Chevrolet Tavera a quick review & competition

Chevrolet has quietly launched the Tavera NEO 3, which was unveiled at the Auto Expo held in New Delhi last month. Just when Mahindra revealed its intentions to give a new look to the Xylo, Chevy has hurled in the Tavera with a competitive price tag of Rs. 6.72 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Tavera MUV gets a slightly refreshed exterior and an all-new 2-litre CRDI engine that makes a respectable 105 BHP. Chevies have plonked the CRDi engine which also powers the ICML Rhino.

To make sure that the MUV doesn’t feel overpriced, Chevrolet hasn’t done away with the old 2.5-litre engine and has kept it as a part of the line-up. The 2.5 litre will be sold only in BS3 cities.

While the MUV doesn’t look very different from the outgoing model, the changes are easilynoticeable. The Tavera now gets the trademark Chevy grille, which makes it look a bit contemporary.

To blend in with the bigger grille, Chevrolet has tweaked the headlamps a little and has also put in a new front bumper. The changes at the rear are minimal, with only the tail-lamps getting a slight makeover and the NEO3 badging stepping in.

On the inside, Chevrolet is trying its best to project its relationship with Corvette.  Just like all the latest Chevy’s, the new Tavera’s brochure boasts of a “Corvette Inspired Cluster Design” which to us, looks a bit cheesy. Other than that, the interiors are the same as the outgoing car only in a dual-tone avatar.

The taxi segment will be mighty pleased with the new engine, as it now makes an extra 27 BHP than its predecessor. The engine comes from the ICML Rhino, and is up to date with the current emission norms.  The BS III variant, with the older engine however will be sold alongside in cities other than the metros. GM will be targeting the taxi segment (which accounts for a major chunk of Tavera’s sales) with this version.

Prices start at Rs. 6.72 lakhs for the base BS3 variant and go all the way up to Rs. 10.30 lakhs for the top end BS4 variant.

With such a wide price range, the Tavera competes with something as basic as a Tata Sumo Gold, to something much premium as the Toyota Innova. However, the marketing strategy doesn’t fit-in well with the car’s character, as it barely gets any kit. Even with prices crossing the ten-lakh Rupee mark, the Tavera doesn’t come with either Airbags or ABS. Things as basic as Leather seats come at a price, which makes it a no-brainer.

Features of the New Tavera Neo3

Exterior features

• New Big headlamp for better Performance and looks
• Aggressive Alloys Wheels and all new wheel cover design adds to the style factor.
• New Chevrolet Bowtie Emblem In Front and Rear
• Dual tone color combination (in the Tavera Neo3)
• Extra chrome finish
• Fog lamps

Interior features

• New Chevrolet Dual Cockpit Design
• 3 Spoke Steering Wheel with power steering
• 1 DIN Audio System
• Twin glove box
• New Corvette Inspired cluster design with icy Blue Illumination

A look at the competition:

Mahindra Xylo: 

The New Tavera is no match for the next-gen Xylo, as it comes with an irresistible price tag. The Xylo offers a lot more features than the Chevy, and costs just a little more which makes the latter a better buy. The Tavera may be better to drive, but the overall package makes it look.

The new Xylo available in five variants will be powered by 3 distinct engine options ranging from Powerful m Hawk engine (120 , mEagle engine (112 BHP – 83.2 KW, 13 KMPL BHP – 88 KW, 14.02 KMPL) and fuel efficient mDI CRDe engine (95 BHP – 68.7 KW, 14.95 KMPL).

Toyota Innova:

It’s almost 7 years since the Innova was launched, and it’s been on the top ever since. The Innova has set a benchmark so high, that it’s tough for any other MPV to settle in. Toyota also launched the Innova facelift at the 2012 Auto Expo.

The Xylo did pull away a few customers from the Innova, but with time-to-time makeovers, Toyota snatched them back. The Tavera, just like any other UV in this segment fails to make a difference but can to some extent hinder the sales at the bottom end. Despite a significant price gap, the Innova makes of as a better deal.  It offers a lot more kit than the Tavera, and comes with a badge that wouldn’t disappoint you for ages.

Tata Grande MKII:

Thanks to the Tata badge, the Grande is one of the most underestimated cars in this segment.

It comes with a capable DiCOR engine, carries seven people in comfort and is well equipped too! It’s just that Tata has always offered something extra-ordinary in all its cars, in which the Grande is an exception.

The Grande is priced well, and hence makes of as a better buy than the Tavera. With its mouth-watering price tag, the Grande makes the Tavera look understated.