The Tavera has smart, conservative looks, a blend between an SUV (the pretty rear and two-tone paint), an MUV (the boxy shape) and an MPV (the short, sloping bonnet). Sitting on 15-inch alloys, the Tavera’s smooth, rounded styling is a well-balanced design. Exterior detailing is minimal but the Tav draws from its Isuzu DNA. From the front, the Tavera's best angle, it looks much like the handsome Isuzu Trooper. The oblong headlamps, grille and bumper are attractive. Under the skin, it follows the traditional MUV body-on-ladder-frame construction with a tube-type chassis, and the tried-and-trusted suspension layout of a torsion bar in front and leaf springs at the rear. Space and practicality is where the Tavera shines: it is very roomy, with lots of legroom and width. The front seats have loads of space even for tall drivers and the middle row has ample space too. The third row obviously has the least spacious seats but it's not too bad. Though the overall seat comfort is decent, it is compromised by the high floor, which results in a low or crouched seating position and tall passengers will find a lack of under-thigh support. However, there are other nice details like a tachometer, electronic trip meter, a useful cubby-hole above the dashboard and a side glass defroster which owners will appreciate. Also unique is the three-row air-conditioning, which cools all three rows. This air-con system is innovative and very effective. The Tavera uses a 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp and performance is just that — modest. It’s no match for vehicles like the Scorpio in terms of flat-out acceleration or top speed.

The ‘soft’ turbo doesn't quite give you the kick you get in the Scorpio, but the torque spread is more seamless and even. Drive the Tavera for a while and you soon realise how impressive its mid-range grunt is, as well as the fact that it pulls comfortably with six people