Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3

An all-new common-rail diesel motor brings the Tavera MPV back to life

Chevrolet isn’t giving up on the Tavera just yet. In fact, the company wants to take it upmarket and make it a car you’d consider for personal use. It wants you to forget its formidable image as a reliable, easy-on-the-wallet taxi. This MPV had died around mid-2010 thanks to ever-tightening emission norms. The old 2.5-litre diesel engine couldn’t be upgraded to meet BS IV norms, which forced the manufacturer to pull it off the metro cities. Taxi operators have since mourned the loss and wished for another BS IV-compliant version.

The lamps, bumpers, grille are all-new, with no major changes to the sheet metal

And here it is. But don’t spend too much time trying to figure out what’s Neo about this Tavera’s exterior because there isn’t much. The lamps, bumpers, grille are all-new, with no major changes to the sheet metal (which would have cost Chevrolet a packet). The biggest change is under the bonnet. The car now gets a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine borrowed from the Sonalika Rhino MPV (made by the ICML group in Punjab). Wait, before you stop reading and move to the next page, the ICML engine was in turn bought from Rover of UK, which means it has decent pedigree.

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 - Front

With 106bhp and 262Nm, the engine has decent shove, which is evident as soon as you slot into first and step on the accelerator. Shift quality is decent but the long throws take some getting used to. What immediately impresses is the engine’s refinement vis-à-vis the older car. There’s a bit of diesel clatter when it’s cold but that settles down as the temperature rises. Useful power comes from a relatively low (for a diesel) 1,600-1,700rpm, so the Tavera isn’t a chore to drive in the city.

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 - Back

Once on the move, the diesel remains quiet, never intruding into the cabin, making this a good long-distance runner. Chevrolet has done a good job with the suspension too – the Tavera offers stability and plenty of confidence when you’re going fast in a straight line.

Step into the cabin, and you might think you’ve gone back in time – Chevrolet hasn’t raised the game in the interior department. The dashboard design looks outdated and the gauges feel straight out of the ’90s. That said, the Tavera has masses of room in the first two rows. The captain chairs that the top version comes with are one of the best we’ve seen in an MPV, but the last row of seats isn’t very roomy. Also, with all three rows up, there isn’t much room left for luggage.

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 – Control system

Prices for the Tavera start at $17,240 for the 10-seater versions but the LS variant, with essentials like power windows, air-con and power steering is at $19,080, while the top-end LT with all bells and whistles will set you back by $22,580 (all price, ex-Delhi). At these prices, the Tavera isn’t stellar value. And although it’s been vastly improved, its rivals offer much more for roughly the same price.