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Posted on: Jun 08 2007

Chevrolet-Tavera

The Tavera is a new-generation Multi Utility Vehicle that is essentially sold as the Isuzu Panther in South East Asia. It has been localised heavily in India to keep the price down.

Design, Engineering and Interiors: 
The Tavera has smart, conservative looks, a blend between an SUV (the pretty rear and two-tone paint), an MUV (the boxy shape) and an MPV (the short, sloping bonnet).

Sitting on 15-inch alloys, the Tavera’s smooth, rounded styling is a well-balanced design. Exterior detailing is minimal but the Tav draws from its Isuzu DNA. From the front, the Tavera's best angle, it looks much like the handsome Isuzu Trooper. The oblong headlamps, grille and bumper are attractive. Under the skin, it follows the traditional MUV body-on-ladder-frame construction with a tube-type chassis, and the tried-and-trusted suspension layout of a torsion bar in front and leaf springs at the rear.

Space and practicality is where the Tavera shines: it is very roomy, with lots of legroom and width. The front seats have loads of space even for tall drivers and the middle row has ample space too. The third row obviously has the least spacious seats but it's not too bad. Though the overall seat comfort is decent, it is compromised by the high floor, which results in a low or crouched seating position and tall passengers will find a lack of under-thigh support.

The interior design is again functional but looks pretty dated and from the Qualis era. You get the same square shapes, the sliding controls and the look of the dashboard is similar to a Japanese car of the 1980s. The roof lining isn't moulded and the handbrake lever sprouts from the dashboard. Some of the plastics and switches look and feel cheap and the area between the front seats is empty which accentuates the spindly gear lever. GM India needs to fill this empty space with a useful storage bin. However, there are other nice details like a tachometer, electronic trip meter, a useful cubby-hole above the dashboard and a side glass defroster which owners will appreciate. Also unique is the three-row air-conditioning, which cools all three rows. This air-con system is innovative and very effective.

Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling:  
The Tavera uses a 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp and performance is just that — modest. It’s no match for vehicles like the Scorpio in terms of flat-out acceleration or top speed. The ‘soft’ turbo doesn't quite give you the kick you get in the Scorpio, but the torque spread is more seamless and even. Drive the Tavera for a while and you soon realise how impressive its mid-range grunt is, as well as the fact that it pulls comfortably with six people aboard. True, it never has enough power or eagerness to excite, but as an MUV motor, it works fine. In-gear acceleration is impressive, and there's no turbo lag, which makes it easy to drive. But frankly, we'd have happily endured some lag for just a little more punch.

The engine is clattery at certain speeds and is not too refined, but the gearshift is okay. The economy-oriented Tavera does well in the city, returning 10.6kpl, and 13.7kpl on the highway. Of all the MUVs, the Tavera is the most car-like. GM engineers have managed to find a happy compromise that makes the Tavera feel at home on any surface at any speed.

The steering is not very light but gives a good feel of the road, especially at high speeds. And it's this accurate and well-weighted steering which instils confidence in the driver, to make the Tavera a breeze.

The suspension is on the stiff side: you can feel the lack of compliance at low speeds and sharp ridges can be jarring. However, we feel that's a small price to pay for the brilliant dynamics you get instead. Poise and body control, are exceptional for its class, aided by a stiff chassis and the wide, low body.

The Tavera feels exceptionally stable and well planted to the road with surprisingly little body roll. Grip is good, thanks to the large 205/65 R15 tyres. The brakes have pretty good stopping power but the pedal feel is pretty hard and could do with some more servo assistance.

Verdict:
The Tavera moves the MUV game ahead with its combination of space, pleasant looks, driveability and a well-sorted chassis. It can’t make the cut as a true SUV or a real lifestyle car, but as practical family transport, it does very well. The Tavera comes in a large number of variants, so find one to suit your budget is easy; however, we recommend you go for at least a mid-line-up version, with power steering and air-con. Higher versions make sense as lifestyle cars. The Tavera is good value for money quite the perfect all-rounder among the current crop of SUVs and MUVs. Add to that the established reliability and GM’s fair-sized service network and you have a clear option if you’re looking for a good MUV.
Source: autocarindia.com