A NEW small SUV from Chevrolet is soon to become the latest incarnation of a model type that harks back some 78 years.

In 1935 the American icon's Carryall Suburban became the first sports utility vehicle, going on to claim the record for the longest-running vehicle nameplate in the world.

Now Chevy is launching its first entry onto the small SUV scene with the stylish Trax model first shown at last autumn's Paris Motor Show.

Seen as a rival to popular models like the Nissan Juke, the Trax is heralded as boasting room for five with generous cargo space plus toughness and capability in a small package.

Sporting the Chevy family grille and bulging wheel arches, it also comes with the promise of an upmarket interior appointed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles.

The engine line-up comprises a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.6-litre petrol unit plus a 1.7-litre turbodiesel and all manual transmission variants come with Stop/Start. Both the 1.4 turbo petrol and the diesel are available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Most frugal of the trio is the turbodiesel which has the potential for 62.7mpg when mated to a manual transmission, while fuel consumption of the 1.4 turbo manual averages 44.1mpg. CO2 emissions are 120 and 149g/km and both these versions have the option of all-wheel drive.

Inside, the rear seat row incorporates a 230-volt socket for recharging laptops and other electronic devices while storage compartments include an under-seat storage tray and two gloveboxes, one of which contains outlets for USB and auxiliary devices. 

And if a load space of 1,370 litres - with further space available under the cargo floor - isn't sufficient then the Trax has roof rails as standard and can tow trailers weighing up to 1,200kg.

With the Chevrolet MyLink connected radio, a standard feature on upper trims of the Trax, drivers will have a system that allows them to access media like specialist apps and have easy access to phone books, personal playlists, photo galleries and videos.

Safety kit includes Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, Electronic Stability Control, traction control, four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist and roll-over Mitigation.

Six airbags, three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, ISOFX anchoring systems for children's safety seats and a collapsible pedal are also included.

Trax will be available in two trim levels, LS priced at £15,495 and LT starting at £17,495, and will hit UK streets in July.