You couldn't possibly have because this is the first time Chevrolet has announced it will build a new SUV based on B-segment credentials to be called Trax.
Maybe you're acquainted with other in-house models of General Motors that have already entered this growing sector and are to share platform, engines and several body parts with the Trax.
They include the Buick Encore, developed for America and China, and Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, tailored for Europe.
Both have already been unveiled in production forms earlier this year, while the Chevrolet's interpretation will debut at September's Paris motor show.
Chevrolet says the Trax will be a global model to go on sale in more than 140 countries from early 2013.
To rival the Ford Ecosport, right?
Exactly. At the Delhi auto show in January this year, Ford announced production plans of the Fiesta-based Ecosport that will be powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol-turbo engine when sales start next year.
Thai assembly is also being planned at Ford's new plant in Rayong in late 2013 or early 2014. Since Thais aren't used to small engines with forced induction yet, a normally aspirated 1.5-litre unit from the Fiesta B-segment hatch and saloon is expected for the Ecosport.
So Chevrolet will take a similar approach then...
What Chevrolet hasn't announced yet is a Thai sales plan. But if they want to sell the Trax competitively, it will need to find some space at its Thai plant to squeeze in its assembly here.
And if they succeed in doing so, they are most likely to opt for the 115hp 1.6-litre engine Chevrolet has officially announced for the Trax. Other motors confirmed include the 140hp 1.4-litre petrol-turbo and 130hp 1.7-litre diesel-turbo.
That diesel sounds nice...
It does. But according to Life sources, that oil-burning option is an expensive-to-build unit _ practically on par with the 2.0-litre twin-cam unit used in today's Captiva _ which would put pressure on pricing.
That's why Thais shouldn't be embracing for a diesel Trax. Don't even mention it coming to the Cruze. The Thai Chevrolet office needs to make money from selling the 2.0 version first before dipping lower with the 1.7.
