Chevrolet has a new player for the small crossover segment, and it’s called the Trax. This is the third car to be built based on Buick Encore, but unlike its Opel sibling it gets a heavily revised face. General Motors has apparently found the Encore’s small crossover concept too good to be only of use for Buick, and is going to expand it as much as possible.

Chevy has only released this picture of the car so far, so we don’t know yet if the rear-end design is different as well. The front is distinguished over the Encore with new headlamps, Chevrolet’s signature grille and new bumper.

GM will launch the five-seat crossover in 140 markets around the world, but not U.S. They are afraid this car may mess with the Equinox position in the American market. Mexico and Canada are the first countries to get the Trax. The car will join Chevrolet’s lineup of global models including new Malibu mid-sized sedan, Colorado pickup, TrailBlazer mid-sized SUV and Cruze station wagon.

Global debut is scheduled for 2012 Paris Motor Show.

“The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require,” said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development. “After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries.”