Chevrolet Tavera multi-utility vehicle (MUV) which was pulled out of BS IV cities, will soon make a comeback. This time, it will be powered by a sub- 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine that will be sourced from local car manufacturer, Sonalika.
GM India has concluded the agreement and will now partner International Cars and Motors Ltd (ICML) to roll out BS IV compliant Tavera equipped with the latest Rover G1 series Direct Injection Turbocharged Intercooler diesel engine with max power output of 100bhp. This is considerably more than the 80bhp Isuzu-powered Tavera.
The new Tavera will hit the Indian market by January 1, 2011 and is capable of being upgraded to BS V norms as well. By 2011, Chevrolet’s entire India portfolio would be upgraded to meet the BS IV emission norms.
Earlier, GM India was considering an updated Isuzu engine from the D-Max pick-up truck in South East Asia. But this option was too costly and would have priced the Tavera out of the market. “The Sonalika engine was the only viable option for us,” said a source in GM India.
The new Tavera will attract a slight increase in its pricing as compared to the existing version. With GM’s new plan for the Tavera, the ageing MPV will get a new lease of life.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
