Apr 19, 2006 01:33 PM
39773 Views
(Updated May 10, 2006 11:45 AM)
From the time I saw the Chevy Tavera, I wanted to own one. I was on the lookout for a big car for my family. I had to make a decision between the Scorpio and the Tavera. The innova was too big and I was reminded of an Ambulance whenever I saw the Innova. I must say that I was really impressed with the looks of the Tavera.
I took a test drive in the Tavera and I simply fell in love with it. I booked the car that same day!!! I bought the L2 model, with double AC, Power steering and power windows. I will share my experiences with my dream car.
- The Engine.
Tavera has undoubtedly the best engine in its class. The turbo charged Isuzu engine is quiet and very powerful. My vehicle easily touches the 150 KM per hour mark on the Pune-Mumbai expressway. The car gives amazing pickup at the slightest touch on the accelerator. I really felt it when I visited Matheran in my car. Even the steepest ghat section was no match for my car. I could drive through all the ghats with the AC on !!! The mileage is great. My car gives me around 16 KM/Litre. It will increase once I do the third servicing at 10,000 Km. The engine sound is a joy to hear!!!
- The interior.
Tavera has very good interiors. The cushions are good. The legroom in the second and third row is very very good. Even a six footer can sit very comfortably in the third row. The bucket seats offer great back support and are good for long drives. I have been driving my car continuously since the past 3 months. I never felt any fatigue. The new plush feel interiors are beautiful. The wood finish on the instrument panel is also good. The electronic trip meter is very helpful and has class of its own. The legroom for the front seat passenger is great. No other car can compare with the Tavera on this aspect.
- Air conditioning.
My Tavera has TRAC and double row AC. The AC is fantastic. I have to increase the temperature, or my hands get ice cold!!! Even when I drive in the sweltering heat of Goa or Mumbai, the AC cools the full interior perfectly. The third row passengers are also well taken care of, with the third row AC blowers. I would say, the best AC in SUVs in India. The coolest place to be in my tavera, is the third row. The third row AC is amazing.
- Headlights.
The headlights are adjustable from the dashboard and are very bright. One of the best I have seen after Mercedes and Skoda.
- Ride quality.
I learned driving on a qualis. But I never felt comfortable in it. The Tavera is very easy to handle and the gears are very easy to change. The centre console provided in higher end models like mine, are very good and spacious. The power steering responds to the touch of a finger!!! The Tavera has a very small turning radius. So taking a U turn will not be problem even in the narrow streets. The steering wheel is very beautiful. My wife simply loves the leather covered steering, with a beautiful Chevy cross on it.
The suspension is wonderful. My driver who has driven a Qualis since the past two years, is a huge fan of my Tavera and he has no words to describe the suspension. No matter how big the gutter is, you never feel the impact on a Tavera.
- Mileage.
The best mileage in its class. My car gives me around 16 KM/Litre in city. It will increase once I do the second servicing at 10,000 Km. The mileage in highways will be a minimum of 20 Km/Litre (with double AC on). I can assure you that.
- Visibility/ Driver's position
The car gives the best visibility any driver can ever hope for. The wind screen is large and the driving position is very good. Even if the driver is short, there won't be any problem.
- Gears
The Tavera has amazing pickup and torque. It is possible to drive in the 3rd gear with a speed of 20Km/hr. This is specially useful in the city. It helps in fuel efficiency too! Tavera's gear shift is smooth. Some drivers have a habit of starting the vehicle in second gear. It is better if the tavera is started in first gear from full stops. It increases engine life!
What more do I need to say. The best car/ SUV that I have driven!!!
I want to add one more comment. My car was serviced after 5000 km recently. I was amazed to find that the pickup increased tremendously. The engine sound was much more smoother and the ride quality was simply superb. I went for a trip to Mahabaleshwar, a hill station near Pune, with 7 family members. I could drive through the steep ghat section in third gear with the AC on in full power. I was simply amazed by the Tavera's pickup.
My family told me that the ride quality of the Tavera is comparable to that of an Airplane!!! I am not kidding!
I can go on and on about my Chevy Tavera. I simply love my car! I will add more comments later on!
Carol
