Chevrolet Tavera 2012-2017 Neo 3 LS 7 Seats BSIII

The 2012 Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 is the smart blend between a SUV, a MPV and a MUV. The model was first launched in 2003, and since then this car has been a great hit in the Indian market especially in the taxi segment. This Chevrolet model at present is available in 21 different variants with diesel engine. The MUV is designed on the Isuzu Panther platform which was a diesel powered MPV sold in Indonesia. Chevrolet Tavera got its first upgrade in 2008 as Chevrolet Tavera Neo 2. But now the third generation of the car is launched in the market and is named as Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3. Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 LS 7 Seats BSIII is the mid range model and is powered by a 2.5L Direct Injection Turbo Diesel engine which has the capability of producing 78.9 bhp of power at the rate of 3900 rpm and 186Nm of maximum torque at a rate of 1800rpm. The average mileage delivered by the car is 10kmpl which is quite decent. To further improve the efficiency the car is affixed with a five speed manual transmission. When it comes to the looks the exterior of Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 is very much similar to the Isuzu Tooper the Indonesian model of the car. In the front there are two big headlamps enclosing the hexagonal grille with a body coloured strip that divides the grille in the upper and lower part and a Chevrolet insignia embossed on it in the centre. Under its skin the MUV has tube type chassis and the tried and trusted suspension layout of torsion bar in front and leaf spring at the rear. The interior of the car is also well furnished and spacious to make it easy for the tall drivers to drive with comfort and relaxation. On the whole the seating arrangement is quite comfortable but still the company could have worked more to make the seats more relaxing and easy. The standard features in the car includes Air Conditioner, Power steering and Power Windows. As this is the low price model so it lacks some features like MP3/FM player in the infotainment section and ABS and driver airbag in the safety.

Exterior:

The exterior looks of the car are very decent and the company has put in all efforts to make to it a eye catcher. In the front there are newly designed headlamps that catches the attention in single glance. Between the fog lamps there is a smartly designed new dual port grille is pretty eminent and has been divided into 2 by the bigger and fresh Chevrolet crest. The headlamps have been given a curvy rectangular look which makes it look more stylish. Both the front and the rear bumper have been designed with great care. The front bumper has on it the fog lamps with the chrome ring around them to facilitate the driver while driving in extreme weather conditions. The side profile of the Tavera Neo 3 is equally attractive, the dual colour graphic amalgamation with the new 15 inches of alloy wheels appear strong and enhancing the side beauty. The chrome door handles gives a sporty touch to the car. At the rear end there are striking tail lamps along with a bigger Chevrolet badge being positioned in the middle with pride above chrome strip. The rear wiper is present to make it easy for the driver during rains. The 2012 Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 smartly measures up to 4435 mm in length and has a height and width of 1765 mm and 1680 mm respectively. The striking long 2685 mm wheelbase along with wide track results in comfort inside. A high ground clearance of 170 mm gives a high stance to this MUV.

Interior:

The interior design of the car is very appealing and provides a fairly airy environment. The two tone colour scheme with the beige colour gives it a luxurious appeal all over. The dual cockpit design adorned with the dashboard is accompanied with brand new instrumentation console and a fresh and smooth steering wheel. The seats provide a good comfort and fabric upholstery which makes the interior go a notch in higher values.

Engine and Performance:

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 LS 7 Seats BSIII is powered by a In Line Direct Injection Turbo Diesel engine which provides a displacement of 2499 cc . It is 4 cylinder engine with 2 valves per cylinder and turbo charger. The engine has the capability of generating a maximum power of 78.9 bhp at the rate of 3900 rpm and a maximum torque of 186Nm at 1800rpm. The engine is accompanied with a 5 speed manual transmission . It delivers a mileage of 9.1kmpl on he city roads and 12.2kmpl on the highways which is pretty good. The fuel tank capacity of the car is 55 litres which allows you to cover a distance of 550kms without refuelling once full tank. The engine can accelerate the car from 0-100kmph in 22.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 138kmph .

Braking and Handling:

The brake mechanism includes the ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear . For handling the car has power steering with telescopic steering column and recirculating ball steering gear. The steering wheel provides a turn radius of 5.62m. The suspension system used in the car is Double Wishbone with Independent Torsion Bar Spring Anti-roll Bar in the front and Semi-elliptical Leaf Spring in the rear. It has synchronized gears with Hyd, Dry, Single Plate Diaphragm clutch.

Safety Features:

The safety features in the car are Child Safety locks, Day and Night rear view mirrors, Passenger side rear view mirror, halogen headlamps, rear sea belts, side and front impact beams, adjustable seats and centrally mounted fuel tank.

Comfort Features:

The comfort zone includes the features like power steering, front and rear power windows, remote fuel lid opener, low fuel warning light , vanity mirror, rear reading lamp, rear headrest and centre armrest and seat lumbar support that allows the driver or passenger to increase the pressure in the back of the seat to provide more comfort.

Pros: exterior looks, transmission and steering

Cons: engine power, interior comfort.