Chevrolet has announced a new compact SUV called the Trax that will debut at the Paris Motor Show in September before going on sale in spring 2013.

With room for five and, Chevrolet says, a generous boot, its first small SUV, dubbed an "urban explorer", will deliver an entry-point into a growing sector of the market with "flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling."

In the initial press release the company said: "Trax exhibits its SUV toughness and capability in a small package through a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance.

"While its contemporary form evolves the global Chevrolet design aesthetic, Trax's interior will be executed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles."

The Trax will be the next model to be released by the firm, following the Cruze station wagon and Malibu this year.