Chevrolet Tavera

Expert Review by Maxabout

It has been almost a decade since Chevrolet entered the Indian automobile market with its flagship models which made a good stance here amongst other competitors. Tavera is still hype ever since it was launched on the Indian roads and now Chevrolet has come up with facelift model Neo 3 of Tavera. Chevrolet India unveiled the 2012 model of Tavera at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. It will be sold as Tavera Neo3. The company launched Tavera Neo3 in India on 6th February, 2012. The new model features all-new headlamps, tail lamps, stylish split front grille with chrome outlining, new designer alloy wheels, new front and rear bumpers, new color scheme for interiors, new design for upholstery, comfortable and smart centre console with single DIN music system. 2012 New Tavera is available with 2 engine options: one is the same 2.5 litre turbo diesel engine and second is 2.0 litre TCDi diesel engine (sourced from Sonalika).

Exterior

The time had come when the previous Tavera hit a saturation point which is when Chevrolet decided to bring it back into limelight by giving it an all new refined outlook. Moving to the front of the car, Tavera Neo 3 has improved and brighter headlights and the dual port grille attached to the car resembles that of Chevrolet Cruze. The new headlamps of the car are curvy which in turn makes them look much more modish and stylish than before. The new bumper is also less bulky than the previous one. The fog lamps fitted next to the headlights consist of chrome rings around them which make them shine even in daylight. Moving towards the rear part of the car, Chevrolet has given a new design to tail lights as well. Above the chrome strip, Chevrolet logo has been embellished neatly and elegantly. A rear wiper has also been provided so that the driver can easily get a rear view in case if there is heavy rain. If the front end as well the rear end of the car is worth praising, then the side profile is no less as the new Tavera Neo 3 has sleek and tasteful finishing of the door as well as handles.

Interior

The high demand of Tavera Neo 3 is primarily due to the interiors of the car which have been polished with expertise. The seats have two-tone colour scheme and beige as usual is a part of the scheme which makes the whole appearance seem more elegant. Air-conditioning system is much more user-friendly and powerful this time with AC vents strategically placed all across the interiors. Chevrolet designers put special emphasis on the upholstery adds to the zest of the interiors. Perhaps the best part of the interiors would be the instrument cluster which has a blue luminance along with a night mode which enhances the beauty of the cabin.

Dashboard and Storage

The dashboard has a dual cockpit design which in turn has the instrument console attached to it. Even the steering wheel design has been changed this time and the new one has a firmer grip than the previous one. And when it comes to storage, there are fabric insets attached to the door which are in the shape of a diamond. Thus, these features add more stars to the overall outlook of the interiors. Both the front seats as well as the rear seats can easily be folded in order to build more space for keeping luggage.

Comfort and Convenience

When it comes to comfort, Chevrolet leaves no stones unturned. Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 interiors are very spacious and can easily accommodate a big family. The front part of the interior cabin is much more spacious owing to the design of the dual designed cockpit. There is a subsidiary pedal which has specifically been installed in the car in order to give the driver relaxation from holding the clutch during a long journey. The pedal has been named as the dead pedal. The height of the car is good enough to accommodate even a tall person comfortably.

Engine and Gearbox

2013 Chevrolet Tavera Neo3 is available in two engine options: 4 cylinder Turbo diesel and 4 cylinder TCDi diesel. The 4 cylinder TCDi diesel generates maximum power of 105.3 bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 263.7 nm at 2500 rpm. The 4 cylinder Turbo diesel generates maximum power of 79 bhp at 3900 rpm with maximum torque of 186 nm at 1800 rpm. Both the engines are expected to be very reliable and fuel efficient. The engines are mated to five-speed manual gearbox.

Acceleration and Performance

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 dashes from 0-100kmph in 16 seconds flat due to strong five-speed transmission. The total speed attainable is 170kmph which is good in comparison to other MUVs of its class. Chevrolet has emphasized on the handling features in order to make sure that the car does not swerve off its course easily.

Mileage

Compared to other MUV's Tavera Neo 3 gives a better mileage of 12kmpl. Chevrolet wanted to make this new version much more fuel efficient and thus inserted an engine which can collaborate to reasonable fuel consumption.

Shades

2013 model of Chevrolet Tavera is available in eight shades: Caviar Black + Linen Beige (only in LT variant), Caviar Black, Linen Beige, Moonbeam White, Moonbeam White + Linen Beige (only in LT variant), Summit White, Sandrift Grey + Linen Beige (only in LT variant) and Velvet Red.

Music System

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 has a built-in 1 DIN Audio System which supports Aux cable feature. There are a total of 4 speakers and 2 tweeters which have been strategically positioned inside the cabin in order to ensure surround sound.

Safety Features

The new Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 comes equipped with highly durable front disc brakes as well as rear drum brakes for safety. Adding to that, the new set of fog lamps are much brighter and would assist the driver to have a clear view of the road in case visibility is too low. Seat belts are provided for every seat. Rear child locks are there in every variant of the car and the fuel tank has outer layer covering which shields it from any harm. Similarly, there are shields available for transmission system as well as the engine.

Variants

New Chevrolet Tavera Neo3 is available in eight variants: 4 of TCDi diesel and 4 of turbo diesel. The variants are TCDi, TCDi Max, TCDi LS, TCDi LT, Turbo, Turbo Max, Turbo LS and Turbo LT.

Features

The top model of Tavera Neo3 (LT) comes fully loaded with lots of comfort, safety and styling features likes dual-tone paint job, air-conditioner, single DIN music system with auxiliary port, power windows, power steering, remote central locking, rear defogger, rear washer/wiper, alloys wheels, fog lights, adjustable executive bucket seats in centre row.

Reasons to Buy

One of the primary reasons is that Chevrolet has refurbished the previous model of the car beautifully both from the exterior point of view as well as the interior. Secondly, it is fuel efficient and has most of the relevant safety features present which should be there in MUVs.

Verdict

So here we come to the conclusion of our extensive critical analysis of Tavera Neo 3 and we can’t deny that we are not impressed. The car being an MUV has everything that its class of cars should have and comes at the right price which serves as an icing to the cake.