THE majority of car buyers these days want maximum value for their hard-earned cash and Chevrolet could have the ideal solution with its new SUV, the athletic and eye-catching Trax.

With a choice of two trim levels, three engines and the option of either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, there is plenty of variety and all models are richly equipped with a generous array of built-in technology as standard.

For example, the entry level LS features 16-inch alloys, reverse parking sensors, privacy glass, automatic headlights, electric front windows, roof rails, daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity and plenty more besides. This model costs £15,495 and is only available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

The other trim level - LT - is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines along with automatic transmission options.

Stepping up to the LT range introduces features such as 18-inch alloys, smart skid plates and door sills, a rear parking camera, and Chevrolet's impressive MyLink connected radio system with Siri speech recognition.

It's readily recognised that we cannot survive without all our phone contacts, texts, music, photos, social media and emails and MyLink allows occupants to access all the data on their smart devices. It can even supply a sat-nav facility to the vehicle via a downloadable app called BRINGGO, which is very competitively priced.

LT prices start from £17,495 and rise to £20,495 for the range-topping model.

Storage options and flexibility are key factors on SUVs and the Trax doesn't disappoint. The generously-sized boot can accommodate 1,370 litres of luggage with the rear seats folded flat and there are under-floor compartments, storage trays, a double glove-box and other smaller storage facilities scattered throughout the cabin.

So like its sibling the Mokka from the Vauxhall stable, the Trax looks great and has plenty of techno treats, but how does it perform?

The answer is rather well.

I tried out a couple of models. Firstly, the 1.7-litre diesel model in LT trim priced at £18,945. This six-speed manual model can sprint to 62mph in 9.6 seconds and tops out at 116mph. According to Chevrolet, it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 62.7mpg and has carbon emissions of 120g/km.

The first factor to grab your attention is the amount of technology on offer once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel. The interior has a fairly simplistic, yet effective design with all dials, controls and readouts ideally positioned for ease of use.

The main instrument panel has a large rev counter, digital speedo, trip computer, fuel gauge, gear shift indicator and compass.

There is a real sense of solid build to the Trax and it handles pretty well too. Acceleration is smooth and although there is some engine noise, it is not bad at all.

Next up was the 1.4-litre petrol model - again in LT trim, priced at £19,795. This is the model that Chevrolet anticipates will be the biggest seller and it did seem a little more responsive than its diesel counterpart despite the smaller engine size.

Once again road-holding and acceleration were very good and the high seated driving position is another factor not to be overlooked.

This model can reach from 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 121mph. Chevrolet claims it can deliver combined fuel economy of 44.1mpg and has CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

The petrol car also featured Chevrolet's AWD system which automatically adapts to the changing road conditions and significantly improves traction when necessary.

The Trax boasts a comprehensive range of safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill start assist, hill decent control, roll-over mitigation, six airbags and much more.

Although the SUV market is highly competitive, the Trax can make a significant mark thanks to its attractive pricing structure, eye-catching good looks, feature-rich interior and great handling.