Quote:
Originally Posted by PoorMansCamaro
I understand the reason for the price point, entry level, blah blah blah. But why not a performance version? For instance Hyundai Kona N. 2.0l turbo 4. There’s literally nothing about chevy’s midsize-compact suv lineup that is exciting.
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Because the target market for these cars don't care about performance. They care about price, fuel economy, and family hauling capabilities.
Hyundai builds things like the Kona N because they're trying to draw attention to themselves. Despite how well they've been performing recently their sales figures are still far below GM or Ford or Toyota. Everyone loves reading about performance models and ogling over them in showrooms. But I'd be willing to bet the production and sales figures for models like the Kona N are absolutely minuscule compared to the production and sales figures for normal family grocery getting models.
The other issue (and this is why enthusiasts should never be allowed to have full control over product development, they never think about this) is if GM built a low volume performance model of Trax, those development costs aren't free. A big reason why Trax comes in at such a low price point is because GM is using a carryover engine and transmission from existing products and didn't bother engineering the AWD system for the US market. If GM decided to put a bigger engine in, more modern transmission, performance AWD, it would drive up development/assembly costs which translates into a higher sticker price for all models, not just a theoretical Trax SS.
Now before observant folks bring this point up, yes, Trax is actually a rebadged Chinese-market Chevrolet Seeker which does offer AWD and a bigger, more powerful engine. Seeker's drivetrain probably doesn't meet US emissions standards or GM deemed it too expensive to certify for the price point they want Trax at.
And for that matter:
Quote:
Originally Posted by PoorMansCamaro
Ugh. Engine is so underwhelming. It’s basically the 1.4 turbo from a sonic. A bit more torque but won’t be noticeable with the bigger size.
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According to several sources this Trax is actually faster than the outgoing model despite the bigger size.