The Hindu Business Line : Premium boosters in the new Chevrolet Tavera Neo

Facelifts to refresh the image of existing models is an oft-used strategy by automobile companies trying to revitalise sales of their passenger vehicles. The apparent reason driving the change to the vehicle model is to rejuvenate the `premiumness' of the vehicle and re-index its value proposition vis-à-vis its competitors. The changes are also usually driven by feedback from customers and, in most cases, the buyer is the beneficiary.

There were two such new variants that were launched this week.

First off the block was General Motors India's Neo series of the Chevrolet Tavera. The Tavera Neo has been given an interior facelift with a number of value additions. The most striking new feature is the look and feel of its interiors. The dashboard has now been given a two-tone, coffee-and-beige-colour theme, enhancing the luxury feel of the interior. A premium range of new seat fabric that also go into the door trim inserts complements this new colour theme. GM says that these shades have been carefully selected to avoid dangerous reflection.

In addition, customers now have the option of seven-seater Captain seats format with leather upholstery in the top-end variant, which is fully loaded. The Captain seat layout has arm rests and adjustable lumbar support for the first as well as the second row occupants along with sliding and reclining feature for the second row of seats. With usage mostly restricted to the first two rows (or four occupants), comfort levels will now get a boost. This Neo variant is also available in an exclusive new `Champagne Metallic' colour. The Neo range has a new variant (LT) with three-row air-conditioning, on which, too, the option of seven-seater Captain seats will be available.

This variant has been created based on market feedback that premium personal segment users prefer a dual air-conditioner for greater comfort on long drives. The changes, in terms of additional features and product attributes, have been based on consumer feedback from dealer bodies and `customer meets' all over the country, said the company.

Earlier this year, the Tavera had undergone several technical upgrades leading to additional third row occupant space and comfort. Increased third row seating space is the result of extensive re-engineering of the chassis and floor pan. The new value additions are available across all personal and commercial application variants. To enhance appeal to the personal segment, there is an improved, smoother gearshift with reduced stick travel, besides a new MP3 music system. The variants that don't have the dual AC have a tilt quarter window in the third row area, which provides better air circulation for the rear row passengers.

The Neo range starts at Rs 7.3 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The 2.5-litre, turbo-diesel engine in the Tavera will continue to be part of the standard package. In addition to the Neo variants LS and SS, the regular Tavera variants B1 and B2 will continue to be available with the seven- and ten-seater options.