Chevrolet Tacuma (05-08) - Review

The Tacuma has a good ride and is comfortable on the motorway, but the wallowy ride means passengers, especially those in the back, can start to feel queasy on bendy roads. The 1.6-litre engine is reasonably refined, but like the 2.0 litre, it gets noisy when revved hard or on the motorway. Air conditioning is standard on all models as are electric windows, and the interior has plenty of space while the seats are soft.

There's plenty of storage space in the cabin and each rear seat can be folded separately, pushed up against the front seats for a flat load floor or taken out completely. Those in the back get folding trays on the back of the front seats. It also features all the neat touches such as drinks holders and cubbies that you expect in a people carrier, but it's let down by the high boot sill and awkward parcel shelf.

The plain interior does little to excite. There is no trip computer, although the rev counter has a green band suggesting that around 2000rpm would be the most economical engine speed. The steering wheel adjusts for height only, although the driver's seat is also height adjustable so it shouldn't be too difficult to get comfortable behind the wheel, and there is lumbar support for the driver. Plastics tend to be hard and shiny, and the design looks dated.