I thought I will wait for three months of driving before reviewing the Tavera and I feel after driving this from Hyderabad to Mumbai, Vishakapatnam, Chennai and several places in the last three months, it is the right SUV for the pocket and comfort. This is my evaluation.
Vehicle Styling & Exteriors-It is ergonomically designed typical American look SUV and it looks more stylish than rugged like Scorpio. It has nice front and rear look compared to Qualis which slightly resembles a mortuary vehicle. The front Bonnet is much shorter than Qualis.
Engine efficiency and Performance; The isuzu engine does a neat job. The 2500 cc 80 Hp soft turbo Diesel Engine is just ideal for Indian roads and do not need such a high 106 hp turbo charged Engine like Scorpio which really will burn off your pocket with low fuel efficiency. it gives you a cool 16 plus mileage on high way and with soaring fuel prices is just the best bet.
Riding and Comfort ; The gear shift is quite comfortable and pickup and speed are really good, but not comparable to Qualis. If you are moving from a petrol car to diesel MUV, mind you, the clutching adjustment takes few rides not to have pull on the vehicle which is what I found initially. The dual breaking system are just right for a turbo powered SUV.The areas where it clearly scores out over Qualis or Scorpio are the leg space for all the rows especially the rear row is much better than Scorpio for an 8 seater. The good thing about the seating is it is higher than Qualis which gives you more comfort. I would say the plastic dash boards and interiors are not as plush as Scorpio but are better than Qualis. It is seemingly good driving comfort and you do not feel you are driving a big Vehicle. The turning radius is much better than the Fiat Palio that I own, for a big car and power steering is excellent.
I chose twin AC which was just very good and quite cool for all rows.
Utility; It scores much better than the extinct Qualis and the Scorpio.There is so much space to stuff your material behind and we carry several medical equipment and the option of folding the middle and rear seat for 10 seater gives you the space of a Dining table behind with really good height which is very handy for long journeys. Couple of guys can lay a good bed on either side and have flat comfortable sleep.
Conclusion; Safe comfortable and ideal vehicle as MUV (than SUV) but speed cannot match petrol driven cars, but you do not need to drive above 120 all the time, the best part is fuel efficiency.