What is the common thread between John Lennon and Jean Alesi? No, it isn’t that their first names start with the alphabet J, but the fact that the erstwhile Beatle and F1’s fastest loser married Japanese women. Many a rich and famous person has followed their route. The reasons are simple – Japanese women are hardworking, extremely loyal, absolutely trustworthy, very reliable, don’t shop often and are highly efficient.
My apologies for a rather contrived start to the article, but then, those are exactly the attributes I would look for in a utility vehicle. Really, you don’t want exotic, low slung, voluptuous Italian looks and boring, slab-sided build quality, synonymous with the Germans, when you are shopping for a partner of a vehicle. Utes are meant to work and work hard with you, and in some cases, help you earn your daily bread. They are supposed to go that extra mile. Period.
Toyota has been the utility vehicle broker for the world – from time immemorial, they have made no-nonsense machines like the Toyota Qualis and the Hi-Ace van. These trundle down terrible roads, carrying many more people than what they were designed for. Sure, some of them, especially the Qualis, were penned in an era when good looking cars were a sin in Japan. And if the Qualis walks the ramp, it won’t win any laurels unless it entered a pageant, say, in North Korea. Yet, like Japanese women, the Qualis is gutsy and can endure a lot in its lifetime and age gracefully while at it.
Looks
Look at the Qualis. I detested its form when it was launched, got used to it over the years and, guess what, even contemplated buying one every time a plane or train load of guests landed up with their scary assortment of baggage. After almost three years on the road, I can actually live with one today. But thankfully, I don’t have to.
Because choice, that corrupting influence of modern times, is here. When the Qualis came, Toyota had to beat the Tata Sumo, the Tempo Trax and scores of Mahindra Jeep clones to win a utility vehicle market share in India. The Qualis walked in easily and has stood its ground even after the more attractive Scorpio arrived. But this time, Toyota boffins may have to attend a few tea ceremonies and decide how to deal with yet another Japanese entry, albeit wearing an American bow-tie over her kimono. The Chevrolet Tavera nee Isuzu Panther is here, and to begin with, is a better looking vehicle overall.
Let us not waste time here, the Tavera wins our vote. Though a UV by profession, the Tavera, with its stubby nose section, softened-out curves and good fit and finish manages to look more like a mini-van on steroids. A somewhat nice cross between a Hi-Ace and a Qualis. Not that it is a young design, but if Qualis can be termed contemporary, the Tavera is from the 23rd century. It does look better in flesh than in pixels, and I particularly like the seven spoke alloys that come with the SS version. The Toyota, on the other hand, has that ‘fat-stork-on-spindly-legs’ silhouette which we have been complaining about for years. They do have a better looking version around for the far-eastern market (I drove one called the Unser in Malaysia recently) which can compare well with the Tavera when it comes to exterior design. I hope, despite the expensive re-tooling, they bring it to India sooner than later. That said, Toyota has ensured the Qualis is produced like any other Toyota and that means good fit, finish and overall build quality. Coming back to the Tavera, the Chevrolet-ising of the Isuzu has been done cleverly, especially the chrome strip that runs across the grille. If you have decided to go for a versatile people mover instead of a sedan, the Tavera suits this image more than the Qualis.
Tavera: ****
Qualis: **
Living space
The Tavera and Qualis look so identical inside that you start wondering whether the same, cheap design studio was outsourced by Isuzu and Toyota to do the work. As far as instrumentation, ergonomics and general look and feel of the console goes, it is a tie. The seats of the Qualis are better for longer drives but lack the finish and quality texture used by Chevrolet. Fake wood on both cars looks terrible – all-plastic for me, please. Both cars have gear levers that remind you of something very unpleasant, but work just about all right. Space-wise, the Tavera has an edge – especially when it comes to the last two rows – but not enough to give it more points. Economically-correct (hey, that means cheap) and symmetrical air-con vents and switchgear straight out of Starship Enterprise (read, dated) complete the fare in both cars. The Tavera wins when it comes to the steering wheel though – the top-end version comes cladded with leather and we particularly liked the two-spoke design which makes gauges easier to read. Still, a tie could be the only result here.
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