May 05, 2008 09:51 PM
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Disclaimer for review: I am not an auto expert and this review may not add value to a hardcore auto enthusiast. I hope this makes a decent reading for regular readers though.
Disclaimer for video: Video attached is unlikely to bring any value to this review. Had plans of doing video review but decided to drop the idea realizing that driving and reviewing shouldn't be mixed. So the video just shows some 20 seconds of me driving the tavera.
Review begins: I don't own a four wheeler(not yet) and whenever opportunity arises I get behind the wheels. Recently on a trip to Pondy the Tavera driver was kind enough to hand me the wheels and let me drive. Drove over 60 kms on the highway and this review is based on that.
What I liked in Tavera:
Braking- Braking of this vehicle was extremely precise and that gives a driver lots of confidence. The Mahindra Utility and WagonR I had driven earlier weren't much fun to control at high speeds. Tavera was much better fun driving(though those sitting in backseats were fearing for their lives as I crossed 100). Even the stability was excellent.
Interiors: Though dashboard was plastic and interiors had nothing special worth mentioning, we didn’t have a reason to complain. For the price you pay the interiors can be acceptable.
Suspension: Again, quite satisfactory-no issues as such(we didn’t go off road much to test this factor)
What I didn't like:
Transmission: gear shift could have been lot smoother than what it was.
Handbrake: I like the typical handbrake found in most of the cars(next to gear lever), which I feel, is quite convenient to use.(did I say drifting?) Tavera has handbrake similar to that of Swaraz Mazda-a vertical stick parallel to steering. I somehow don’t like this type.
Top speed: With 2.5 liter engine the top speed is only about 120 kmph… I wished it would have been a bit more, say 140(am I asking for too much? Accent can cross 160+)
Ground clearance is less, compared to Sumo and Qualis.
Right now looks like there’s a void created in the space of commercial utility vehicles. Toyota has discontinued Qualis and doesn’t look like Tata is keen to project SUMO GRANDE as a commercial vehicle. Mahindra’s Bolero could never impress travel operators. The new entrant, Rhino from IMCL(makers of Sonalika tractors), a hitherto unknown player in this segment, is yet to make an impression(looks almost like Qualis and its reliability and cost of ownership needs to be proved) In such a scenario Chevrolet Tavera is likely to be the first choice for MUV buyers. We need to see how Chevrolet encashes on this opportunity. Tavera claims highest fuel economy in the segment(19 kmpl, though not many people trust that)
Attention MS: While writing auto reviews, there is no option to select 2008 model. Please add 2008.
