, one of the first of the new breed of city-sized soft roaders that are designed more for the urban jungle than bush bashing.

The Trax has recently been updated with some mild exterior tweaks, an upgraded interior, more safety features and a new engine option.

How many models can I choose from?

There are three Trax variants, starting with the entry-level LS with a five-speed manual transmission that is the only one to feature a carry-over 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 103kW and 178Nm.

The LS can also be had with a more modern 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder that, while generating the same peak power output, has more torque – 200Nm – from lower in the rev range while being more economical and hooked-up to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Even in its basic specification, the Trax comes equipped with 16-alloy wheels, cruise control, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera and a 7.0-inch colour multimedia screen with Holden’s MyLink system that has smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth and voice activation connectivity.

The next-level LT, which is exclusively available with the 1.4-litre and automatic transmission drivetrain, adds larger 18-inch alloys, keyless entry with push-button start, sunroof, DAB+ digital radio, front fog lamps and a driver’s armrest, while the range-topping LTZ brings heated front seats, leather trim, LED tail lamps, rain sensing wipers, blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

What do they cost?

LS (1.8L manual): $23,990

LS (1.4L automatic): $26,490

LT (1.4L automatic): $28,890

LTZ: (1.4L automatic): $30,490  

*Prices exclude on-road costs

Any options that I need to know about?

There aren’t any hidden packages that add more gear, but five of the seven colour options available cost an additional $550.

There are also a host of official accessories that bring added convenience, such as a rubberised mat, bumper protector or a luggage net for the boot, and you can even dress it up with sporty bonnet stripes in black, silver or orange.

Is it expensive to own?

All Trax models are covered by a standard three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, but Holden is currently offering extended five-year coverage with roadside assistance and lifetime capped-price servicing.

While visits are more frequent than others, every nine months or 15,000km, each costs just $229, with a total of $916 for the first three years.

Which is the most economical model?

Any of the models with the smaller 1.4-litre turbo engine have a lower claimed fuel consumption figure than the LS with its older-style and larger capacity 1.8-litre motor. The turbo engine has a claimed average of 6.7L/100km while the 1.8L is marginally higher at 7.1L/100km.

Which is the safest model?

As one of the first city soft roaders, the Trax has been around for a while and, by virtue of the rapid rate of development in recent years, it misses out on up-to-the-minute technologies like automated emergency braking and forward collision alert, but all models have a five-star crash rating with six airbags.

The range-topping LTZ is clearly the pick for safety with its rear cross traffic alert and blindspot monitoring.

Which is the best model to drive?

The extra pulling power offered by the 1.4-litre turbo motor makes it spritely around town and, with the automatic transmission, it is more effortless to drive at highway speeds.

None of the front-drive Trax variants are all that engaging to drive through the twisties, but the larger tyres fitted to the LT and LTZ bring slightly more purchase when cornering.

Should I buy one now?

Even though the Trax has recently been updated, with a new model some years away – if at all considering Opel, which builds and developed the Trax, is now under the ownership of Peugeot/Citroen – it means there’s not likely to be many changes in the near future.

Having said that, as mentioned previously, Holden is currently offering extended warranty coverage as an incentive to get in one today.

Where's the sweet spot?

While the top-grade models add more gear, most of it doesn’t alter the character of the Trax much at all. The additional safety equipment in the LTZ is commendable, but it’s not cutting-edge enough, and nor does it have the potential to prevent frontal collisions.

For us, the base-model LS with the 1.4-litre and automatic transmission is the best value for money.