Chevrolet Tavera SS-D1 Neo(8-seater)

The Tavera comes with a 2.5-litre, direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp. Performance therefore is just that – modest. It’s no surprise that it is the slowest of the lot. The engine makes up this deficiency with its responsive nature. The ‘soft’ turbo doesn’t give you the kick of its bigger competitors, but the torque spread is seamless and even. Decent in-gear acceleration coupled with almost no turbo lag gives the Tavera decent driveability in the city

. Out on the highway, especially if it’s fully loaded, the Tavera struggles with the lack of horses showing up starkly. The engine is not the most refined and you are constantly aware of the diesel clatter that filters into the cabin. The five-speed gearbox, operated by a long, spindly lever, is light to use but vibrates quite a bit. The light and responsive Tavera is fairly frugal, returning 10.6kpl in the city.